Tamworth team take on Outback Marathon online as Attunga cheers on marathon effort

"That's what made it so special on Saturday, just the members of the Attunga community. People came from Tamworth for a drive out to watch us cross the finish line!" she said.

Organiser Ms Abra, Futures Mentor at Tamworth's Opportunity Hub, said it was a special occasion, with the runners well-aware they were they were running, virtually, alongside hundreds around Australia in the first-ever online Outback Marathon.

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In February the long-distance runners were set to become the first from Tamworth to take on the famous track outside Alice Springs.

But with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing borders closed all over the country the race went online.

The Tamworth team ran through Attunga as thousands more took to local tracks across Australia.

The team has already started planning for next year's Outback Marathon, also set for July, though in 2021 they plan to hold a local practice run for the iconic event in May.

"That will give the community a chance to get behind the team and support them," said Ms Abra.

"We'll do some fundraising and just give the community a chance to run with the team so they're a part of it as well. "

Ms Abra said the community support for their run on Saturday July 25 was outstanding, with about 20 residents cheering them on from their backyards.

A trio of young runners did their first-ever marathon, and seasoned long-distance runner Charlie Abra broke her personal best.

In June she explained the significance of the race: "we're running for our culture, family and mental health," she said.

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