Professional runners will have good reason to head to Pittsworth in October with the launch of inaugural ‘Postle Gift’ professional running race. The brand new event, launched at the unveiling Arthur Postle “The Crimson Flash” statue in Pittsworth, will be part of the Queensland Professional Athletic League circuit on Saturday 20th October at Club Pittsworth.

In launching the event, Postle Gift Working Member Greg Quinn said the event would bring visitors to Pittsworth while remembering the great contribution of Arthur Postle.

“The Postle Gift has the potential to one day rival the famous Stawell Gift which has 140 years of history, Mr Quinn said.

“Arthur Postle was inducted in the Sports Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 with a professional running career seeing him holding world records from 65 yards up to 200 yards.

“On retiring from the track in 1913, Postle turned his hand to coaching passing his expertise onto many young runners as well as Olympic gold medal winner Norma Croker. 

“Our committee has been working with the Professional Queensland Athletic League years to make this idea a reality.”

President of the Professional Queensland Athletic League Bruce Duncan said the inaugural event would acknowledge the coaching legacy of Arthur Postle with a program having a strong emphasis on youth and women’s events.

Mr Duncan said the program would include one of the state’s richest Women’s Athletics events with a prize pool of $3000 for the 75-yard distance.

“The Postle Gift program will also include a Youth (Boys and Girls) event carrying total prizemoney of $1000.

“We want to acknowledge the fine coaching efforts of Arthur Postle and have designed the program accordingly.

“Events will also be held over 120 metres and 300 metres are also on the program with racing set to start at 2pm and go into the twilight with the finals around 7pm.

Grandson of “The Crimson Flash” Professor Glen Postle AM said he was absolutely thrilled that his grandfather was being remembered is such fashion.

“To have a professional footrace meeting in Pittsworth is very special for the family and the legacy of our grandfather commitment to athletics.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said the event fits in beautifully with our tag line of rich traditions bold ambitions.  

“This is a great way to acknowledge one of our regions Sports Hall of Fame recipients with an annual event that will bring a community together and welcome athletes and tourists into Pittsworth.”

The Arthur Postle Gift will be an open event for men and women over 75 yard and have $5000 in prizemoney.

For information on sponsorship opportunities to support this new event please contact Greg Quinn on 0477 419 179 or Paul Hanlon on 0427 763 608.

For information on the running program contact Bruce Duncan 0410 630 457.