FOR Bowraville’s Beau Tape, the Macksville Gift has been an event on his annual sporting calendar since 2004 when he won his first sash at the Little Athletics Carnival.
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This year however marks a milestone for the 17-year-old, who will be running against professionals for the first time.
He’ll be on the starting blocks for both the 120m novice and the 300m sprint events.
“I guess I’m feeling a bit nervous because I’ve never run against them (professionals) before, but I think I’m in with a chance – training has been going well,” Beau told the Guardian.
“I’ve been doing more sprint work lately - usually I focus on 800 metre training.”
With him at the track on Saturday will be his sister, 15-year-old Alina, who is also running in the 300m.
“I was invited to run in this event last year and I’m back because I like it,” Alina said.
“It’s more serious and more competitive and very different because there are no lanes marked and we all have handicaps.
“Fingers crossed – I’d like to make it to the final.”
Their mother Chriss said the pair train together, run against each other and are good at egging each other on.
“Yeah! I can beat her even when she has a head start,” Beau chirped.
“I guess she’s got the stamina and I got the talent.”