It is expected the classic will once again draw some of the best athletes in Australia with the Mile and 60 metres both state title events, and prize money for both male and female events.

These events will be supported by  the IBS masters 60 metres in five-year age brackets, along with supporting events including one-mile community race, shot for both male and female, discus for both, women’s long jump and men’s triple jump.

Fusion Training Solutions will sponsor the state 60 metres while Wollongong City Council will support the event also.

Like last year, local athletes are expected to play an important part in all events, which will start at 5pm and continue through until 8.30pm under lights.

Entry for spectators is free and guarantees an evening of top-line athletics.

Athletes wishing to enter are advised to go onto ANSW under competition, Illawarra Track Classic.

Meantime, some Blue Stars athletes ventured to Bankstown for the Treloar Shield and performed with great distinction.

Connor Dymond competed well in the under-20 men’s 400 metres hurdles while Joshua Parks had good runs in both the 100 and 200 metres.

It was great to see the club’s top female sprinters back on track with both Tallissa Scott and Stephanie Powell running the sprints and putting on notice the state’s female sprinters.

Our masters also did well with Gianna Mogentale making her first appearance in the Treloar Shield for the season, and running the second fastest times over 100 and 200 metres out of all age brackets.

Rina Flynn also ran well in both the 200 and 400 metres, whilst in the men Mick Daly is making a good return after an operation and is making steady progress back to form.

Geoff Hynoski traded the trail running for the track and ran a competitive 1500 metres.

Sunday will see the club celebrate the Christmas break with the Trackies  (Blue Stars athletes) taking on the Beachies (Stanwell Park Surf Club) in a relaxed Christmas gift over both 100 and 60 metres for all ages.

Starting at 2pm, the events will be followed by the club’s annual barbecue.

Athletes are reminded the entries are now open for:

1. The Illawarra Track Classic, January 16;  Kerryn McCann Athletic Centre ,entries online through ANSW;

2. The NSW Country titles-22nd23rd and 24th January: entries on line through ANSW, Campbelltown Athletic Centre.

Alll the club’s members are encouraged to enter the country titles with events for all ages  from 10 years right through to open.