Due to the extreme weather conditions, Chambers was running late from the Melbourne train, but he was in red-hot form once he hit the track for the 1600-metre handicap race.

The 59-year-old clocked a time of 5.35 minutes, running down leader Mandy Worthington at the bell and clearing away to beat Ingrid Douglass, who was second with 5.58 mins.

There was a dead-heat for third between Adam Parker, who ran the fastest time of 5.09, and Greg Hilson, who stopped the clock in 5.18 minutes.

The next race in the series will be on Saturday, December 28.

It will be contested over 800 metres and run in conjunction with the Bendigo Cycling Club’s Christmas/new year bike carnival.

Starting time is still to be confirmed, but will likely be the usual 6.50pm.

Victoria's heatwave also affected junior athletes in the region, with Bendigo Little Athletics officials cancelling Friday night's scheduled meeting.

Organisers emailed athletes and families early in the day, advising that forecast high temperatures meant the program would not go ahead.

The Bendigo Little Athletics Centre is now on its Christmas break.

Competition resumes at the LUBAC track in Flora Hill on Thursday, January 23, starting at 5pm.

Senior athletics was due to be held on Saturday from 1.30pm.

Results of Thursday's Flack Advisory Distance Series 1600m handicap:

Charles Chambers 5.35

Ingrid Douglass 5.58

Adam Parker 5.09 (fastest time), equal on handicap with Greg Hilson 5.18

Geoff Jordan 6.14

Mandy Worthington 6.53

Jack Dooley 5.43

Kyle Hilson 6.17

John Justice 7.04

George Flack 7.51

Ebony Whiley 7.31