South Australia’s most prestigious foot racing carnival is set to return to the coast this summer, with the Bay Sheffield taking over Colley Reserve on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December.
Hosted by the South Australian Athletic League, the iconic event will celebrate its 139th year of handicapped racing, drawing elite athletes from across the country and thousands of spectators to Glenelg for a high-energy, family-friendly weekend by the sea.
The two-day program features men’s and women’s 120-metre races, with athletes competing for their share of a $16,000 prize pool, alongside a full schedule of races for juniors, veterans, para-athletes, and men and women across distances ranging from 70 metres through to 3200 metres. It’s a format that blends elite competition with grassroots participation, ensuring there’s something happening on the track throughout the weekend.
A highlight of the carnival will be the City of Holdfast Bay 120m Women’s and Men’s races, with some of Australia’s best professional runners travelling from interstate to line up on Colley Reserve. With Victorian athletes crossing the border in strong numbers, the 2025 edition is shaping up to have a distinct state-of-origin edge.
“This year’s 139th Bay Sheffield has a real state-of-origin feel, with a strong Victorian contingent crossing the border to challenge our local athletes. With Jetty Road’s exciting redevelopment creating a fresh and vibrant seaside atmosphere, it’s the perfect reason to come and experience the event,” said SAAL President Kym Steer.
Across the two days, Colley Reserve will be transformed into a lively festival zone, complete with food stalls, community activities and fireworks lighting up the Glenelg skyline. “Iconic Colley Reserve will be lit up with action across the two days with exciting racing, food stalls and fireworks,” Steer said. “It’s a great time for the community and families visit Glenelg in the City of Holdfast Bay, watch an incredible two days of racing and join in the fun.”
The Bay Sheffield is free to attend, with local food trucks offering a wide range of food and beverages, making it an easy and accessible outing for families and visitors during the busy summer period. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live streamed across both days via the Bay Sheffield Facebook page.
Major sponsors supporting the 2025 event include Supreme Quilts, South Australian Tourism Commission and the City of Holdfast Bay, alongside long-time partners Coopers, Villis, Days Landscaping, Nippy’s, The Pier, Copyworld and Sport Centre.
This year also marks 30 years of partnership between the Bay Sheffield and Coopers Brewery, a milestone reflecting the deep ties between the event and South Australian sporting culture. A Coopers spokesperson said, “Coopers is proud to support the Bay Sheffield as it celebrates this special 30-year milestone as a partner of the Bay Sheffield. As a family-owned brewery founded in 1862, we understand the importance of heritage, community, and traditions that stand the test of time. The Bay Sheffield, established in 1887, has long been a cornerstone of South Australian sport, bringing people together and showcasing remarkable athletic talent. We’re honoured to stand alongside such an iconic event and continue our shared commitment to supporting local communities and celebrating the spirit of competition. We wish for a successful event this year’s Bay and look forward to watching the event grow for many years to come.”
WHAT: Bay Sheffield 2025
WHERE: Colley Reserve, Glenelg
WHEN: From 1pm-9:30pm Saturday December 27th, and 8am-8pm, Sunday December 28th
MORE INFO & FULL SCHEDULE: https://www.baysheffield.org.au/
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