Mullewa Gift running race draws strong pool of competitors in pursuit of $7500 prize

A big attendance is expected at tomorrow’s Mullewa Show, where the feature will be the Mullewa Livelighter Healthway Gift.

The Gift is a 120m handicapped foot race which means athletes generally run less than 120m, with a start this year of as much as 26.5m. Anyone can win and runners as young as 13 have taken the title. In 2014, 74-year-old Barry Hennighan finished second.

Prize money has been increased to $7500 and among nominees are defending champion Jack Watters and runner-up Taylor Sharpe, two-time winner Evan Jarvis and experienced runner Virginia Staszyszy.

One to watch is Kyle Ennis, who is the backmarker coming off 2.75m. Bryce Teo, the 2018 winner, is also entered and many will recall how he just held off his sister Carryne that year.

She no doubt aims to go one better this time and, if successful, will be the sixth female winner.

Other events include a 120m novice handicap and a 70m and 550m handicap. There is also a new event, the Matt Barber 120m Backmarkers Race.

It carries a $1000 prize pool and honours one of WA’s great coaches, the late Matt Barber.

Racing starts at noon, with finals of the various events starting at 3pm and concluding just after 4pm.