Reid, 19, was one of the youngest competitors in the elite men's field for the inaugural running of the Bendigo Harriers Athletics Club and City of Greater Bendigo-backed event at the Flora Hill track.

"It was an incredible experience," Reid said of the 12 1/2 lap showdown against a field that included world championships marathon runner Julian Spence, Bendigo star Andy Buchanan, and Reid's coach and training partner, Brady Threlfall.

"The organisers did an amazing amount of work to put such a quality field together," Reid said.

"It was not the best race I have run, but one I will learn a lot from.

"There are definitely areas I can work on and improve.

"Every race is a learning experience."

The young gun from South Bendigo AC said tactics in the 5km Frenzy were to go with any move.

"The plan was not to be dropped."

The most decisive move he made was when Buchanan attacked about the halfway mark.

"I tried to stay with him, but he just clicked a few gears and kept increasing the lead."

Reid clocked a time of 14:59 as he beat his Bendigo under-20 record.

A highlight of Reid's summer was sixth placing in the half-marathon at Launceston in mid-December.

"A goal was to run that race in under 66 minutes."

He lowered his personal best for the 21.1km distance by more than two minutes as he achieved sixth place in 65.40.

Reid ran the first half of that event in 29.38.

"Launceston was one of the best races I have had so far. I like the challenge of a 5km race, but the longer the better for me."

Since he raced in Tasmania, Reid has put in plenty of hours working in the family owned and operated Bruburger in Echuca.

"I have been training, but not as much as I was leading into Launceston.

"There had not been a lot of speed work, and that showed in the 5km Frenzy."

Reid joined forces with coach Threlfall last March.

"Training with him and the different workouts we do has helped me improve so much."

Reid said the support of parents Anthony and Lynda, and older brother Oscar, was a huge plus in his athletics pursuits.

"I started with Echuca-Moama Little Athletics when I was eight.

"I have always enjoyed running and racing."

On the track, road, or cross-country, Reid runs with plenty of determination.

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