THE Ipswich region’s major athletics carnival is just days away, providing excellent competition to launch a new season.

The 30th Ipswich Athletics Winter Carnival is being staged at Bill Paterson Oval on Sunday, August 28.

With an impressive timetable of events, the carnival caters for club and school athletes preparing for future competition.

Track and field events start at 10am with an exciting program of sprint and handicap running races from 10.30am.

The major races are the 110m Lightning Handicap, 100m Ladies Gift and 300m Masters Gift.

Ipswich and District Athletics Club official Vic Pascoe said the carnival was the traditional start of a new season in the region.

He said while a number of club and elite competitors were expected, newcomers were welcome to compete on the day.

“It’s a great lead-up to the regional school championships in early September,” Pascoe said.

Nominations for the prizemoney events close on August 18.

Athletes in track and field events can nominate 40 minutes before competition on the day.

Last year’s Lightning Gift attracted international Papua New Guinea runner Toea Wisil, who was impressed by what Ipswich offered.  She is unable to return this year due to the world championships.

Pascoe said the Lightning Handicap continued to gain prestige, having started in 1990.