Shot in the arm for local economy
26 June edition of 'The Reporter'
The annual UTi Rhodes Trail Run is almost upon us and preparations are in full swing to receive the over 1000 visitors to the village.
The Trail Run has without question been a stable force for the local economy for many years.
The traditional Friday evening meal prepared by family and friends of the Rhodes Christian School in the Farmers Hall, this year under the able stewardship of Deidre Gush, will again be well supported. Saturday will start off with Deidre’s team serving breakfast buns for the non-runners after the start, although Deidre says they are more than happy to serve runners who feel the need for extra sustenance before tackling this extreme event. The Farmers Hall will be a hive of activity all day Saturday with many tasty eats and drinks for sale.
The Rhodes Christian School also benefited from a ‘Wild Card’ entry made available for a lucky draw. The lucky winner not only secured an entry to the run but also, and possibly more valuable, accommodation close to the start.
Dave Walker of “Walkerbouts Inn” reports that his dining room is fully booked for the Saturday evening. Dave expects his highly rated and very tasty pizzas to be huge favourites over race weekend, while the pub at “Walkerbouts” is expected to be very busy.
Every bed in the valley has been booked and in many cases floor space as well. Fuel stations in Barkly East and on all routes to Rhodes will notice a slight up-kick as runners travel to the Bell River valley, and when they return home.
It is not only local commerce and industry who will benefit from the run. The Rhodes Vulture Restaurant will, as has become customary, receive part of the proceeds from the sale of Rhodes Run Polar Bear Club™ t-shirts as well as all the proceeds from the sale of the Polar Bear Club certificates which have once again been donated by the Trail Run.
