Take your marks: chance to have a go at aths

ATHLETICS Bendigo Region will run a come and try day this Saturday for those who have never competed before or are keen to return to track and field.

Action starts at 2pm at the Bendigo Regional Athletics Complex in Retreat Road, Flora Hill.

A wide range of events will be run for all abilities and ages in the lead-up to the start of Athletics Victoria’s Shield League on 8 October.

Track events will be 100 meters, 1500 meters, 400 meters, and 3000 meters.

Field program is shot put, javelin, high jump, long jump, and pole vault.

AB competition manager Peter Barrett said entries will be accepted on the day, but at an extra charge.

“Entry by the on-line system on the Athletics Bendigo website is the preferred option” he said.

“It is anticipated that athletes enter events with the intention to compete in that event, not that they may compete.”

Competition is only open to athletes born after 2012.

Cost for Saturday’s meet is $5 for non-Athletics Victoria registered, and no charge for those registered with Athletics Victoria.

The four clubs in Athletics Bendigo Region will be aiming for more success in AVSL across the 2022-23 season.

After qualifying for last summer’s AVSL play-offs in premier division, Eaglehawk will again be in the top flight against the likes of Collingwood, Essendon and Western Athletics.

Bendigo Harriers and South Bendigo will chase glory in division two where opponents include Ballarat Harriers, Geelong Guild, and Wendouree.

Clubs in division five include Bendigo University, Richmond, Shepparton and South Melbourne.

Under the AVSL format, athletes will vie for points across the 10-round competition to qualify for play-offs in March.

Shield League is also run under a promotion and relegation system.

Stars of the 2021-22 season included South Bendigo’s shot put ace Emma Berg and distance runner Logan Tickell, Eaglehawk sprinter Kye Mason, Bendigo Harriers’ distance runners Harrison Boyd and Jill Wilkie, and hammer thrower Hailey Stubbs.

Athletics Bendigo will also have several championship and memorial events on the 2022-23 season fixture.

Highlights include the Sally Conroy Memorial 200-metre won by Eaglehawk’s Cameron Smith last season, and the Richard Kitt Memorial 1500-metre won by Bendigo University’s Melissa Douglas.

Also on offer will be the Ern Hammer 3000-metre championship won by Bendigo Harriers’ Ricky Ermel last season.

Reigning champions for the Jack Davey 5000-metre and Leigh Purtill 10,000-metre are Nigel Preston from University Pride, and Alice Wilkinson from Bendigo Harriers.