BY Michael EsPosito
STAR News Group has been named as the new major media partner for the Keilor Gift – the prestigious running and wood chopping event – to be held on 19 February.
The Gift is regarded as the second most prestigious handicapped running event in Australia behind the Stawell Gift.
The 120-metre Gift – the event’s major race – will hold an $8000 purse, while prize-money on offer throughout the day will exceed $30,000.
Star’s managing editor of the North West Division, Stephen Linnell, said Star was proud to partner what is one of the top athletic events in Victoria.
“We have a strong commitment to celebrate sporting and community events in the West,” Mr Linnell said.
“The Keilor Gift holds a special place on the athletics calendar and we’re proud to be a part of that.”
The Keilor Gift will be held at Keilor Recreation Reserve and is expected to attract a crowd of up to 6000 people.
In addition to the Keilor Gift, events include the 120m heats and final, 400m, 800m and 1600m frontmarkers and backmarkers events, 100m boys and girls finals, and several elite wood chopping competitions.
The Gift, which has been named the Victorian and Trainers meeting of the year three times since 1991, will host some of Australia’s best runners and axemen.
The day will conclude with a fireworks display at about 9pm.
