Sport
24 July, 2024
Big numbers tipped for Outback to the Stack running festival
The iconic Mount Isa event has been tweaked to make it more inclusive.
More than 100 people are expected to take part in next week’s iconic Mount Isa running festival, the Outback to the Stack as one of the city’s favourite clubs builds on its impressive comeback.
IsaRATS (Mount Isa running and triathlon club) vice president Karlyn Rogers said excitement was building for the running festival, which boasts four different events for people of all abilities.
However, there are some key changes to the Outback to the Stack in 2024.
“This year’s it is actually Stack to the Outback, but we decided to keep the name because it is so iconic,” Rogers said.
“The runners will start in town at the Mount Isa Civic Centre and finish at Lake Moondarra.
“The premise is the same but just in reverse. Finishing at the lake makes sense because it is a lovely area and we’ll encourage people to stay and cheer on the others as they finish.”
Also making things easier this year is the cooperation of the Mount Isa Water Board, which has agreed to close off Barramundi Drive at the lake on race day to allow the 5km and 10km fun runs to take place at Moondarra.
This will allow for greater participation and Rogers said she was expecting nominations for the festival to exceed last year’s total of 106 participants.
“It’s been a big couple of years for the club after it went through a bit of a lull around the COVID period,” she said.
“A committee got put together in 2022 and last year was our first year back. We’ve also brought back the Lake Moondarra series.”
There are four events that locals and visitors can enter as part of the Outback to the Stack event – a 21km run from the civic centre to the lake, a 21km walk on the same journey, or 10km and 5km runs/walks which are staged at the lake on Sunday, August 4.
Members of the public can also turn up at Lake Moondarra to cheer on the runners with a free barbecue to entice spectators and athletes.
The cost is $70 for those doing the 21km events, $50 for the 10km and $30 for the 5km, with proceeds going to support the club.
“We’ve got some goodies to give away as part of your race pack, including a towel, while all finishers will receive a medal,” Rogers said.
For more information, check out the IsaRATS Facebook page.