The much-loved Lancefield Gift made its long-awaited return to the Macedon Ranges on Saturday after a 60-year absence.
The Lancefield Gift held its first incarnation in February 1880, and quickly grew into one of the biggest sporting events in the district, giving the community and athletes something to look forward to in their calendars.
With strong backing from the Lancefield Gift Organising Committee and the Community Bank branches of Lancefield and Romsey, the revival of the event brought together many familiar faces, including 1964 Lancefield Gift winner Gerald Walsh and 1980 Stawell Gift winner John Dinan, who also contributed as a member of the organising committee.
More than 500 athletes from across the country entered in this year’s 2024 Bendigo Bank Lancefield Gift, with runners from across all ages taking part in a range of events throughout the day, including the state’s richest men’s and women’s 400 metre races.
Despite the scorching heat on the day, the athletes delivered thrilling performances, and the atmosphere was electric as spectators cheered on the competitors in one of the most exciting and well-supported events of the year.
A popular winner of the Lancefield Gift, Cameron Moss had made the finals in 400 metre events in Ringwood, Bendigo, Keilor, Ballarat, Beachside, Wangaratta, Shepparton, and Rye this year, but without success—making his victory in Lancefield even more deserved.
Another standout runner, Wangaratta’s Bella Pasquali, also triumphed in the $6000 Community Bank Lancefield Gift 400 metre final. Her impressive run saw her power past competitors down the back straight, before overtaking Alex Tzilantonis in the closing stages of the race, earning heartfelt applause from the crowd.
In the Lost Watering Hole 120 metre final, Newcastle’s Jasper Thomas claimed first place, while Clare De Salis triumphed in the North West Property Valuers 120 metre women’s final.
Paralympian Chad Perris also made an appearance on the day, taking his turn on the track after the Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
Dinan said for the first gift after a 60-year hiatus, Lancefield had ‘knocked it out of the park.’
“We thought we’d just resurrect it, because professional athletics is great for a town,” he said.
“It brings a lot of life to the town. It also gives everyone a chance to compete and run. We have aspirations to make this the second-best gift in the country, behind the Stawell Gift. We have the richest 400 metre race at the moment, and we want to make it bigger and better every single year. So, this is the first step in the dance.
“After a 60-year hiatus, we’re very proud to present it again, and we’ll ensure that it gets bigger and better every year.”
