The 5th annual Collingwood Classic was held on Tuesday 3rd December with an updated event list that brought a new range of athletes to the event, meeting the goal of presenting an athletics spectacle to both participants and spectators.

The event built on the reputation of previous years as a key event in the summer calendar.

Returning sponsors PUMA Australia and The Running Company Clifton Hill were joined by Love the Run to offer $4870 of prize money that was distributed to winners as well as random prizes. This sponsorship is a strong show of support for the event.

A new and exciting race started the program; a teams 5000m race that featured 48 runners (16 teams of 3) racing each other for the team title. In the men’s, the Western Athletics team pushed each other and dominated with a clean sweep of 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings. Collingwood’s Abdi Rhoble pushed the placegetters, and crossed the line individually in a fighting 4th. The women’s crown was won by a very strong showing from the team from the Crosbie Crew. In a great turnout, event sponsor Love the Run featured 4 teams in the race.

A 100m sprint series was also a new event on the program with heats followed by finals later in the evening. Seeing top level sprinting up close was a great addition to the program, which was won by Keely Boyne (11.98) and Sam Clark (10.86). Collingwood Harriers were very pleased to see our own Ruby Ozougwu running strongly to take out second place in the women’s 100m (12.44).

The Mile race was a combined event for women and men with fast kick finishes proving to be the winning move for both Alexander Cameron-Smith (4:14.46) and Caitlin Mcquilkin-Bell (4:57.60).

The women’s 3000m was won in a strong finish by Melissa Duncan (9:34.1) while the men’s race was an intriguing affair with early leader Craig Huffer being run down in the final lap by Riley Bryce (8:28.52).

Relays are always exciting and when two Paris Olympians (Catriona Bissett and Abbey Caldwell), entered teams in the 2x2x400m mixed relay we were set for an entertaining showdown. While Bissett was a late scratching, the Caldwell team still faced a strong challenge from the Kirsop-Cole family over 3 legs before Caldwell showed her class in the final leg to win.

Speaking of showdowns, the Collingwood Masters Group left it all on the track, with Adam Delbridge catching the fast-starting Azain Raban and Andrew Dodd to take out a close 100m (12.91).

The final event, Dash for Cash, lived up to its reputation as a grand finale to the night as a good field of women and men lined up for 1 lap dash to claim the $200 cash prizes.

The night was well attended with supporters showing their interest in good athletics competition through to the conclusion. Thanks are owed to our event sponsors (Puma, Running Company and Love the Run), and to Athletics Victoria for both their officials and their support for the event.