FROM Swan Hill to Warrnambool and Horsham to Ballarat, western Victoria’s next generation of long-distance running stars are coming to Casterton.

 They will be competing in the division of Little Athletics Victoria’s seven Regional Cross-Country Carnivals on Sunday, 17 July.

The event could have been scheduled to take place in any of the large centres in Victoria’s west but Western Country Region president, Shane Bicknell said the cross-country was ideal to host in a smaller town as it didn’t rely on particular equipment.

“We like to move the cross-country throughout the region because our other events are stuck with the artificial track so we have to have an artificial track for the track and field events,” he said.

“We thought it would be nice to head over a bit close to some of the other centres … further west.”

Casterton Little Athletics Centre president, Jeff Black, welcomed the opportunity for the town to host young runners from across the large region.

“It’s been quite a number of years since there’s been anything from Little Aths held in Casterton,” he said.

Around 100 athletes aged 16 and under are expected to descend on Island Park for the event, including a handful of home-grown competitors.

The course will see them traverse sections of the Kelpie Trail, dips and muddy parts around both Island Park ovals – totalling three kilometres of track for the oldest athletes while runners aged 12 and under will tackle various shorter courses depending on their age.

Just by completing the course – regardless of the finishing position – runners will qualify to compete in the State Cross-Country Championships next month in Myrniong, near Bacchus Marsh.

Mr Black said he had gauged plenty of interest in the event from locals.

“The parents I’ve talked to, they’re all chuffed about it being here,” he said.

Mr Bicknell expressed his confidence in people turning up to see the young athletes in action, particularly when they finish in front of the Island Park grandstand.

“It’ll be great finishing in front of the grandstand – hopefully we’ll have a bit of crowd there (to) cheer them on,” he said.