The weekend’s Colour City Running Festival proved a massive hit with competitors of all ages. 

In Saturday’s two-kilometre dash around 200 under 13-year-olds raced around Gosling Creek in the blazing sun. Despite the warm weather competitor numbers were up this year, proof the event is both well organised and well regarded by children and parents alike.

Sunday’s racing put both elite and hobby runners through their paces and not only did it attract around 2000 runners, it also attracted a massive crowd of onlookers lining the streets and cheering the runners on.

In fact the Colour City Running Festival’s marathon component is now rated among the top 10 marathons in regional Australia.

This year organisers were determine to make their event a standout and even changed the date to avoid a clash with a large triathlon in Huskisson.

Of course the running festival isn’t the only sporting event putting Orange on the map.

Last month’s Fairfax Media Evocities MTB Series, the Ginja Ninja 250, also proved a hit with participants and observers with 155 teams and solo bike riders showcasing the best in mountain biking.

It’s only the beginning of March and already Orange has hosted theses two top-level events and cemented the city’s reputation as a sporting host.

Sporting events, of course, don’t only benefit the sporting community, they bring rewards to the entire population of Orange as visitors spend money here and return home with stories about what a great time they had and what a great place Orange is.

While much is said about Orange’s glowing reputation as a food and wine destination let’s not forget the importance of diversity.