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 Administration Officer | Shane Wylie |
| VAL Administration Assistant (Casual) | Kim McDonough |
| VAL ROLES | NAME |
|---|---|
| Event Coordinator | Donna Buxton |
| Photo Finish | Rob Jones, Chloe Blennerhassett, Joe Spencley, Di Tzilantonis, Shane Roberts |
| Results | Nila Blennerhassett, Chloe Blennerhassett |
| Starters | Rob McIntosh, Graeme Humphrey, Brendan Ferrari, Matthew Webster, Kieren McIntosh |
| Race Commentators | Ollie Wurm, Ed Sadler, Harry McDonough |
| Stewards | Richard Wearmouth (Chief) John Henry (Chad Ryan (Assistant) |
| Handicappers | Colin 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 Coordinator | Kim McDonough |
| Colour Stewards | Craig Burnett, Di Tzilantonis, Penny Conway |