ATHLETES from a wide range of age groups will race through Bendigo’s heart on Easter Sunday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Multiple winners of the women’s title include Anne Cross, Sarah Jamieson, Victoria Mitchell, Melissa Duncan, and Elmore’s Teleah Hayes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Thousands of fans will be cheering on as they line the route for the gala procession.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It’s a daunting climb up View Street and then the downhill run to the finishing straight.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Snap Fitness took out last year’s contest.<\/p>\n
Easter Sunday falls on March 31.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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, […]<\/p>\n