All systems go as Shepparton Gift prepares for triumphant return

By Zac Standish

Mar 16, 2023

Triumphant return: The George Nelson Shepparton Gift will be run for the first time in 23 years this Saturday.

Runners from all corners of Victoria will descend on Shepparton this weekend as the prestigious George Nelson Shepparton Gift makes its much-anticipated return to the athletics calendar.

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Set to take place at the historic Shepparton Showgrounds, the day will feature a wide array of different competitions, ranging from the feature men’s and women’s gifts to little athletics relays that will give the next generation a chance to shine.

For the Shepparton Gift organising committee, this will be its first foray into planning and executing the event as it makes its return after a 23-year hiatus.

Committee president Gerry Adams said he had been thrilled with the lead-up to the event and highlighted some of the exciting features of the day.

“Everything is going very well, we’ve got 413 entrants for the senior races which translates to about 200 athletes, as well as 50 little athletics runners,” Adams said.

“We are going to have lots of things on the day, we will have a barbecue going, a coffee van and plenty of other food options.

“Something that is somewhat unique is the fact that we will be running the little athletics in conjunction with the senior races, so there will be a senior and junior gift for both the women’s and men’s that will run one after the other.

“There will also be a strong Indigenous focus to the day, George Nelson’s family will be there and they will present the sashes to the winners and do a welcome to country for us.

“Overall it is just going to be a very special day, which pays homage to both the history of the event and sparks the beginning of an exciting new era of the Shepparton Gift.”

George Nelson Shepparton Gift day will begin at 11.30am and run until 6.30pm at Shepparton Showgrounds this Saturday, March 18.