This year’s Gunnedah Gallop will have an international flavour with Rotary Brazilian exchange student Matheus Roca a certain starter.
The 16-year-old recently arrived in Gunnedah as part of Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program and is attending Gunnedah High School. Although coming from soccer crazy Brazil, Matheus is not a big sports enthusiast but does enjoy gym training and running.
He’s sure the 8km of Gunnedah Gallop is within his wheelhouse and is confident of a solid showing. To improve his endurance, he’s been training in the shadows of Porcupine Lookout.
The Gunnedah Gallop starts at the Gunnedah Showground on Sunday morning at 9am.
Event co-ordinator Mike Silver said registrations will be taken on the day from 8am.
“There will be two events for participants, the standard 8km run around the residential area of Gunnedah and the 2km jog-walk which will extend around the education and showground precinct,” Mr Silver said.
The Gunnedah Gallop is being promoted by the Rotary Club of Gunnedah with support from Gunnedah West Rotary. Funds raised from the event will assist Australian Rotary Health.
“Once again the Gallop is being supported by the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund which shows the significance of this event in assisting rural communities in addressing health issues and support personal well-being,” Mr Silver said.
This will be the 48th running of the Gunnedah Gallop which was first staged by Gunnedah Apex in 1977.
“We hope to see a strong turn out from the community for this important health and well-being event on Gunnedah’s community calendar,” Mr Silver added.
It is not known whether last year’s overall winner Harry Grant will defend his title, however last year’s top woman Sienna Edmunds, fresh from the Gold Coast Marathon Festival, is expected to compete and be a leading contender.
“It promises to be a fun day with the opportunity to improve your fitness, enjoy some community camaraderie and a free Rotary snag sling at the finish,” Mr Silver concluded.
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