Drama and excitement expected at fifth 5k Frenzy

A NIGHT of action-packed distance running is set for the Lar Birpa Athletics Complex in Flora Hill on Friday 7 February at the fifth edition of the 5k Frenzy – a series of seeded 5000-metre races culminating in the men’s and women’s elite events at the conclusion of the meet.

The evening will incorporate the Athletics Bendigo Jack Davey 5000 Metre Championship and a special Little Athletics 800m race.

Men’s and women’s elite winners will be awarded $500 in prize money while each heat winner will receive $200.

Tiff Bussem Jorgensen, president of the Bendigo Harriers Athletics Club, who are co-organising the event alongside Athletics Bendigo, said she’s hoping this year will be the biggest version yet.

“We’re hoping to attract some big name runners so it’s comparable to what you’d see in a big championship race,” she said.

Entries will be divided into heats of similar abilities so that it’s more fair and everyone’s got a chance to win some prize money.

Ms Bussem Jorgensen said one of the unique elements of the event is that spectators can watch on from as close as lane four in the home straight, where the runners will pass through an open marquee.

“It’s an experience that you don’t see anywhere else,” she said.

“The atmosphere to run in is really good because you’ve got the lights, you’ve got the marquee to run through, you’ve got people right on the track on the sidelines cheering you on.

“It’s different to something like a fun run, which might be spread out a lot more. This one, you’ll be able to see the crowd the whole time.”

Entries close for the 5k Frenzy at midnight on Sunday 2 February, and can be made via the Athletics Bendigo website.