Bunbury, event organisers and assisting organisations are getting ready for one of the year’s biggest sporting events.
The inaugural $78,000 Bunbury Geographe Gift will deliver a weekend of running events and family activities on April 28 and 29.
Bunbury Geographe Gift event organiser Jo O’Dea said the event will pull the community together and expose people to competitive athletics.
“While it may be a fairly small, niche sport what we’re doing is offering an event that people can watch,” she said.
“Even if you’re not a runner or involved in running it’s going to have enough excitement for people to come and see.”
A five kilometre fun run through the city will kick off the roster of events.
The 120 metre Gift is the showcase event, with $40,000 in prize money set aside for the male and female races.
Open race categories will include 70m, 400m, and 1600m for men and women.
The weekend will also deliver mixed races including the 100m under 20s, 100m over 35s, 300m under 20s, 300m over 35s and team relay.
Department of Sport and Recreation Peel and South West regional manager Troy Jones was pleased for the event organisers and sponsors.
“The direction is bringing everyone together but the spin-offs are always positive,” he said.
“If this event gets people involved in wanting to be physically active, then that’s a bonus as well and would lead to healthier communities.”
Event organisers are working towards pulling some of the country’s best athletes to Bunbury to take on the challenge.
Runners of all ages and abilities can sign up for the weekend’s array of events.
FreerunX5 is holding its annual Summer Jam at the ground, while Bunbury Little Athletics is providing clinics for youngsters.
Organisers are also delivering a community program of events and activities featuring puppet shows, food vans, and a cafe.
For more information about the Gift contact 0417 097 538 or visit bunburygeographegift.com.au.