Plans afoot to run Bendigo Gift

PLANS are gathering pace to run the Bendigo Gift athletics carnival this March.

Although the Bendigo International Madison carnival is off because of upgrades to the Tom Flood Sports Centre infield, athletics officials are keen to keep the Bendigo Gift tradition rolling.

Athletics Bendigo Region president Craig Burnett said plans for the Gift meet on 11 March were progressing.

“We are doing all we can to ensure the Bendigo Gift will be run this year,” Burnett said. “A key factor for any carnival is sponsorship.

“We are negotiating with City of Greater Bendigo, a major backer of last year’s carnival, to keep the Bendigo Gift going.

“We had terrific support from various sponsors to ensure last year’s Bendigo Gift would be on.

“The Bendigo Thousand was first run in 1947 and it’s been part of the city’s sporting landscape for more than 70 years.”

Since 1972 the Bendigo Thousand, now Gift, is a feature event on what is now the Bendigo International Madison cycling/athletics carnival.

COVID meant the BIM did not take place in 2021 of 2022.

An upgrade to the grass infield delayed by last year’s floods has meant the 50th running of the Bendigo International Madison will not occur until 2024.

“Our plans are to run a one-day meet from early the afternoon through the night,” Burnett said of the Labour Day holiday weekend meet.

“Ideally racing would be on a grass track, but the Flora Hill track is available.”

Last year’s carnival was run at the Bendigo Regional Athletics Complex in Flora Hill’s Retreat Road.

“It was a superb turn-out and we are confident of drawing more competitors.

“It’s not just about the athletes who travel to Bendigo, but the various connections.

“The Bendigo Gift is also a crucial part of the build-up to the Stawell Gift later in the Victorian Athletic League season.”

Burnett’s links to athletics stretch more than 40 years and his children, Lonain and Kirrily are still racing on the Victorian Athletic League circuit.

A high of last year’s meet at Flora Hill was Lonain’s victory in the 800 meters.