Update from the Committee at 11.30pm November 8: "We regret to inform you that the 2019 Macksville Gift - Professional Footrace has been Officially Postponed.* (Due to fires burning in the area, to the South & the Pacific Highway's road closure) * Although the situation is not ideal, we will still be running the 'SUBWAY Macksville' Kids Races & plan to have family fun activities to enjoy. Donations will be taken at the gate, to assist local families affected by these devastating fires. * Our apologies to athletes who were travelling to this year's Gift, get home safely. Information regarding a rescheduled date will be posted as soon as it's confirmed."
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At last count, there are 28 confirmed runners ready to compete for the $2800 prize money in the 66th Macksville Gift. And there are some high quality athletes headed our way.
Our top two athletes from last year's Macksville Gift - Jarno Dolezal and Fejiro Omuvwie - are coming back to do it all again.
And the heat will be on, as Fejiro has since added another title to his name: 2019 Ipswich Gift Winner.
Will these two be facing off in the Gift final? They've got to get through the heats first.
Joining them will be Leo King - Stawell Gift 2019 runner-up - who will prove to be tough competition.
Two previous back-to-back Macksville Gift winners are returning as well: Michael Hanna -'16, '17 winner and 'Sprinter of the Carnival' at Stawell 2019; and Liam Gander - '08, '09 winner, and a quality athlete with a PB of 10.41 seconds.
Both runners are looking to collect a third sash for their collections...could be history in the making.
Also competing for the top prize is Tim Eschebach - a dual Stawell gift finalist.
A reminder to all competing athletes: please ensure your most current race times are recorded on your athlete profile at www.nswal.org.au - the information is crucial for an accurate handicap.
The 70m Youth Handicap Race competitors will be running on the Gift track. If you have not submitted previous times to the website above, please bring three previous times with you when registering on the day.
Good luck to all athletes competing tomorrow.
As well as the professional footraces, there is greater focus this year on involving our local youth.
And the new sponsor on board this year - Macksville Subway - has generously donated vouchers and gift cards (from $5 to $50) as prizes for the 2-14 years kid's races.
Registration for these races will be between 11 and 11:30am on the day at the Alan Gillett Oval.
Cost of entry is $5 and no prior experience is necessary. Although all competitors must be wearing appropriate footwear.
The banana hurl competition is returning for its sixth year; primary and secondary students, and adults can hurl a banana for cash prizes, with a $2 gold coin entry.
But there are also plenty of free family activities including rock painting, egg and spoon and sack races, and an obstacle course for Under 8s.
Kids can also be let loose on the inflatable 'Ninja Run' and 'Chopperville' play area.
The canteen and food carts will keep the masses fed while The Valley Performing Arts Centre dancers dazzle them.
Live local bands 'The Loose Cannons' and 'The New Black' will make some noise from 8-10 pm.
And the beer garden will open at 5pm, with a selection of beers from the Great Hops Brewery.
The Macksville Gift 'Race Day Raffle' and 'Lucky Door Prizes' will be drawn on the day, with tickets being sold at Macksville Quality Meats.
The grand prize is a $300 meat voucher - sure to keep the family fed for a while.
But there's also a 'River Valley' sculpture, gift vouchers, and many other raffle prizes to be won, all donated by generous Nambucca Valley businesses.
Come for the Gift, stay for the family fun!