Away they go: organisers are predicting a bumper response to this year’s Undy 500 race.
WUNTA is poised to return to Warrnambool bigger and better than ever this weekend.
The three-day fiesta will begin with the Big Australian Breakfast on Friday morning followed by the Undy 500 novelty race.
South West Credit Wunta Fiesta chairwoman Catherine Williams said there had been a big build-up to the event after comments from Warrnambool City councillors which questioned the Undy 500’s relevance.
Late last year councillors Peter Hulin and Peter Sycopoulis revealed their reservations and hinted to council colleagues that maybe it was time to try another feature event with more clothes on.
“I’m not in favour of the Undy 500 event,” Cr Hulin said.
“I don’t think it says much for our town.”
Cr Sycopoulis later said: “I’m not a prude, but I find it a distasteful event. I was hoping there would be another option rather than people running up the street in their underwear.”
The event, first held in February 2002 as a fund-raiser, has attracted hundreds of contestants, some of whom strip down to underwear, while others wear fancy dress or pull underwear over their running garments.
Ms Williams said the comments had put the event in the spotlight and got people talking.
On Saturday the Wunta Fiesta committee was rewarded with Warrnambool City Council’s Australia Day community event of the year.
Ms Williams said the recognition was for the hard work of all the volunteers who had helped for more than 20 years.
The Big Australian Breakfast is at the Civic Green from 7am to 9am. Entry fee is $2 per plate.