The starting line for this year's Mudgee Running Festival (MRF) is just around the corner with runners from far and wide getting their final training sessions in.
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In its approximated 20th year, 2019 is the start of something out of the ordinary with organisers making the move towards fundraising for a charity, with every $2 donated towards RUN DIPG at the race's registration point matched by the MRF.
RUN DIPG is an organisation focused on improving outcomes for children diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine giloma (DIPG), one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer.
MRF race director Matt Webster says the idea to fundraise was suggested by a Mudgee local, and has sparked the beginning of future fundraisers to come.
"A local has been affected by DIPG and it was suggested to us that we raise money for the disease and we said yes," he said.
Not much research has gone into that [DIPG] and it has a very high mortality rate, so we're raising money for the Hunter Institute and University of Newcastle to do research into that disease.
- Mudgee Running Festival race director, Matt Webster
"We will definitely be fundraising for charities in the future."
Not only is fundraising new on the agenda, but so is some runner friendly weather with a top of 20 currently predicted, with last year's experience far from being favourable, Webster says.
"It's going to be much better this year, I'm looking forward to not shivering all day," he laughed.
Last year it was a very cold day and the year before had a very cold start. Hopefully it will be a bit warmer this time.
Four races are on offer for runners who can choose from a marathon and half marathon, both to start at 7am, a 10 kilometre fun run starting at 8am, and a 5km fun run starting at 11am.
The Miner's Cup will also be on the cards, with Wilpinjong and Moolarben set to knock Ulan off the winning pedestal.
"We like to bring people to the region and showcase it, we also like to get our locals out and keeping active," Webster said.
I've been seeing a lot of people out running and walking in the mornings, it's great to see an active community.
Webster has gifted a 'hot tip' for runners who wish to complete their races with limited injury.
"Make sure you do a proper warm up. Last year it was very cold and I didn't do a proper warm up and I got injured, I was too busy organising and I went for a run and suffered as a consequence," he said.
The MRF will be held on August 18 at Lawson Park.
Registrations are to be completed by Thursday night, with prices to increased on the day before.
To register, head to https://mudgeerunningfestival.com.au/registration/.
