However, after winning the 2020 Max Martin 120m Maryborough Gift, he hopes to return next year to defend his new title.

Fejiro (3.5m) took victory, racing against a tough field which included the 2019 winner Rupert Lugo (8m) who finished third and JackBoulton (6m) in second.

"The win means a lot to me as it's the first time I've come down here to compete...I am so glad that I was able to win," Omuvwie said.

The victory is just one of many recent wins, which includes a top performance in Canberra and other wins back in his home state, Queensland.

"I'm having a good season and the win today is a big confidence builder," he said.

The first-place finish secured him with $8000 in prize money and he already knows exactly how he will spend it.

"I will put the money back into more training so that I can improve myself, and get my coach a good gift," he laughed.

"This is an amazing carnival, one of the best I've been to as it's well organised. I definitely hope to be back next year."

Now that the hardwork has reaped rewards, he will take a brief break from competitions to relax and let his body settle after a few big weeks of running.

"I will then come back hard and train for nationals," Omuvwie said.

Maryborough Highland Gathering sports secretary Nick Weaver said the win was a great way to start the season.

"The Maryborough Gift is a race we always look forward to seeing who will be the new champion," Weaver said.

Weaver especially liked to see an inter-state visitor take the 2020 Gift title.

"That's the beauty of our events, they attract people from Australia wide," he said.

South Australian Kayla Lemm ran to victory in the 120m Women's Sprint with a time of 14.256.

The 23-year-old South Australian who ran off a mark of 6.25 metres edged out Ilana Grandine (3.5) to take out the event.

"I knew Ilana was the one to beat, she ran really well and managed to get me during the heats," Lemm said.

"But I'm really happy with how I ran, I had a great start."

Just days ago Lemm competed in events at the Bay Sheffield in South Australia, but was unable to get any victories.

"To come here three days later and get the top spot is amazing," she said.

The win has given her great confidence for the rest of the year, with plans already in motion for future events.

"Hopefully it puts me in a good position for the Stawell Gift and I will go back to the Bendigo meet in addition to a few more events at home," Lemm said.

The race may have been won in less than 15 seconds, however, years of hardwork and training went into the top performance on New Year's Day at Princes Park in Maryborough.

"It's been full-time on and off training for the past four years. I've had a great season recently where I was training six days per week which included running, yoga, Pilates and competing most weeks back at home," Lemm said.

Weaver said Lemm finished with a great time.

"The win is great after all the time and effort she has put into training," he said.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.