Monthly Newsletter – July 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.
Winter has a way of bringing out the very best in our athletics community. Through cold mornings, challenging courses and shared determination, the XCR season continues to remind us that success isn’t measured only by finish times, but by the friendships, encouragement and sense of belonging we build along the way. With the Road Relays now behind us and our own iconic Wal Brown Cross Country just around the corner, we’re proud to see Ballarat athletes continuing to support one another, represent their clubs with pride, and demonstrate the strength of our community every time they step onto the course.
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 [email protected]
For all things XCR this 25-26 season, please visit our Cross Country Season Page.
Follow the action
Volunteer highlight
Conrad Oberholzer
My interest in athletics after high school rekindled when our children Matthew and Anna joined Ballarat Little Athletics some 13 years ago. The Ballarat Athletics community was welcoming, and I found my place at the Ballarat Harriers. It’s great to belong to a club that honours its history, so many memories and achievements are shared.
I am a Masters athlete and sprint coach with the Ballarat Harriers, and the founder of Ballarat Speed Academy, where I work with athletes across a range of sports to develop speed, movement efficiency, and overall athletic performance. My primary focus is supporting athletes in regional communities, where access to specialised coaching and athletic development opportunities can often be limited. I am passionate about providing high-quality coaching, education and development pathways whilst fostering a supportive environment that encourages long-term growth, resilience, and an enjoyment of sport.
Away from the track, I am a runner and fitness coach with Sebastopol Football u/18’s. I enjoy camping, fishing and getting back to South Africa to catch up with my family and friends.
What do you love about athletics?
What I love most about athletics is the opportunity it creates for growth both on and off the track. The camaraderie, inclusion and confidence emulates throughout the athletics community whether you are an athlete, volunteer, official, coach or a fan.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up in South Africa. At school, all sports were competed in barefoot (see photo).
If you could give one tip to athletes (or parents), what would it be?
Love what you do! Focus on the long term growth rather than the short term results, especially young athletes who are still developing.
What’s been your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
Not just one moment, it is the feeling of belonging and achieving, seeing people believe in their abilities, knowledge and genuinely enjoy being part of a team.
2025-26 AVSL Season Feedback Survey
Thank you for participating in the AVSL 2025-26 Season Feedback Survey. Your feedback is important and helps us to adapt and change inline with your preferences. Here’s a summary of the results plus some responses to your comments:
- Highly Rated Experience: Participants thoroughly enjoyed the season, yielding an exceptional average enjoyment score of 4.54 out of 5
- Strong Intent to Return: Retention is remarkably high, with 32 respondents explicitly confirming they will return next season (“Yes”), while 7 remain “Maybe/Unsure”. No respondents indicated they would not return.
- Connected and Safe Environment: The community sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. A total of 33 respondents reported feeling safe at Athletics Ballarat events, and 30 highlighted that they feel deeply connected to their club and enjoy meeting new people.
Getting to know our athletes
Jace Murray
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?
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
Before I throw I tend to flick the javelin to feel the tension that it gives back.
What’s been your most memorable moment in athletics so far?
Probably my first nationals event, even though I didn’t do as well as I would have liked, it was a great first experience.
Who inspires you the most – either in athletics or in life?
In athletics there’s a lot of people that inspire me but I think that Kathryn Mitchell inspires me the most by being so dedicated to the sport and being able to compete for longer than most athletes.
What do you love most about being part of the Ballarat athletics community?
That everyone is friendly and all put in the effort to earn points for their clubs.
What’s your go-to meal or treat after a big meet or training session?
Macca’s fries.
Athletics makes me feel...
Happy to have something to try improve on and stay active and healthy.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
Upcoming Dates
JULY
Wal Brown
Saturday 4th June. Victoria Park, Ballarat
Note: if you are planning on running the 4km event instead of the 8km as an adult you must come and see the admin team to have it changed online. If you are an invite athlete please see the team for a bib and tag.
XCR Round 6 (XC:10)
Saturday 11th July - Bundoora Park
Entries close : Wednesday 8th July 2026, 11:59am (Midday)
XCR Round 7 (R:10)
Sunday 26th July - Albert Park
Entries close: 11:59am (Midday), Wednesday 22nd July 2026
AUGUST
XCR Round 8 : R:Half Marathon - Lake Wendouree Ballarat,
Sunday 9th August
Entries close: Wednesday 5th August at 11:59am (Midday)