Saturday’s wet weather cleared and the day dawned bright, sunny and not too hot for the 2023 Castlemaine Gift last Sunday, February 26.
Castlemaine Gift organiser Darryl Nettleton said they had a great turn out with more than 250 runners and a good crowd of local spectators and visitors at Camp Reserve for the event.
“The weather was perfect and we had a good roll up and a great day’s racing,” he said.
First up were the Junior Heats with youngsters 5-13 able to come along and register on the day.
The winner of the overall Boys Gift was 11 year old Joe Collins, from his brother and runner-up 13 year old Charlie Collins and eight year old Michael Vidler.
The winner of the Girls Gift was 11 year old Maisie Hanson, runner-up was nine year old Chloe Burrows and third 10 year old Zali Best. The girls all clocked the same time and a photo finish was required to decide the winner!
The 70 metres proved a backmarkers race with Kings Park runner Tapasu Paea emerging victorious in 7:63 seconds, second was Nick Antonino and third Jack Ireland.
The 120m Masters was won by Zander McDougall of Maroona near Ararat (whose wife was also in the race), second was Jonathon Rogers and third Sonya Pollard.
In the Women’s 120m Gift the winner was Seymour’s Lucy Zotti in a time of 13:78 seconds, second was Lucy Carter and third Chloe Kinnersly of Ballarat.
The Men’s 120m Gift winner was Kevin Brittain of Geelong in 12:19 seconds, second was former winner Jack Newman and third Dylan McGann in his first ever Gift Final.
“29 year old Dylan McGann was really chuffed to finish on the podium in his first finals appearance,” Darryl said.
The 300 Masters was won by Stephen McCulloch of Alfredtown, second was Katie Moore and third Brett Maurer.
The Women’s 400m Classic was claimed by Meg Dean of Kew in a time of 55:70 seconds, second was Gift winner Lucy Zotti who had quite the day out, and third Newcastle’s Ramona Casey who is running better than ever at 39!
In the Men’s 400m final Nicholas Antonino claimed the honours in a time of 48:09 seconds, second was Jack Doderico and third Greg Mitchell.
The 800m Open was won by 2022 victor Owen Lubeck in a time of 1:52:68, second was Sean Davidson and third Liam Hanrahan.
The 3000m race was taken out by 2022 champ Caleb Laker in 9:21:94, second was Liam Hannah and third Ashley Cowen.
Under 18 Boys 120m winner was Lachlan Kinnersly in 12:70 seconds, second was Archie Minett and third Jarvis Cartledge.
Under 18 Girls 120m winner was Montana Kerr in 13:84 seconds, second Ruby McTernan and third Charlotte Cross.
Montana made it a double went she also claimed the honours in the 400m Restricted Race proudly sponsored by the Castlemaine Mail in a time of 49:95 seconds. Second place in the 400m Restricted went to Jared Glover and third to Jasmine Rowe.
Darryl thanked all those who had assisted to make the day a success and in particular their sponsors big and small.
“It just wouldn’t happen without the support of our incredible sponsors,” he said.
“In particular we would like to thank the Mineral Council of Australia (Vic Division), McClures Earthmoving, Rotary Club of Castlemaine, Leech Earthmoving, Maree Edwards MP, The Mill, Thompsons Family Funerals, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Mt Alexander Community Enterprise (MtACE) Cumberland Hotel and Castlemaine IGA Plus Liquor,” he said.