ON THE RUN: Anthony Daintith, Kim Roweth and Peter Mueller are behind the 2013 Orange Colour City Running Festival. Photo: NICK McGRATH 0816nmrunners
IT may be six months away, but entries for the 2013 Orange Colour City Running Festival open next Friday.
Running Festival coordinator Kim Roweth said next year’s event was shaping up to be the biggest since the festival started in 2007, with more than 1000 runners anticipated to contest seven races come February 2013.
“We’re looking for people to enter on-mass, those that want to do the longer distances can start planning their training and that type of thing,” Mrs Roweth said.
Assistant coordinator Anthony Daintith was also enthusiastic about the event’s potential.
“It’s one of those things where if we can get in early we’re aiming for 1000 competitors. Seven events over five distances, we’re trying to cater for young people right through to the elite runners,” he said.
“It has been growing steadily each year so with some new initiatives we hope to definitely reach that target.”
Anyone wishing to enter can do so online at www.orangecolourcityrunningfestival.com.au or at the department of sport and recreation.
The course has also been redesigned for next year’s event.
The marathon will begin at Bloomfield before embarking on the 42.2-kilometre journey to Forest Road, Gosling Creek, Bargwana Road, a loop back around to Forest Road then on to Spring Terrace and south to Spring Hill.
Runners will then essentially retrace their steps back into town to the finish line.
“There’s certain criteria we had to meet,” Mr Daintith said.
“We’re going through two council areas, into Orange City and into Cabonne. There’s certain things we had to consider regarding traffic management and with respect to keeping the roads open to the airport then looking at contingencies if there’s wet weather.
“Instead of closing Forest Road and Huntley Road we’re now only closing Forest Road. I think that’s a better outcome.”