It is not unusual to see parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles all working together, motivating each other to further their potential.

They’re not always active as competitors either.

There are various support roles such as coaches and officials.

The Victorian Country Track and Field Championships in Ballarat tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday will be no exception.

And event host Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre is eager to promote this aspect of this major meet at Llanberris Athletic Centre, where a record 706 athletes will compete for titles.

BRAC representative and athletics coach Neville Down said multiple family involvement had long been a strength of track and field in Ballarat.

“We’ve seen it for years and it’s still the way,” he said. “We see it across all the clubs.”

Down said there would be numerous BRAC families with more than one member involved in the country championships – on and off the track and field.

“Other centres from across the state are also going to have many families with two and more members taking part,” he said.

Down said parent and children combinations competing from Ballarat included Brendan and Michelle Hawkes and son Joshua and Lachlan (Wendouree); Robert and Narelle Lehmann and daughters Jessica and Meg (Wendouree); Peter O’Dwyer and daughters Kathryn and Grace (Harriers); Derek Milton and son Nicholas (Wendouree); Sue Anderson and daughter Cleo (Harriers); Chris Lang and daughter and Gabrielle (Wendouree).

Parents on hand as officials with children competing include Richard and Sarah Davis, daughter Emma (official) and son Alex (YCW); Alison Fidler and son Nick (Wendouree); and Christine Christie and daughter Caitlin (Wendouree).

The 700-plus competitors make up more than 1800 entries and include metropolitan and interstate athletes, who will not be eligible for titles.

Competition begins with a session tomorrow night.

At a glance

VICTORIAN COUNTRY TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Llanberris Athletic Track, Ballarat

FRIDAY

Starts 4pm

SATURDAY

Track starts 9.30am

Field starts 8.30am

Opening ceremony 1.45pm

SUNDAY

Track starts 8.30am

Field starts 8am

Flag raising ceremony noon

Presentations 4.30pm