The Mount Panorama Punish is set to go ahead on Sunday, October 25 with participation limited to competitors within the immediate vicinity of Bathurst.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In what will be its fourth year, the Punish will invite participants from the Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney, Cowra, Orange and Cabonne local government areas [LGA's] to take part.
While noting the difficult decision to restrict competitors to selected areas, race director Jennifer Arnold said it was necessary given the COVID-19 situation.
"We're encouraging people from our local area to participate and there will be a strict limit of 500 participants," Ms Arnold said.
"It's disappointing that we're unable to run the event in its normal capacity, but the community has to come first, and we feel privileged to be able to go ahead with it, as it has grown in popularity over the years."
Ms Arnold said the event has been remodelled slightly to accommodate locals who may never have attempted the 6.2-kilometre run before.
"We've extended the cut-off time to reach the top of the mount to 40 minutes to cater for a wider range of participants," she said.
"Of course, it will still be a punish, but we're hoping it will be achievable for a few more people."
The event will also see Pam and Jim Alcorn take part, who have been stranded in Bathurst from their native Reading in South East England since the last event due to COVID-19.
Although the pair has had to negotiate the difficulties of COVID-19 disruptions, they have enjoyed the extended time in Bathurst and are keen to participate for another year.
"We've always had a house here, and the community has been very welcoming," Ms Alcorn said.
"It's a real bonus to be able to do the Punish a second year, we can't wait," Mr Alcorn added.
"It's such an exhilarating experience to run around the mount, as there's a challenging variety of hills, turns and steep drop-offs, there's nothing like it."
Those interested in registering for the event are encouraged to get in fast, as around 300 participants have already registered for the event.
To register, visit panoramapunish.com.
What do you think?
- Why not write us a letter to the editor ...