The Hawks will field a team of 58 when the three-day titles start on Friday at the La Trobe University Bendigo athletics complex in Retreat Road, Flora Hill.

In the past 13 years, Bendigo clubs have dominated the race for the Margaret Saunders Country Cup.

South Bendigo’s run as No.1 started in 1999 and the red and whites racked up nine consecutive years as Cup holder.

Eaglehawk ended South’s streak in 2008 and is desperate to keep its winning run rolling.

This weekend’s titles have drawn 168 athletes from Bendigo clubs.

University’s team of four – Andy Buchanan, Mike Bieleny, Jim Russell and David Tarrant – will chase victory in runs ranging from 800m up to 10,000m.

Bendigo YMCA Harriers has a lot of strength across all age groups.

The BYM squad of 61 will be to the fore in many contests on the track and in the field.

Many club members were in hot form in Saturday’s start to the AB championships.

South Bendigo will be represented by 45 competitors this weekend.

Athletes from under-14s up to over-70s will be in action.

Long-time competitors, such as Eaglehawk’s Geoff Major, Bendigo YM’s John Watson, and South Bendigo clubmates John Carter and Norm West, will be among the hundreds heading from near and far to chase Victoria Country athletics glory.

Awards include the David Kitt memorial trophy for men’s teams, the Ex Athletes Cup for women’s teams, the Stuart Hunter memorial shield, and the Joyce Lockyer memorial shield,

Friday’s action starts at 5pm, with Saturday’s program to start at 9am and Sunday’s finale from 8am.