ABOUT US

The Victorian Athletic League (VAL)

Established in 1895, the Victorian Athletic League (VAL) conduct athletic carnivals known as Gifts (historically called professional Athletics or “Pro’s”) across the state of Victoria and NSW. Gift races allow athletes of all abilities to compete in a fun, competitive and social environment.

Each athlete is given a mark (handicap) based on their ability, giving them an equal opportunity to triumph in their chosen event. Events are conducted weekly over distances from 70m to 3200m starting in October with the season culminating each Easter with the running of  the famous Stawell Gift.

There is prize money for each race from $300 to $60,000 and a sash for every winner. The VAL provide a wide range of race categories and distances to ensure there is something for everyone. 

Race categories include:

  • Junior (U14 – U18) – Must be 11 years of age or over and be under the age limit on the day of competition.
  • Restricted (must be 14+ years of age and never won a race excluding junior races worth a total of $300+ and never won an State or National title, excluding school competition)
  • Women’s only events
  • Masters – Must be 35+ years of age on the day of the event.
  • Open – Open to all athletes

VAL STAFF

VAL Administration Officer Shane Wylie
VAL Administration Assistant (Casual)Kim McDonough

VAL OFFICIALS

VAL ROLESNAME
Event CoordinatorDonna Buxton
Photo FinishRob Jones, Chloe Blennerhassett, Joe Spencley, Di Tzilantonis, Shane Roberts
ResultsNila Blennerhassett, Chloe Blennerhassett 
StartersRob McIntosh, Graeme Humphrey, Brendan Ferrari, Matthew Webster, Kieren McIntosh  
Race CommentatorsOllie Wurm, Ed Sadler, Harry McDonough
StewardsRichard Wearmouth (Chief) John Henry (Chad Ryan (Assistant)
HandicappersColin Lane – (70m-400m Men, Women, Open, Masters, Restricted)
Jonothan Rogers – (550m-3200m Men, Women, Open, Masters, Restricted)
Luke Mitchell – (70m-400m Junior U/18)
Kim McDonough – (70m-400m Junior U/14)
Junior CoordinatorKim McDonough
Colour StewardsCraig Burnett, Di Tzilantonis, Penny Conway