THE 2019 Drover's Run is yet to hit the road but it has already cracked a monumental fundraising milestone.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
On the weekend, the fundraiser ticked past $200,000 raised for the Tamworth Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
This year's tally has already surpassed the 2017 mark which saw 30 teams raise more than $195,000 during a 4300km trip.
READ MORE:
Event coordinator Jeff Galbraith described this year's tally as a "huge milestone".
It is set to be a year of firsts for the annual 4WD adventure with the trek moving away from its traditional Tamworth starting line.
The run will set off from Broken Hill on Sunday.
It will head towards the Flinders Ranges and Oodnadatta Track before commencing a five-day crossing of the Simpson Desert.
The 48-car convoy will spend two nights in Birdsville following the desert crossing before heading back to Tamworth via Innamincka, Noccundra, Enngonia and the last night in Lightning Ridge.
From Broken Hill, entrants will travel over 3,600km on the 14-day adventure, raising money for the chopper service to keep it free for anyone in need.