Community
28 November, 2024
Terang Gift draws new entries record
Terang Gift organisers are preparing for a blockbuster event this weekend after shattering entrance records.
Terang Athletic Club president Ken Plummer said the Terang Gift committee is “over the moon” with record entries for this year’s Gift program.
While entries have been increasing each year, this year has seen a terrific increase of over 200 entries.
“A plethora of Australia’s top athletes will compete at the Terang Gift on December 1 and at the Warrnambool Gift on November 30.
“Heading the cast will be Paris Olympian Ellie Beer, alongside 10 other athletes who are in the powerful Brett Robinson coached ‘Vikings’ stable are travelling down from the Gold Coast.
“She will compete in the 70m, 120m Gifts, 300m and 400m.
“The Men’s Gift is shaping up to be a fascinating event with runners of the calibre of Cooper Sherman competing, he was selected in last year’s 400m Australian team and won last season’s Ballarat Gift, while a number of previous Stawell gift winners will also be competing.”
Last season’s Stawell Gift winner Jack Lacey will also be on show alongside other previous Stawell winners including Carla Bull. Liv Ryan, Tahlia Martin and Grace O’Dwyer.
“Also, from interstate we have the South Australian stable of Paul Young who have already had good success at meetings in Victoria this season, his star sprinter Michael Moschu won the Mortlake Gift,” Mr Plummer said.
“The Burnie Gift winner in 2022 Jesse McKenna will be prominent.
“The son of West Coast Eagles star Guy McKenna already has a Stawell gift third on his resume.”
As part of the week leading up to the event, the Terang Athletic Club unveiled a new banner which is prominently displayed on High Street.
The banner features World War II centurion Len Pomeroy, who has been recognised through this year’s event as part of an initiative to support local community groups.
As Western District Newspapers reported earlier this month, the Terang Athletic Club will from this year pay tribute to the Terang Returned and Services League sub-branch through the naming rights to the 800-metre event in perpetuity.
“The inaugural naming of the Terang RSL 800 metre race has created a lot of excitement within the town and district and is a fitting tribute to this wonderful community group,” Mr Plummer said.
“There will be an overseas flavour with Scottish champion Declan Gall and quality Japanese athlete Noah Nakagawa competing.
“An interesting athlete competing will be 68-year-old Robert Mayston.
“In his age group he holds the 400m world record and a recent World Masters Athletic titles he won silver in three events the 100m. 200m and 400m.
“With the increase and such prolific athletes competing the program will begin at 10.30am and entry is free to everyone.”
The Terang Gift will be hosted this weekend on Sunday, December 1 from 10.30am at the Terang Recreation Reserve.
Read More: Terang