Stars on track for Zatopek 10 classic

ATHLETICS Bendigo stars will be aiming to shine at Saturday night’s running of the Zatopek 10 classic at Lakeside Stadium in South Melbourne.

The night honours Czech legend Emil Zatopek, who struck gold in the 5000m and 10,000m at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

After a late decision to contest his first marathon, Zatopek capped the Games by winning the 42.2km duel.

The finale to the On Track Nights for 2024 will feature 3000m, 800m and 60m running races, as well as pole vault and shot put challenges.

The Zatopek 10 was first run in 1961 and has grown to now be the Australian 10,000m championship.

Among the contenders in Saturday night’s final are Bendigo University’s Matt Buckell and Bendigo Harriers’ Nathan Stoate.

After racing to victory in Athletics Victoria’s 5000m championship at Lakeside, Buckell now steps up to run his first 10,000m race.

Leading contenders in the classic to be run at 8.55pm are Olympians Jack Rayner and Brett Robinson, as well as Andre Waring.

The women’s open 10,000m will be contested from 7.45pm.

On the field, Bendigo’s own four-time national champion Emma Berg – who competes for South Bendigo Athletics Club –will be in the shot put challenge.

The teams event starts at 7pm.

Berg hails from Swan Hill and has developed into a brilliant athlete and also mentor for several of the Bendigo region’s up-and-coming shot put competitors.

The under-20 de Castella 3000m will feature South Bendigo’s Logan Tickell, Bendigo Harriers’ Harrison Boyd and Bendigo University’s Avery McDermid in the 7.5-lap duel.

University’s Abbey Reid will race in the under-20 3000m B final at 4.37pm.

The program will also feature the relays in which South Bendigo’s Oliver Muggleton and Jake Hilson will team with Eaglehawk’s Angus McKindlay and Fletch Watchman in the open 4 x 400m final.