Grazier Gary Johnson summarised the prevailing sentiment at Boorowa's Irish Woolfest yesterday: ''It must be disappointing for the organisers but I'm secretly saying I'm loving the rain for my farm.''

The drizzle did not deter thousands of tourists, many of whom made the 90-minute trip from Canberra to witness the celebrated running of the sheep.

As if on cue, the sun came out just as 150 merinos were released into the main street.

Drover Ashley Corkhill and his three kelpies expertly steered the flock the length of Marsden Street, but the event bore little resemblance to Pamplona's running of the bulls.

The woolly mob was in no rush.

''These are older sheep so they're not going to be mucked around with too much,'' Mr Corkhill said.

One eschewed the herd mentality, ran the length of the barricades and escaped down a side street.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times