Victor the Viking set for Gift raid

“And I’ve come dead last in just about every single one of them,” he adds with a laugh.

It’s a record that hardly bodes well for Wood’s debut appearance as his costumed alter-ego at this year’s Queanbeyan Gift.

Wood will be defending the honour of the Green Machine against the likes of ACT Brumbies galloper Brumby Jack and Greater Western Sydney’s G-Man in the carnival’s inaugural Mascot’s Sprint.

“Every mascots race I’ve entered the same thing goes through my head; these boots are not made for running,” Wood says ruefully in relation to Victor’s padded, oversized footwear.

“My vision inside the suit isn’t too crash hot either. But it’s not just the suit. The body inside it isn’t built much for running either to be honest.”

But with his most likely competitors set to take the shape of an oversized bee and a financially sound pig, Wood said he was quietly confident of turning hometown advantage into an historic maiden victory.

“I’ve actually got a bit of hope for this one,” he said. “I’ve heard of a few of the other mascots in the race and they don’t paint a pretty picture.

“I think I’m odds on to come a place. Whether it’s first place or last place though I’m just not sure.”

This year’s Gift carnival will also include the inaugural Running of the Codes with representatives from Queanbeyan’s various sporting clubs going head-to-head with considerable local bragging rights at stake.

A long-time Queanbeyan resident, Wood, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to being a part of the Gift for the first time in an ‘official’ capacity having supported the event for many years.

“I go down to the Gift every year for a look,” he said. “It’s a great community event and Queanbeyan should get behind it.”

The Queanbeyan Gift Mascot Race will be held at about 12.45pm on Sunday immediately following the Running of the Codes. 

The Queanbeyan Gift Mascot Race will be held at about 12.45pm on Sunday immediately following the Running of the Codes.