Macksville Gift RESULTS & REPORT

http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2011/11/12/states-best-go-for-glory-macksville-gift-athletics/

State's best go for glory

By Nick Houghton
Coffs Coast Advocate
12th November 2011

THERE will be a need for speed at Alan Gillet Oval when the 58th running of the Macksville Gift takes place today.

The second-longest running athletic event in Australia behind the Stawell Gift, the Macksville Gift will feature some of the best male and female sprinters in the state competing to claim the prestigious title.

The day will feature events in a variety of categories and qualifications, from Little Athletics to the feature race tonight.

The dash is run over 120 metres, with athletes starting from pre-determined handicap positions.

Event organiser Greg Wood said he was expecting some quality times this year.

"We have some really great competitors in the gift this year, so it will take a very fast time to be gift champion," he said.

"The best thing about the gift is that it's not always the favourite who wins.

"An athlete who can take advantage of their handicap is always in with a chance."

Another major attraction today will be the first world championship banana hurl, with Wood saying much is expected from this unique competition.

"The banana hurl is something we thought would be a little different and give everyone a chance in getting involved," he said.

"We are going to hold the finals of the banana hurl before the start of the gift final, so it will be quite the spectacle."

Other events include the crowning of the Gift Queen and there will be a fireworks display after the final.

http://www.nambuccaguardian.com.au/news/local/sport/athletics/sinclair-takes-out-58th-macksville-gift/2360340.aspx



Sinclair takes out 58th Macksville Gift


Nambucca Guardian News
17 Nov, 2011

Newcastle sprinter Martin ‘Marty’ Sinclair took out the 58th Macksville Gift on Saturday, November 12.

Marty outpaced runner Liam Gander, who was aiming for a record-setting third win at the Macksville Gift, but came in second.

Marty said the Macksville event was his fifth major gift race.

“I’ve been doing it on and off for the last few years, this is the first year I’ve really taken it seriously.”

Although he preferred running 70 metre sprints, Marty said “120s I can do”.

“It was a good run, I came out all right. It was the first run all week where I’ve really felt good.”

The prestigious women’s Skins invitational handicap event, run over 70m, was won by Kristy Smith of Engadine, over competitors Kara Bull from East Maitland and Suz Sinclair from Ashfield (Gift winner Marty Sinclair’s sister).

Smith also took a second place behind Christian Foster of Kanahooka in the Cath Miles Memorial 70m sprint event.

Local competitors Paige Ussher-Kinnear from Bowraville and Jack Mitchell from Scotts Head shone in the amateur events, taking home the 70m medals.

Paige was followed over the line by Alina Tape (Bowraville) and Savannah Peterkin (Wirrimbi), while Beau Tape (Bowraville) and Sam Grant took second and third respectively behind Jack Mitchell.

While the weather threatened all day, very little rain fell on the 58th Macksville Gift event during the day.

The heats and semi-finals were held in overcast and warm conditions, with a noticeable breeze down the track from the north-west.

The finals, held in the evening, were run in humid conditions with storm clouds threatening and a breeze from south-west.

While the event drew top sprinters from around the country, numbers were down on previous years.

NSW Athletic League president Bill Edwards said the event was good training for athletes and worth “at least a week’s training” off the track.

“You’ve got to have more strength to compete on grass,” he said.

He said it was particularly valuable for women competitors, as it was an opportunity to compete in a mixed race against stiff competition.

The day also offered an opportunity for up-and-coming athletes to shine. A Little Athletics carnival was held in the afternoon, allowing a range of age groups to compete on the track.

In a novel event, held on the adjoining field, competitors took part in the World Championship Banana Hurl competition. Tim Eschebach of Thornton won that

competition with a huge throw of 65.99m.