Geelong Gift to take over waterfront

The Open 800m run concludes earlier this year at Geelong's Steampacket Gardens. Photos: JAMESONSPHOTOGRAPHY

ONE of the state’s premier athletics events is returning to Geelong’s Steampacket Gardens for the second time in 2022, with more than $10,000 up for grabs.

The Geelong Gift, a pivotal stop in the Victorian Athletics League’s (VAL) calendar ahead of the famous Stawell Gift, makes its return to Geelong Waterfront on December 17.

A total of 15 races will feature on a temporary grass course, facilitating runs of several distances from as short as 70 metres to as long as 1,600 metres, an event VAL is excited to host again.

“The Victorian Athletic League is excited to present the 2022 Geelong Gift,” VAL president Matthew McDonough said.

“Prize money will be on offer along with a coveted Geelong Gift sash for all winners and we are expecting over 500 entries from across Australia, including previous Stawell Gift winners and Australian representatives.”

The Women’s 100m Sprint starts at the Geelong Gift held earlier this year in March.

The headline events based on financial winnings include the open men’s and women’s 100-metre race each offering $1,500 for the winning runners, and $1,100 for the 800-metre open run.

“Action will commence at 11am with most finals being run later in the afternoon,” Mr McDonough said.

“A big thank you to our event sponsors, the City of Greater Geelong and the local organising committee.”

Official registrations closed on December 2, but entries for children’s races close on Wednesday, December 14 at 5.00pm. Enter at the Victorian Athletics League website.