Last Sunday’s 2026 Castlemaine Gift at the Camp Reserve has been hailed an incredible success despite the inclement conditions.
Castlemaine Gift coordinator Darryl Nettleton said intermittent showers did nothing to dampen the spirits of their record 374 entrants.
The day-long competition kicked off with the youngest runners taking to the track to battle our Junior Gift events.
“We had some wonderful local talent take on some more experienced visiting runners. It was a fantastic way to kick-start the day and really showcase some of the future stars of our sport,” Darryl said.
The official program kicked off with the 70 metre Open event proudly sponsored by Mandalay Resources, Dales PaintRight, the Cumberland Hotel and Wayne Clark, which was taken out by Canberra runner and stalwart of the sport Brendan Matthews, second was Sydney’s Joshua Lotsu and third Fraser Stott.
“Brendan also backed this up with a win in our prestigious 120 metres Men’s Gift sponsored by Novo Resources and Woolworths. He is running superbly and will definitely be one to watch in this year’s Stawell Gift at Easter,” Darryl said.
In the 120 metres runner-up was Barnabas Ronto and third once again went to Fraser Stott.
“Last year’s 120 metre Women’s Gift champ Ruby Crisp claimed back to back honours in the event sponsored by Leech Earthmoving, Gunangara Estate, Woolworths and Maree Edwards MP in a photo finish with stable mate Katie Moore,” he said.
“Whilst the traditional mile Open Gordon Muir Memorial (1600 metres) sponsored by PJ’s Tyres and Zeal Chiropractic Castlemaine was taken our by one of the local runners I train and Zeal chiropractor Mitch Whitham!” a delighted Darryl said.
“Mitch has worked incredibly hard to prepare for the event I and couldn’t be more proud,” the local coach said.
The prestigious 400 metre Women’s event sponsored by McClure Earthmoving and Castlemaine Rotary honours were claimed by Ballarat’s Olivia Parnell from Warrnambool’s Grace Carter.
“This final saw Peter O’Dwyer’s Ballarat squad take our first, third, fourth and fifth placing with Olivia’s teammates Allira May, Tiana Shillito, and Halle Martin rounding out the top placegetters,” Darryl said.
“In the 400 metre Men’s DON Smallgoods ‘Donski Dash’ Joel Stapleton claimed victory ahead of Mitchell Mullens and Domonic Hoskins.
Another highlight is the Masters 300 metre event which is proudly supported by Arcare Castlemaine and Castlemaine IGA plus Liquor this was taken out by Stefan Catalano from David Tinney and John Mackay.
Runners received a wide array of fabulous trophies, sashes and prizes, including magnificent glassware by esteemed local artist Richard Morrell, and cash and prizes thanks to a raft of generous local sponsors, including local wine, fare and other gifts which celebrate our local region.
“We thank Marie and Quinn from Harcourt Valley Vineyards especially for their ongoing support, and Peter and Alice Bottomley which once again provided a fabulous spread at the kiosk,” he said.
“All in all it was a fantastic success with a great crowd and atmosphere despite the weather. We had a record gate and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy what is always an incredible spectacle featuring some of the country’s best athletes centre stage right here in Castlemaine,” Darryl said.