Five kilometres of golden fun

RUNNERS of all abilities will have the opportunity to test themselves on the undulating grass terrain of the official Australian Cross Country Championships course, before the action kicks off in Ballarat on Saturday 23 August.

The Golden 5km fun run will give runners of all paces and abilities a chance to be part of a big weekend of action at Victoria Park in Newington, as the nation’s best open and para cross country runners go head-to-head.

It will especially cater for friends, relatives and supporters of athletes running later in the day and offers all the benefits of the main races.

The fun run will be staged on the same course as the national championships. It’s the same course that was also used for last month’s Victorian championships, where Edward Marks (29:23) and Ballarat region athlete Katherine Dowie (35:13) were crowned champions.

The entry fee of $25 includes a personalised race bib, professional timing, a finisher towel, event photography and bag drop.

A separate mixed relays event will be held on the Sunday.

Ballarat will host the national cross country championships for the next three years after a deal was struck with Athletics Australia earlier this year.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves lauded the deal as a coup for the city.

“We know how passionate Ballarat’s running community is and we are thrilled to secure a running event of this magnitude,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“Victoria Park has become a genuine sporting destination in recent times and we can’t wait to see it come alive for another sporting event.”

The 2025 Australian Athletics Cross Country Championships are part of the Chemist Warehouse Winter Series.

Organisers are expecting a thrilling two days of racing, with Australia’s most promising juniors, seasoned seniors, and the country’s leading para athletes all set to take on Ballarat’s terrain.

The event is supported by the City of Ballarat and the State Government.

For entry details, visit athletics.com.au/event/the-golden-5km.