MAKING a highly anticipated return after nearly 25 years on the side-line, the Shepparton Gift running race will make its return on Saturday, March 18.
Named in honour of the great Yorta Yorta athlete George Nelson, the event will bring competitors from far and wide in pursuit of the title at the Shepparton Showgrounds.
In his day, George Nelson won over 30 professional races and went on to be the first Indigenous trainer to mentor a Stawell Gift winner.
With the support of several user groups, businesses and with a lot of community members wanting to bring the event back to Shepparton, the race will be the final event to win a Stawell bonus.
The Gift marks a return to its traditional home, with almost $12K in prize money on offer and will be a fun day out for the entire family with a whole host of different races and relays to enjoy.
Expecting around 400 participants, there will be little athletics relays and handicapped sprint races to go along with the men and women’s Gifts.
The George Nelson Gift, Shepparton will run between 1pm and 7pm and is hoped to mark its annual return.
