The Shepparton Gift returns on Saturday.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The stage is set for the George Nelson Shepparton Gift – all that’s needed now is the crack of the starting gun.
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The popular race on the Victorian Athletics League calendar is back for the fourth edition since its reintroduction, with the Shepparton Showgrounds set to come to life on Saturday afternoon.
The 13-event meet is expected to attract hundreds of runners from Victoria and interstate. Competition begins at 2pm, featuring various distances and age categories.
The men’s and women’s finals of the highly anticipated Indigenous Civil Group 120m race is scheduled to take place around 8pm, with competitive fields named for both races.
Gift committee member and daughter of the event’s namesake Robynne Nelson said The Gift had drawn attention from all over the country.
“Everything's in place; it’s a well-oiled machine now in its fourth year back,” Nelson said.
“It’s really coming together beautifully. We're pretty happy with how things are sitting now.
“We got some great sponsors on board, one in particular is a big sponsor, ICG.
“The runners coming to town is increasing every year, which is fantastic; this year we've got a lot of interstate runners from Queensland, ACT, NSW and South Australia.”
Of course, The Gift bears the name of one of the Goulburn Valley’s greatest sports people – the late George Nelson.
George Nelson after his victory in the 880-yard event at Stawell in 1957.
Nelson, a Yorta Yorta elder and a champion athlete across sprint, medium, and long distances, was a renowned runner with more than 30 professional wins and placings, as well as his billing as one of the sport’s great mentors.
His memorable triumphs included the Maryborough Gift, Bendigo Mile, and the historic Stawell Gift in middle to long-distance events.
His track exploits were matched by his skill as a trainer and mentor, highlighted by helping Noel Hussey win the famous Stawell Gift in 1964.
“Dad was a very successful runner and trainer - I think that's what makes him special,” said daughter Robynne.
“He had 33 wins and places as a sprinter, middle distance runner, and a trainer. That includes training Noel Hussey to win the Stawell Gift in 1964.
“That’s big to have all three - that’s a rarity if ever been done.
“But there's a lot of runners that he trained to be winners and also his own wins himself. He had some big wins like the Maryborough Gift, and the Bendigo Mile is one of the richest, most prestigious mile in pro running.
“At Stawell, he won the 200 yards and 800 yards.”
More than the on-track action, Robynne also sees the day as a celebration of culture and community.
“Dad was a Yorta Yorta elder,” she said.
“He grew up on Cummeragunja Mission, so he's a local traditional owner.
“He had a brilliant career, and it's very rare that someone's been a success at sprinting, middle distance, and training.
“It’s really fabulous to have this race named after him, and we just love to see more people coming along, including our own aboriginal community and the broader community because it's really something to be celebrated.”
