WANGARATTA Sports Club is gearing up to present the annual Wangaratta Sports Carnival on Saturday, January 27 at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.

The 103rd running of the Wangaratta Sports Carnival will commence at 11.00am and continues into the evening featuring an action-packed schedule of events, including short and middle-distance handicaps, junior races and woodchopping, culminating with the running of the men’s and women’s Wangaratta Gifts under lights.

Woodchopping will again feature at this year’s carnival, with 12 events scheduled including junior, women’s and novice chops and featuring a crosscut saw event.

The woodchopping starts at 11.00am and will showcase some of the best and upcoming competitors from across the country vying for a total prize pool of $6500.

From 2.30pm attention will be on the main arena when the runners take centre stage.

More than 20 events are scheduled across the action-packed program, with local athlete and current Stawell Gift champion Bella Pasquali leading the charge.

Continuing to be an important fixture on the Victorian Athletic League calendar, prize money for this year’s event has increased by close to 25 per cent, attracting athletes from across the country hoping to take home a share of the total prize pool of more than $15,000.

Once again entry is free to spectators to enjoy some of the best foot running and woodchopping in the state with the beautiful backdrop of the Wangaratta Showgrounds, with refreshments available throughout the carnival.

The running of the 2024 carnival has been made possible by the ongoing support of principal sponsors Yes Optus Wangaratta and the Rural City of Wangaratta, carnival partners VAL, Australian Physical Education Resources, RJ Sanderson & Associates, Kamwang, Winsec, Wangaratta Chronicle and Wangaratta Little Athletics, as well as generous support from local sponsors, members and the community.

Wangaratta Sports Club president Paul Hughes said the committee was excited to be able to present the 103rd edition of the carnival.

“We are pleased to be able to increase the prize pool for the athletes this year, primarily assisted by the wonderful enthusiasm and support the event receives from right across the community,” he said.