The MAAS Group Dubbo Stampede has thrown down the gauntlet to competitors of this year’s 42.2 km EMS Group Rhino Ramble Marathon, offering an additional $200 in prize money if the course record is broken.

The winner of the marathon currently takes home $800, however if they manage the break the course record they will receive an additional $200 for their efforts. In total, there will be $10,000 in prize money on offer at this year’s Dubbo Stampede.

With the jackpot prize money on offer, Dubbo Stampede President, Rod Campbell believes this should give all participants with a shot at the course record that extra bit of motivation as their training increases prior to the 27 August event. “The jackpot is a new concept we’ve come up with this year and we are all really excited to hopefully see it go off,” Mr Campbell said. “While the prize money we have on offer is already a massive motivation, not to mention the personal satisfaction you get from finishing first in a marathon, the jackpot just makes it that bit more enticing to really push yourself and break the course record. “We’d love to see any of our current records broken, but I guess it is a matter for competitors and how much they really want it.” Keeping in line with the jackpot theme, if the record is not broken in 2017, the jackpot prize money will be $400 in 2018.

While the prize money on offer is a major attraction for many participants, the Dubbo Stampede will again be a family friendly event that promotes participation as being just as important as the time you finish in. This has again been highlighted through the introduction of a wheelchair event.

People looking to participate are reminded the early bird special is only available until 23 July.

The Dubbo Stampede would like to thank its sponsors and event partners – the MAAS Group, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Big Blue Digital, EMS Group, Rhino Promotions, Ability Links, Macquarie Credit Union, Dubbo City Toyota, Hertz, Charles Sturt University, GU Energy, Sportsmen’s Warehouse and the Daily Liberal.

To register for this year’s event or get further information, visit www.dubbostampede.com.au.