The Community Bank Bacchus Marsh – Bendigo Bank Gift was held prior to competition commencing on Saturday morning. The fastest girls and boys from the Under 7 to Under 16 age groups competed in a handicap 100m events.
Athletes and supporters lined the front straight, as they cheered on their club/age group representatives. In a very close finish, a dead heat was declared in the girls race. Under 16 athlete Mackenzie Estlick running from the backmark crossed the line first, as did Under 12 athlete Halo Arahanga. The Boys event was also a close finish with only .47 seconds separating all boys. It was Under 16 athlete Alex Lloyd who flew home to claim the Boys Gift victory.
The winners were presented with a shield and a $50 Bendigo Bank account while 1st, 2nd and 3rd were also presented with sashes by the Community Bank manager, Ian Prince. All competitors were then presented with certificates of participation.
Overall results:
BOYS
1st Alex Lloyd U16, 2nd Jye Altay U13, 3rd Angus Norman U11, 4th Deegan Doyle U14, 5th Jacob Cassar U9, 6th Harvey Whitney U8, 7th Max Schoemaker U15, 8th Harrison Lovett U12, 9th Kyson Berryman U7, DNF Cohen Mills U10.
GIRLS
1st Mackenzie Estlick U16 & Halo Arahanga U12, 2nd Tara Singh U9, 3rd Lucy Phyland-McClure U14, 4th Skyla Berryman U11, 5th Mya Berryman U10, 6th Blaithe Fletcher U8, 7th Myah Estlick U13, 8th Penelope Mallard U7.
