First held in 2007, the not-for-profit festival has gone from strength to strength and is now known as one of the best marathon festivals outside of metropolitan areas in Australia and New Zealand.

It will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2016 and head coordinator David Gibson said the committee was hoping to top the record $23,000 raised for charities and community organisations in 2015.

“We look to give back to the community, we want to support the smaller charities that do great work but often get overlooked,” Mr Gibson said.

In 2015, charity partner The O’Brien Centre received $6500 of the money raised, with the remainder shared around to Canobolas Zone Rural Fire Service, Third Orange Scout Group, Spring Hill Public School and Spring Terrace Public School, all of whom helped run the event.

“Obviously we cant help everybody who applies unfortunately, but we really want to support local charities who work hard without much recognition, and who might miss out on state or federal government funding,” Mr Gibson said.

Application forms are available on the website www.orangecolourcityrunningfestival.com.au, or by emailing colourcityrunningfestival@gmail.com, with applications to close on August 7.

The 2016 festival is scheduled for February 27 and 28.

alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au