Gumboot Gift run and won

There is a race for men, one for women and another for the Lions Club of Strzelecki members.

The club organises the South Gippsland Dairy and Farming Expo, which is held annually at Korumburra showgrounds.

The prize pool for both the men’s and women’s race is $4000.

The handicap is based on age, with backmarkers aged 18 to 30 years starting on scratch.

It progresses by 8m per decade of age, so athletes aged 70 and above begin the race at the 80m mark.

This year the class of gumboot was tightened, with inspections of footwear to ensure authenticity.

Competitors in this year’s race came from near and far.

In the past two years, the men’s race was won by Craig Rollinson of Gainsborough. Last year, Rob Allen from Wattle Bank was runner-up, while Outtrim’s Martin Lamers finished third. Martin also contested the 2022 gift, finishing second.

This year’s men’s race was wide open, with an injured Craig not in the field.

Martin took his chance and streaked ahead of the field, crossing the finish line in a blur.

He was followed by Conor Cunningham, from Strzelecki, in second place. Brad McIntosh, of Poowong, was third.

Conor and Brad were first-time competitors in the men’s race.

Another large field of competitors lined up for the women’s race.

First-time competitor and Korumburra local Samantha Sherry finished first, well ahead of the field.

She was followed home by last year’s winner Sarah Lewis, from Leongatha.

First-time runner Abbie Holbert-Cox, from Warragul, finished third.

There was a major upset in the Lions race, which delayed results.

Eventually, a dead heat was called between Maurice Schwennesen, from Poowong, and Phillip Ould, from Loch.

Poowong North’s Joe Green finished third.