The Ballarat athletics community is built on support, teamwork, and a shared love of the sport.
As we step into March, we pause to reflect on the conclusion of another strong AVSL season, with the final round held on 28 February bringing months of commitment, teamwork and competition to a close. It’s been a season defined by resilience, growth and community spirit across all clubs.
With the AVSL track & field season now wrapped up, attention turns to celebrating the season that was, including the Athletics Ballarat End of Season Awards Night on 27 March, and preparing for what lies ahead. During March & April we look forward to the State & National Championships and we can also look forward, with the upcoming winter season as the Athletics Victoria Cross Country and Road Racing calendar approaches.
As always, a sincere thank you goes to the officials, volunteers and club helpers whose ongoing support and dedication ensured each round ran smoothly. These individuals truly reflect the heart of our Athletics Ballarat community.
This newsletter is here 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]
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Don’t forget the end of season awards evening is on Friday 27th March at North Ballarat Sports Club!
Join the Athletics Ballarat community in celebrating the winter and summer season in the one place. We will be giving away plenty of awards, having a quiz, and welcoming a guest speaker
Two course meal included with every ticket.
Click on the image to purchase tickets through the Athletics Ballarat website.
XCR CALENDAR 2026
Get ready….the 2026 Season Calendar is now finalised.
>>Lap of the Lake : Saturday 6th June
>>Wal Brown Memorial : Saturday 4th July
>>Chas Suffren : Saturday August 2nd (Private Venue)
>>AB Relays : Saturday 29th August (Private Venue)
Getting to know our Athletics Ballarat Board Members.
Hi! My name is Rod Griffin. I have been involved in athletics for over 50 years as an athlete, coach and administrator. My involvement in athletics began when I started
dating my wife, Sandra nee Opie, who was Ballarat’s Premier sprinter in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I could be best described as an enthusiastic athlete who, when a
back injury curtailed my running career, took up coaching. Since then I have been fortunate to coach 3 Olympians, Collis Birmingham, Stewart McSweyn and Victoria Mitchell, along with numerous Australia representatives. I was appointed by Athletics Australia as the National Junior Distance Coach from 2015-2019. It was a wonderful opportunity to work with several talented junior athletes who have gone in to represent Australia at a Senior level. I have also been Team Manager/Coach of 2 Australian World University Cross Country Teams, 2 Chiba International Ekiden Teams, Coach of 2 World Cross Country Teams. Coach of 2 World Junior Track Teams and Coach of a Commonwealth Youth Track team.
Coaching is my passion and I enjoy helping the athlete to be the best they can be not only in their sport but in life.
On the Administrative side I am a Life Member of both Athletics Victoria and Athletics Ballarat and have held Board Member positions of both. At present we are entering
an exciting phase in Ballarat with the prospect of a new track becoming a reality and with that comes the opportunity to take our sport to a new level. The quality of
athletes and coaches we have in our centre are as good, if not better, than at any other phase in our history and the future is bright.
Each month we will highlight one of our athlete’s photographic skills – capturing a moment of athletic ability or community and connection.
Submit your entry to the Athletics Ballarat FaceBook page #Capturethespirit before 25th of each month.
At the end of the season we will call for votes and crown our “Best Photo – AVSL 25-26 season”
Photographer Prue Orchard - capturing the spirit of athletics with athletes and volunteers at the Albury Victorian Country Championships.
I first got into athletics from my dad, he has been competing since he was a teenager and its something that I grew up being around. I started to take it more seriously around 12-13 and have been doing it ever since.
My training group keeps bringing me back, the friendships I have made are lifelong friends and they help keep me accountable. We have a very close training group and that’s what makes this sport easier.
My favourite event is the 800 metres. It stands out to me because each race can be so different, and every moment in the race is critical. One wrong move can cost you the whole race.
The night before a big competition I like to have mum’s spaghetti bolognaise, but other than that not really.
the most memorable moment would be going to nationals the past 2 years. It gives a great experience into what the elite level is like and how good all the other athletes are.
I am most inspired by my dad, he always gives me advice on what to do in a race or in training and he always runs with me when I go for an easy run. His want for not only myself but my siblings to enjoy and succeed in the sport he has loved his whole life is something I will always appreciate.
Something about the Ballarat athletics community that stands out to me is that everyone is always up for a chat and are so supportive. All anyone wants is for everyone to succeed.
My go to treat is always a chocolate big M, it always hits the same.
A training week usually is:
Monday easy run(6-10k) Tuesday track session, Wednesday easy run (8-10k), Thursday track session, Friday rest day OR easy 20 minutes, Saturday race or training session, Sunday long run (15-20k).
Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th March
Registrations close: 9pm 27th February
Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd March
Entries Close: Midday, Monday 9th March 2026 – ENTRIES OPENING END OF JANUARY
Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th April
Entries Close: 12:00 PM, Monday 23rd March 2026
Wednesday 15th - Monday 20th April
Entries Close: 12:00 PM, Monday 23rd March 2026
