Monthly Newsletter – August 2026
Community connect
The Ballarat athletics community is built on support, teamwork, and a shared love of the sport. Whether you’re competing, coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger — a network of people who show up, help out, and celebrate each other’s efforts.
As winter rolls on, so too does the incredible spirit of our athletics community. The XCR season continues to bring athletes of all ages together, with every event showcasing the resilience, determination and camaraderie that make our sport so special. This month is particularly exciting as Ballarat prepares to welcome competitors from across Victoria for Athletics Victoria XCR Round 8 – the Half Marathon and the Autralian Cross Country National Hosting such a prestigious event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our region, our volunteers and the vibrant athletics community we’ve built together. Whether you’re racing, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, thank you for being part of what makes Athletics Ballarat so special.
This newsletter’s purpose is to share highlights, recognise efforts, and keep everyone connected across our local athletics family. If you or your club would like to share achievements or updates, please email these to admin@athleticsballarat.com.au
For all things XCR this 25-26 season, please visit our Cross Country Season Page.
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Volunteer highlight
Caitlin Christie
My name is Caitlin Christie and you might know me as an athlete, an official or if you’re with Wendouree as the person that’s always reminding you to get your event entries in on time.
I started athletics when I was 5 after my mum and dad needed to find something for me to expend all of my energy on instead of climbing all over the back of the couch. My favourite events as an athlete were the high jump, triple jump and 200m. I’ve competed at 3 national championships with my best result being 4th in the U20 womens high jump.
While recovering from my second serious knee injury in 2012/13, one of Ballarat’s amazing officials suggested I get my officials qualification. My mum (Christine) gained her officials qualifications a few years later and this would lead us to events all over Australia together including state championships, national championships, Oceania Championships, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Nitro Athletics and multiple Track Classics. Officiating has given me front row seats to events I would never have made it to as an athlete.
What do you love about athletics?
I love getting to hang out with my friends all the time at training or competitions. You make friends from all walks of life. Some are friends you see every week while others you might only see once a year at a major championships.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m terrible at spelling and words but find maths and numbers really easy. I’ll struggle to complete a crossword but will happily spend hours working my way through sudokus.
If you could give one tip to athletes (or parents), what would it be?
While performances are great, don’t forget to have fun. I’ve had a lot of injuries over my athletics career and the reason I’m still here competing and officiating is that I take enjoyment from being involved in the sport beyond the medals and PBs.
What’s been your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
A number of years ago at the Australian Junior Track & Field Championships I had the opportunity to Chief the men’s U18 High Jump while my mum was given the role of Referee. What made this particular event special was fellow Wendouree Athletic Club athlete and one of my training partners, Lachlan O’Keefe, was competing in the event and went on to win the gold medal!! Being in charge of the event, while my coach Paul Cleary also looked on was so special. Although not being able to cheer him on was very tough.
Meeting Usain Bolt after one of the Melbourne Nitro Athletics meets after the public had all left was pretty memorable as well .
Minister Visits Our Future Home
We were thrilled to welcome Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos to the site of our new home recently! He was joined by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves, and three of our own local athletes, Nyajima, Grace and Mackenzie, who’ve been proudly flying the flag for Australia on the international stage.
It was a great chance to show off just how far things have come at the Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre. When it’s finished, our new facility will have a world-class synthetic track, a modern pavilion, plenty of equipment storage, shaded areas for spectators, and much better accessibility across the whole precinct, everything our club needs to help athletes of all ages and abilities train, compete and thrive for years to come.
This project is part of the wider Ballarat Major Events Precinct redevelopment, a major investment from the Victorian Government that will help put Ballarat on the map as a premier regional sporting destination. We can’t wait to call this place home.
Getting to know our athletes
Lucy Jones
How did you first get into athletics, and what keeps you coming back to the sport?
What’s your favourite event – and why does it stand out to you?
It’s a very hard choice between the 800 and 1500- my answer changes each season. I enjoy the 800m because it is a faster and shorter event.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
Not any ritual or superstitions in particular, however I am seen changing the tightness and re-tying my spikes on repeat a race.
What’s been your most memorable moment in athletics so far?
Getting my first national medal in Brisbane is definitely a highlight. However I would have to say the holidays and road trips my races have led me to have created some of the best memories with my teammates and family.
Who inspires you the most – either in athletics or in life?
My parents as they are super supportive and have an inspiring attitude towards having fun in sport.
What do you love most about being part of the Ballarat athletics community?
I love that it is such a supportive and inclusive community and I have formed relationships with people from all clubs.
What’s your go-to meal or treat after a big meet or training session?
Chocolate milk is definitely the go to.
Athletics makes me feel...
Grateful for the opportunities I have received.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
Upcoming Dates
AUGUST
XCR Round 8 : R:Half Marathon - Lake Wendouree Ballarat,
Sunday 9th August
Entries close: Wednesday 5th August at 11:59am (Midday)
SEPTEMBER
Uncloud Victorian All Schools Track Relay Championships
Wednesday 2nd September
Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park