Featured image credit; Bay Sheffield Facebook
If like us you just can’t get enough of the Olympics, you’re in luck.
Kicking off tomorrow the iconic Bay Sheffield foot race will see two current Tokyo Olympians go head to head in a 3200m race on the first day of the Carnival.
Adelaide’s very own Olympian, Izzi Batt-Doyle will take on Melbourne Olympian, Matthew Clarke in the same race.
Celebrating a proud 135-year history, The Bay Sheffield is the pinnacle event on the South Australian Athletic League’s (SAAL) calendar. It is handicapped racing, meaning men and women can race against each other because the handicap ensures it is fair racing.
There are 35 nominations for this event, however, only 5 are female, including Izzi as one of them. This means many other regular runners get to pit their talents against the world best, with handicapping giving them all an equal chance. It makes for exciting racing and close finishes.
“I have been a spectator at the Bay Sheffield for a number of years, and I am excited to line up myself this year in the two-mile event, especially being able to take on my Olympic compatriot, Matthew Clarke”, said Izzi.
“I love the excitement and uncertainty that the Bay Sheff races bring compared to traditional racing that I am used to. Running on a grass oval is interesting and challenging and I am excited to give it a crack!” she said.
SAAL President, Colin Rowston believes this is a very rare opportunity for runners to line up against an Olympian and have a chance to win, and also for people to come along and watch two Olympic runners in person.
“What other sport in the world allows you to compete against an Olympian and have a real chance of beating them?” he said.
“It’s all about giving people of all abilities the chance to be competitive and earn some great prize money.”
“The atmosphere at ‘The Bay’ Carnival is electric. It’s worth coming along just to feel the excitement and there’s plenty of extra entertainment for the kids, great food, drinks and including a VIP area.”
“I am unashamedly parochial about this event. It’s a part of the fabric of South Australia and it’s the only professional foot race that can brag of 135 consecutive years of racing.”
Professional racing offers an opportunity for people of all abilities and ages to compete on the 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 Stadium (Glenelg Oval).”
For more information on SAAL visit their website here.
Check out the Bay Sheffield event on Facebook.
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