In 1983 and 1984 Al Green become the only Bay Sheffield winner to win the famous footrace twice from the backmark in the final.
This Tuesday, Harrison Hunt (pictured above, right) will go in as one of the favourites to win his second title after winning in 2018. While there have been other runners who have won the race twice, Hunt would join Al Green as the only runner to win both finals in the famous red colour as backmarker.
“In some ways it feels like a very long time ago and in other ways it feels like yesterday when I won my second Bay Sheffield,” said Al Green.
“In both years I was the backmarker, meaning I started behind all other runners in the final. In 1984 I was almost 3m further back than when I won it in 1983, so I knew I’d have to run my best to get it.
“There’s something magic about the atmosphere at a Bay Sheffield final and I took it all in and used that to boost my performance.
“I will watch with interest to see if Harrison can match it this year, good luck to him,” Green said.
SAAL President, Colin Rowston considers Hunt is in the form to repeat the efforts of Al Green.
“I’ve watched Hunt getting faster and faster as the season has progressed and he’s in top form right now,” he said.
“He is the shortest handicapped runner in the field this year off 3.25m, 0.5m less than when he won the race 3 years ago.
“We know Harrison has run super-fast times over 300m and 400m this season and he looks set to carry that rich form into the 120m Bay Sheffield pinnacle race.
“This year is the 135th consecutive year of running the Bay Sheffield Carnival, it would be a fitting year to have this record matched by Harrison Hunt.
“The line-up for both the men’s and the women’s races look as exciting as we’ve seen for a long time. We’re expecting very close, tight and exciting finals as they battle for the $10,000 first prize money.” Rowston said.
Professional racing offers an opportunity for people of all abilities and ages to compete on grass with a handicap that aims to give everyone a chance of winning. The SAAL season runs from 17 October 2021 through to 3rd April 2022, across various locations, including country regions such as Mt Gambier and Loxton.
“We believe we have the most exciting athletics racing on offer, so come and join the Bay Sheffield Carnival on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December at ACH Group Stadium (Glenelg Oval).”
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