Racing down the Murrumbidgee has been enjoyed in Wagga since 1976, and this year will be no different with more than 80 rafts expected to compete in the World Championship Gumi Race on Sunday February 18.

After the race was started it ran every year until 1995.

Safety issues and a lack of organisers saw the event take a break until South Wagga Apex brought it back in 2011 and it’s been running every year since.

“The Murrumbidgee River is a huge part of what makes our city such a beautiful and inviting place for people to live and travel to,” one of the organisers, Josh Paul, said.

“Having a race that incorporates this asset and also giving our community an event that brings everyone together for a competitive day of fun and laughter is a huge benefit for our region in so many ways.”

Each year the group put hundreds of hours into keeping the event running from bringing the day together, to organising entrants and, of course, dealing with all the safety aspects that come along with running the event on the river.

Thanks to that hard work Wagga has, arguably, one of the most unique and interesting events in the country which also pumps money back into the community.

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All money raised during the event is donated to local charities throughout the year.

“South Wagga Apex focuses on making an impact on the Wagga community in so many areas,” Mr Paul said.

“The great thing about the Gumi festival is that the money raised during the day doesn’t just go to one particular charity.

“The money raised during this event will go a long way to making a difference to so many groups within our community.”

While the main focus is on the race, this year the event has expanded to include a land-based element.

Wagga’s popular foodie event, Cork and Fork, will bring 10 to 15 food vendors to the River from 10am to 7.30pm with the bar open from 2pm. 

“South Wagga Apex were looking at ways to expand the Wold Championship Gumi Race and turn the day into a greater festival experience for the Wagga region,” Mr Paul said.