The new Australian marathon champion, and one time local lad, Dale Engler is to compete in the running program at the RSL Mount Gambier Classic. Dale, a previous winner in the 1600m A event will be back to compete in the same distance, giving locals a chance to see him in action.

This year's professional running meet, conducted on the last Saturday in November, will again see prize money set for the main race, the RSL Mount Gambier Classic, at $10,000.

Although last year's RSL Classic winner Aaron Rouge Surrett will be absent because of his preparation for the Commonwealth Games selections, there are expected to be a cohort of other top level runners coming to town attempting to pocket the money.

An additional race being presented in the tea break for the first time is a relay race between the local football teams. Along with a prize to the fastest club, goes the honour of having their club flag hoisted on the park entrance flag pole for two weeks as bragging rights for all to see. Footy fans have the chance to see their club in action to decide the fastest boys on the field.

Everyone is invited to see some great athletics action with a number of local runners mixing it with the best on the day. The final of the RSL Classic race is approximately 6:30 pm, giving most sports lovers a chance to see some of Australia's fastest men in action. A reminder that entry to the racing is by gold coin donation.