The Lancefield Gift is set to return to Lancefield Park this Saturday, promising an action-packed day of athletics that showcases some of Australia’s finest runners alongside the exciting spectacle of the Highland Games. This year’s event will feature an expanded program, including the richest men’s and women’s 400 metre gifts and the 800 metre Lancefield Cup, drawing significant interest from both competitors and spectators.
Originally staged in the late 1800s, the Lancefield Gift was a highlight of Victoria’s professional running scene during the 1920s, attracting athletes from across the state. After a hiatus in the 1960s, the event made a triumphant return in 2024, reclaiming its status as a key fixture in the Australian athletics calendar. Chris Dynon, the event organizer, stated that last year’s revival was celebrated as one of the most successful gifts of the season, marked by strong crowds, significant media coverage, and outstanding performances.
Exciting Enhancements to the Program
Dynon expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event, indicating that it is shaping up to be even more impressive than its predecessor. “Last year’s gift proved that Lancefield could host a truly national event,” he said. “The atmosphere, the racing, and the community support were all incredible, so we knew we had to make it even bigger this year.”
This year’s meeting will introduce the inaugural Lancefield Cup, an 800-metre race that revives the historic Matthew Maher Handicap, a prestigious half-mile event that was a highlight of the meeting during the 1920s and 1930s. “Australia now has two great Cup races to celebrate each November,” Dynon remarked, referring to the well-known Melbourne Cup and the newly reintroduced Lancefield Cup.
Returning to defend her title in the women’s category is last year’s champion, Bella Pasquali. Following a remarkable season that culminated in a bronze medal at the World Indoor Championships in China, she aims to replicate her spectacular performance from last year, where she surged from the back of the field to claim victory.
On the men’s side, the Lancefield 120m sprint has established itself as a key indicator for the Stawell Gift, with several competitors from last year’s final making their way to the Stawell final. Notably, winner Jasper Thomas finished second at Stawell, highlighting the event’s significance in the Australian running landscape.
A Day of Competition and Culture
The 2025 Lancefield Gift will also feature the Highland Games, which promises to add a unique cultural dimension to the day’s activities. Events will include traditional displays such as the caber toss and heavy hammer throw, showcasing Scottish heritage and strength. The Highland Games will commence at 08:30 local time, with the caber toss scheduled for 13:00.
The athletics program is set to kick off at noon, with the Lancefield Cup at approximately 15:30. The finals for the 120 metre sprints will take place at 17:00, followed by the highly anticipated 400 metre gift finals for both men and women just after 18:00.
The return of the Lancefield Gift is not just a revival of a sporting event; it represents a reconnection with local history and tradition, promising a day filled with thrilling competition and community engagement. As athletes prepare to take the track, anticipation builds for what is expected to be a memorable occasion in Australian athletics.
