By FAY MASON

THE calendar has moved past the August 10 start date and this year's 'Do It your Way' Kangaroo Hoppet is officially underway.

With more than 850 people already entered late last week, things are looking good for over 1000 entries by next Sunday when the event finishes.

As well as people skiing, mainly in New South Wales and New Zealand, popular activities include running, walking, roller skiing, cycling and mountain biking while the more exotic activities have included swimming or paddling Mt Beauty pondage or playing 18 holes of golf.

Chairman of the Hoppet board, Allan Marsland, said the 'Do It Your Way' event was created to provide an alternative for competitors.

“It was decided to allow participants to do the Hoppet wherever they liked, and as most of Australia has no snow and it is summer in the northern hemisphere, to allow people to choose whatever physical activity they liked,” he said.

“We thought running, walking, cycling and mountain biking for starters, little realising how creative people could be.

"When we consider the current level of restrictions in Victoria it was certainly a good decision.

“With over 250 overseas entries already received representing 30 nations across five continents, plus New Zealand sitting out there in the Pacific, Iceland out on the Mid Atlantic Ridge and Puerto Rica in the Caribbean, we are looking at the biggest international contingent in the history of the event.”

Mr Marsland said local support for the event has been greatly appreciated.

“'The 2020 Hoppet is really well supported by our community sponsors AGL and the Mt Beauty and District Community Bank,” he said.

“It is their ongoing commitment that has allowed us to offer this year’s virtual event with an entry fee of just $10, which includes getting an e-mail with a numbered bib that you can print out and you will also receive a special souvenir buff neck tube in the mail, which makes a perfect face covering that keep you legal when you leave home.”

Entries will be accepted until August 23.

Check out what other competitors are already doing at www.hoppet.com.au.