Geelong Gift gets record registrations at new venue

THE Geelong Gift has registered a record number of entries ahead of the big day this Sunday, March 16.

Victorian Athletic League (VAL) president Matthew McDonough said there were more than 850 entries, well up on the 500 average.

It means the event is now the third largest on the VAL calendar.

 

He said the change of venue from the Steampacket Gardens on the Geelong Waterfront to the Western Oval in North Geelong might be the reason for the numbers boost.

McDonough said the event had partnered with the Geelong West Cricket Club.

“I think it will be a long-term home for us down the track… having it at a nice oval has certainly been more attractive to people,” he said.

 

“When we knew we could have it at the ground, we also changed the races we put on and we put on a mile (1600m).”

McDonough said the limited space by the waterfront prompted the move.

He said junior entries had skyrocketed, with six heats of the girls’ under-18 120m a highlight.

 

The day will start at 11am and events will range from 70m to 1600m with more than $10,000 prize money up for grabs.

The professional running season continues with the running of the Stawell Gift from April 19 to April 21.