By ALLAN MARSLAND,

Kangaroo Hoppet organising committee

AFTER the success of last year’s virtual Kangaroo Hoppet which saw more than 1900 participants from 37 nations across all seven continents take part in the event ‘their way’ using a physical activity of their choice at a location of their choice, the organising committee was faced with deciding how to hold the 2021 event in a world where skiers from overseas are unable to enter Australia, and those of us in Australia may, or may not, be able to get to Falls Creek depending on the level of COVID restrictions in place across the nation on Saturday, August 28.

The solution – Do It Our Way or Do It Your Way, or if you like, pay your money twice and try both.

Participants in both events will receive a colourful ‘buff’ style neckwarmer/headband thanks to ski accessory brands Rojo and Elude.

If you Do It Our Way you will take part in either the 42km, 21km or 7km event on cross country skis at Falls Creek on the fourth Saturday in August.

This year marks a special anniversary for the Hoppet – the 30th running of the event.

But if you choose to Do It Your Way you have a four week window from August 1 to, with options that are limited only by your imagination, and maybe fitness level, with the proviso that your activity of choice must be people powered.

Some examples from 2020 to get you thinking are the usual running, walking, mountain biking and cycling*, together with activities such as canoeing, roller skiing, unicycling, exercise machines, and swimming. (*ebikes are permitted).

Entries opened at www.hoppet.com.au on July 1 with the earlybird rate to Do It Our Way now extended to August 19 in the light of the latest COVID travel restrictions, while the window to Do It Your Way has been expanded to run from August 1 to 28 to give our friends in NSW something to do while in lockdown.

If you can’t come to Falls Creek – Falls Creek can come to you!

For more details go to the Kangaroo Hoppet website at https://hoppet.com.au/