UPWEY'S Melissa Duncan will pursue back-to-back victories in the 28th running of the Bendigo Bank Dragon Mile athletics classic on Easter Sunday.
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A year ago the Duncan sisters, Melissa and Kate were first and second.
The change to the gala parade route has also meant a change to the mile course.
Athletes will now run from the gold monument on Pall Mall toward Alexandra Fountain, swing right up View Street, go around the roundabout and then back down the hill."
The Bendigo Harriers Athletics Club-run event has drawn competitors of all ages.
Racing begins with the mini mile for grade four and under at 10.30am and will be followed by grades 5-6, secondary schools, open.
"The women's open is a quality field," said Harriers' media officer Craig Green.
"Teleah Hayes from the South Bendigo Athletics Club has won a junior title six years in a row and steps up to open company for the first time."
Courtney Scott from Bacchus Marsh has competed at junior world cross-country titles.
Ballarat's Jesse Fullerton was runner-up in the men's open in the 2013 Dragon Mile. Sunday's contenders include Kye Jenkyn from Bendigo Harriers, Andy Buchanan and Mike Bieleny from Bendigo University, and Box Hill's Nigel Preston.
"Without the help of Bendigo Bank it would be difficult to put on a race like this," said long-time Harrier Neil Macdonald. "They are a great supporter of grassroots sport."