Home-track advantage will be a huge plus as the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games representative contests the open 5000m walk at the La Trobe University Bendigo athletics complex in Retreat Road, Flora Hill.

Hundreds of athletes will contest the Flack Advisory-sponsored three-day championships.

Eaglehawk YMCA Athletics Club will be aiming to win the Margaret Saunders Country Cup as No.1 team for the fifth year in a row.

The Hawks and South Bendigo have dominated the duels for team titles over the past decade.

South’s nine-year run as No.1 club started in 1999, with the Hawks holding the Saunders Cup since 2008.

Bendigo YMCA Harriers and Bendigo University will also be vying for points, medals and personal bests across a wide variety of events.

There are 168 athletes from Athletics Bendigo clubs who have entered this weekend’s championships.

Tomorrow’s action begins at 5pm when the 5000m walks are contested.

Other events on day one include 400m hurdles, 200m hurdles, 3000m run, 5000m run, discus, javelin, high jump, pole vault and long jump.

Saturday’s program starts at 9am.

Highlights on day two include the 100m, 3000m steeplechase, shot put, hammer thrw. 1500m, 400m and discus.

Action on Sunday begins at 8am when the 10,000 race is run.

Day three includes hurdles, 200m, 2000m steeplechase, javelin, 800m, 4 x 100m relays 4 x 400m relays. pole vault and more.

Athletics Bendigo competitors at the 2012 Victoria