AUSTRALIA will celebrate not one, but two great Cup races this November, the world-famous Melbourne Cup on November 4, and, just eleven days later, the inaugural Lancefield Cup running event, to be staged on Saturday, November 15 at Lancefield Park.
The new 800-metre feature event will be run alongside the $6,000 Community Bank Lancefield Gift, recognised as Australia’s richest 400-metre race. The Lancefield meeting will also include the Lancefield Sprint events, which have long served as a key form guide for athletes targeting the prestigious Stawell Gift at Easter, with half the men’s finalists at Stawell last year coming through Lancefield.
The creation of the Lancefield Cup continues the remarkable revival of professional running in the town. The Lancefield Gift, first held in the late 1800s, returned triumphantly in 2024 after being dormant since the 1960s. Last year’s comeback was hailed as one of the standout meets on the 2025 professional running circuit, attracting competitors from across Australia.
Building on that momentum, organisers have added the Lancefield Cup to this year’s program — a race that pays tribute to the region’s athletics heritage. The 800-metre event revives the Matthew Maher Handicap, a much-loved half-mile race that was a highlight of Lancefield’s program from the late 1920s.
“The 800m races are probably the most gut-wrenching of them all. It’s the only race where nobody celebrates as they cross the line, they just collapse in exhaustion. It’s pure pain all the way,” event organiser, Chris Dynon said.
The Cup is proudly sponsored by Nutrien Harcourts Kilmore, returning after their strong partnership last year.
“Their support and enthusiasm helped us bring the event back to life. We’re thrilled to have them on board again as we take things to the next level,” Mr Dynon added.
Last year’s 800-metre race was won by Aric Reimers, a rising star of Australian athletics who clocked 1:55.6 and has ambitions for the Los Angeles Olympics.
“Last year was all about proving Lancefield could host a major professional running event. This year, it’s about growth, honouring our history and creating something new that will become a permanent fixture,” he said.
The Lancefield Gift and Cup meeting promises a full afternoon of racing from noon, with the finals taking place between 5 pm and 7 pm under the golden light of the Macedon Ranges. The event will feature the $6,000 Community Bank Lancefield Gift for men and women, the $5,000 Lancefield Sprint for men and women, and the inaugural Lancefield Cup (800m), proudly sponsored by Nutrien Harcourts Kilmore.
The day is set to deliver top-class racing, local pride, and a celebration of Lancefield’s enduring place in Australia’s professional running tradition.
