Ararat athletes will look to make their mark on one of Victoria's biggest athletics stages this weekend.
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"About 10" Cooper Stable athletes will compete across a variety of events at the weekend's Stawell Gift, carrying in good form to the prestigious competition.
Coach Marcus Cooper said the athletes from Ararat and the surrounding district have had a strong season in the lead up to Stawell.
"We have had a great season, won lots of races, very big races even. Things are looking pretty good for Stawell," he said.
"I have been doing it for 30 years now so it is normal for me but there is always a bit of that excitement around the Stawell Gift."
Cooper said he is confident his athletes are in top condition for the weekend's races.
"I know how to get them up and ready. They have done a a lot of hard training in winter getting ready for the season and we have managed injuries to be in good shape for Stawell," he said.
"We have done that quite well, we are looking pretty fast.
"We had a good preseason. When you start the season winning races and keep doing so all the way through, you know you have done something right.
"That goes down to everyone, they all trained hard and have earned their rewards."
Two Cooper Stable athletes will compete in the Stawell Gift, with others competing across various age groups and distances across Easter.
"Keep and eye out for Zoe and Caitlyn Nicholson in the 70 and 400 metre races," Cooper said.
"I also think Paddy Turner is a good chance at reaching a semi final in the Gift."
Cooper said race victories are ultimately not how he will measure the success of his team this weekend or from the season as a whole.
"All I'm looking for is for them to run their best at the end of the season, if they win that is a bonus," he said.
"If you make a final at Stawell you have done extremely well, same as a semi.
"I'm just hoping all the guys don't get too nervous, have a clear mind and perform the best they can.
"Stawell is the pinnacle of our season with everyone at their peak trying to win, so hopefully we can compete well and come away with our heads held high."
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