Challenge on the mount

COMMUNITY events are one of the most valuable components of successful communities.

When things are tough and government services are at breaking point, it’s difficult for locals to gather the courage and energy to try and turn their towns around, yet we see it year after year in our region where people form committees and make good things happen through sheer willpower.

So far this year we’ve seen the enormously successful Burrendong Classic Fishing Competition, an event which attracts thousands of people, pours huge amounts into the economy and raises awareness of how we need to fix our rivers as well as raising vital funds to help do that.

The MAAS Titan Macquarie Mud Run is another community event that’s going from strength to strength, and it now only raises money for recreational infrastructure along the Macquarie River, it also encourages huge amounts of people to go down to this amazing natural asset in the first place.

Both of these events are organised by small and hard-working committees comprised of people who give up time and energy from very busy lives to help make it happen.

Wellington’s Mt Arthur Challenge is now shaping as another community event that’s getting locals active in some of the best scenic bush spots in the regions as well as attracting competitors from across the state to visit the region.

Many people from Dubbo have never actually been to Mt Arthur and I can guarantee you a shock when you do visit, you won’t believe such amazing country is in your own backyard – it’s a lot different to notice the high country as you drive through Wellington, and an entirely different thing to be in amongst it.

Set to be staged on July 17, this year’s event will feature three sections, with nine and five kilometer runs and also a 50 kilometre road bike ride. Plenty of prizes are up for grabs in each category. 2016 has been warm so far, with incredibly fine weather extending into May, although forecasts pre- dict things are set to cool down.

It’ll have to be cold to beat last year’s ‘Antarctic’ conditions according to Mt Arthur trust member Erica Bargent, who said she was incredibly impressed with the participants’ commitment in 2015.

“‘ We always knew the mountain was difficult, but the addition of rain, wind and low temperatures really tested everyone – especially our volunteers,” Bargent said.

“However, the satisfaction the participants felt when they crossed the finish line and collected their medals was palpable.

“The feedback we received also highlighted the enjoyment competitors got out of the challenge and has really encouraged us to continue as an annual winter event,” she said.

Like the best community events, the Challenge the committee debriefs after the race and discusses how it all went and what needs to be changed.

Beginning just three years ago, already a team category has been added to each race, and will consist of at least four people who are participating in the same event.

“During the past two years we have noticed there are a lot of people who come to the Challenge as a group so we thought why not make it that bit more exciting for them and open up the team category,” Baigent said.

With just a couple of months to go, she says people would be well advised to begin their training.

“The nine kilometre run is deemed as the most challenging – ascending the side of Mt Arthur is not for the faint-hearted – but the satisfaction felt at the finish line is worth the effort.

“The shorter five kilometer run doesn’t ascend the mountain which makes it a friendlier option for competitors and families to enter, while the 50 km bike ride takes place on sealed roads and also starts/finishes at the Wellington Showground,” she said. With the TITAN Mud Run becoming so popular, there’s no doubt many Dubbo locals will be looking forward to this new challenge, particularly the daunting nine kilometer mountain run.

TITAN was conceived by Dubbo fitness fanatic Rod Fardell and he said his crew wouldn’t dream of missing the Mt Arthur Challenge.

“The great thing is it’s such an iconic location and for years a lot of cyclists have ridden up there because of the intensity of the hill,” Fardell said.

Not surprisingly, he takes part in the nine km mountain run.

“It’s a great run, it’s a well set up day, it’s nice and quiet and there’s no pressure from any traffic, it’s a good hit- out.

“It’s a tough run, and last year we were rugged up with gloves and beanies,” he said. He’s encouraging any TITAN competitors to take the time to go 30 minutes down the road and have a crack.

“Hats off to Wello, it’s a great thing and there’s no pressure – for those not into personal bests they can just walk it,” Fardell said.

“I hope it continues to grow and it’s great to see committees in their home towns making things happen locally,” he said.

Early bird registration for the Mt Arthur Challenge is now open, details can be found at www.mtarthurchallenge.org.au

Wellington’s Mt Arthur Challenge is now shaping as another community event that’s getting locals active in some of the best scenic bush spots in the regions as well as attracting competitors from across the state to visit the region.