Athletes fire up for Dragon Mile

ATHLETES from a wide range of age groups will race through Bendigo’s heart on Easter Sunday.

The long-running Bendigo Bank-backed Dragon Mile will be on again, and since it was first run in 1987 the Bendigo Harriers-organised classic has drawn athletes from near and far.

Previous winners of the men’s open crown include Malcolm Norwood, Mike Hillardt, Collis Birmingham, Jack Rayner, and Bendigo’s own Cody Williamson, Brady Threlfall and Andy Buchanan.

Multiple winners of the women’s title include Anne Cross, Sarah Jamieson, Victoria Mitchell, Melissa Duncan, and Elmore’s Teleah Hayes.

A year ago it was Bendigo University clubmates Matt Buckell and Tullie Rowe who etched their names on to the honour board as Dragon Mile champions.

Thousands of fans will be cheering on as they line the route for the gala procession.

Racing begins with the Mini Mile for grade four and under boys and girls at 10.30am. The Dragon Mile of 1609m for grades 5-6, 7-8, Years 9-10 and 11-12 will start from near the gold monument on Pall Mall.

It’s a daunting climb up View Street and then the downhill run to the finishing straight.

There’s prizemoney to be won across the male and female categories in all school groups, as well as open, 40-plus and 50-plus.

An added feature of the Mile will be the Gym Cup in which gyms can field a team. Fastest times of first two female and male runners in the team will determine the Gym Cup standings.

Snap Fitness took out last year’s contest.

Easter Sunday falls on March 31.