The Murrumbidgee River setting will be a far cry from what he encountered in his previous marathon where the backdrop was the Entabeni Game Reserve in South Africa.

“We ran with the wild animals ... it was an amazing experience,” Bill said.

“I mainly saw warthogs and antelopes during the marathon.

“There were lions, elephants and rhinos in the area, but the game wardens made sure they stayed well away from the competitors.”

In the wake of his appearance in The Big Five Marathon in the reserve situated three hours north of Johannesburg, Bill can say he has competed on five different continents.

“South America and Antarctica are the only two continents in which I have not run marathons, but I am hoping to get there one day,” he said.

“It’s costly to get to those places – up to $20,000 for two people – but it’s something to aim for.”

Bill will be in more familiar surroundings on Sunday when he sets off in the Wagga Trail Marathon at 8.30am.

The event will start and finish at Wagga Beach, while there will also be a half marathon, a 10-kilometre run and a three-kilometre course for younger competitors.

Ninety per cent of the marathon is held off-road, with river tracks and bush scenery, lagoons, hilltop views and the lake.

To register or for further information, visit www.coolrunning.com.au/waggatrail marathon