Formerly known as the Tamworth Ten, the 10km race is now one of four distances run on the day, with a half marathon joining the line up four years ago alongside the Fun Five and Northern Daily Leader Dash for Cash, as well as a swag of walkers and spectators who enjoyed a day in the beautiful Winter sun.

Former Tamworth High student Ben Malby continued his half marathon dynasty, the ultra marathon runner returning to take out his fourth straight win and remain the only name on the trophy of the new event.

Rob Hungerford, the running doctor, made the trip from Newcastle to take out the Tamworth Ten, improving two places on the third he took last season. Hungerford’s wife is from Tamworth, and it has proven to be a happy hunting ground for the runner, who also holds the local Park Run record after a previous visit to the in-laws.

Gunnedah rising star Sarah Schiffman showed the boys how it’s done after being first past the post in the Fun Five in a very impressive time. The year seven St Mary's student was having a great weekend in town, taking out the park Run on Saturday, before her mother convinced her to sign up for the Fun Five on Saturday afternoon.

“I just came down for a run,” Schiffmann said. “It was nice and quick so I just tried to stay with the front runners early.” 

The former Calrossy student was using the run to stay in nick for a possible call up to the state team for the National Cross Country Championships.

“The cross country is only three kilometres so it was good for that,” Schiffmann said. “I like a bit of distance and thought about doing the ten today.”

Tri Club President Warren Ansell not only ran the show but also provided entertainment in keeping up with the tradition of running in a full gorilla outfit, afterwards claiming that the Running Festival was a ‘smashing success’. The club is changing the course and considering adding a trail run up Mt Flaggstaff for next year’s event.