RUNNERS are jumping at the chance to compete in the inaugural Outback to the Stack half marathon after the Isa Rats opened nominations for the event this week.
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The iconic Mine2Mine event has undergone a name and course change, and club officials believe the new format will attrack a lot of new competitors on July 22, according to a spokeswoman for the Isa Rats.
While the 21.1-kilometre half marathon is the showcase event of the Outback to the Stack, the spokeswoman said the team challenge was expected to be incredibly popular as competitors vied for the $1000 prizemoney on offer.
"Up to four runners are allowed per team, meaning each competitor only needs to cover five kilometres," she said.
"With $1000 up for grabs, we are expecting a strong turnout for the team event."
There is also a six kilometre dash and a walk challenge, in which competitors will walk the half marathon course.
"The walkers are generally treading the pavement the longest and are an inspiration," the spokeswoman said.
With the new race format, competitors will now begin at Lake Moondarra and make their way towards Mount Isa's landmark lead stack, finishing the race at Tony White Oval on Twenty-Third Avenue.
The Isa Rats spokeswoman said the undulating course would present runners with a challenge.
"It's a great course with a few climbs," she said.
"The new route is definitely tougher than the old [Mine2Mine] course."
n Outback to the Stack week 10 training schedule
Monday: Day off
Tuesday: Speed; 5 x 600-metre efforts with 90-second recovery periods in between
Wednesday: Day off/recovery/cross training
Thursday: Tempo; 2 x 12-minute efforts with five minutes of easy jogging in between
Friday: Day off/recovery/cross training
Saturday: Long aerobic; 110 minutes of running
Sunday: Day off/recovery/cross training