The 5k Frenzy returns for 2026 for edition six, with a move to Saturday night, renewed prize money, finisher medals and special 1000m race for the juniors. The evening will also incorporate the Athletics Bendigo Jack Davey 5000 Metre Championship. Delivered by the Bendigo Harriers Athletics Club in partnership with Athletics Bendigo.
2026 PRIZE MONEY
Elite Mens and Women
- 1st $500 + Sash
- 2nd $250
- 3rd $100
Heats Prize Money:
- 1st $200
- 2nd $100
- 3rd $50
RECORD BONUSES
- $100 bonus for any Bendigo Centre record broken
- $1000 bonus for Open State record broken
EVENT DETAILS
LOCATION: Lar Birpa Athletics Complex, Bendigo
Retreat Road, Flora Hill, 3550
DATE / TIME: Afternoon / evening on Saturday 14th March 2026.
COST: Patron venue entry is free of charge.
ATHLETE ENTRY FEES
5000m:
EARLY: $30.00 + Booking Fee until midnight on Saturday 14th February 2026.
LATE: $40.00 + Booking Fee until midnight on Sunday 8th March 2026.
A field cap of 200 athletes total will apply.
Athletes must be 12 years or older.
1000m Kids Fun Run:
EARLY: $10.00 + Booking Fee until midnight on Saturday 14th February 2026.
LATE: $15.00 + Booking Fee until midnight on Sunday 8th March 2026.
A field cap of 50 athletes total will apply.
Athletes must be 11 years or younger.
2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
ATHLETE CHECK-IN
Please check-in 30 minutes prior to your race start time to collect your race bib and two race numbers. Check-in will be near the startline, which is at the 200 metre mark.
RACE NUMBERS and BIBS
Your race bib should be worn across your chest during the race.
One race number should be attached to your left hip.
This enables the photo finish team to easily identify you.
WHERE DOES THE 5000M RACE START?
Please make your way to 200m mark, which is on the far side of the track at least 5 – 10 minutes before the start of your race to ensure you are ready for the gun to fire.
LAP COUNTERS
The 5000m is 12.5 laps of the track. Lap counters will be provided for you by volunteers from the local athletics club.
You will hear a bell rung as you pass the finish line to begin your last lap.
PHOTOGRAPHY
We will have a professional photographer on the evening. If you do not wish for your photo to be taken, please cross your arms or notify us during Check-In and we will advise the photographer.
BILLETS AND HOMESTAYS AVAILABLE
Travelling for the race? We can organise billets and homestays for you, please email us and we’ll get you sorted with a local athletics family.
FOOD TRUCKS:
Have a night off the cooking with our food trucks on offer throughout the night.
SPECTATOR VIEWING AND CHEERING:
Spectator viewing and cheering is STRONGLY encouraged at this event! We have two marquees positioned along the front straight where family and friends can watch from as close as Lane 4. Admission to the event is absolutely FREE, so please invite everyone and anyone to come, watch and cheer.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentations will be held as close to schedule as practical for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placegetters. If you finished in the Top 3 in your race, please do not leave the finish area for your cool-down until AFTER your presentations have been completed.
RESULTS:
Results will be loaded into Aths Victoria’s Results Hub:
PRE-RACE HYDRATION / DRINKS TABLE / POST-RACE MIST TENT:
The forecast is for hot weather on the day, we have:
– Water fountain available at the start line,
– Drinks table on the back straight during the races, and
– A post-race mist tent available for athletes to recover.
Please take extra care with your hydration and cooling before, during and after the event.
Jack Davey Athletics Bendigo Open 5000 metres Championship
The fastest Athletics Victoria Male and Female for athletes registered with Bendigo Region clubs will be recognised as winning the Jack Davey Athletics Bendigo Open 5000 metres Championship. The event also includes the Athletics Bendigo age group 5000 metres championships for athletes registered with Bendigo Region clubs.
The 5k Frenzy is a World Athletics Rankings and National Permit Meet.
SHOE DECLARATION
As the 5K Frenzy is a World Permit meet, ALL ATHLETES COMPETING IN THE Elite Men and Elite Women RACES are expected to wear shoes that meet the World Athletics Shoe Rule.
Any State Record, National Record or International qualifying performance will not be ratified without Shoes meeting the World Athletics Shoe Rules.
Athletes competing in the Elite Men and Elite Women Races MUST wear shoes that comply with the World Athletics Shoe Rules.
Athletes are to wear shoes that comply with the World Athletics Shoe Rule. For a current list of compliant shoes, please view the latest list:
Place Getters in the Elite Races are to wear shoes that comply.
It is desirable that athletes competing in the Graded Races wear shoes that comply.
All Athletes, inclusive of Para athletes, attempting a State Record, National Record, National or International qualifier MUST wear shoes that meet World Athletics Shoe Rules. Athletes may be subjected to a shoe check at the conclusion of their event.
Event Details Enquiries
E: Bendigo5kfrenzy[at]outlook.com
5k Frenzy #6 – 2026
5k Frenzy #5 – 2025
5k Frenzy #4 – 2024
5k Frenzy #3 – 2023
5k Frenzy #2 – 2022
5k Frenzy #1 – 2021
