Ballarat Pod Squad sprinters Hugh Hoffman, Patrick Martin and Dun Rilloraza will make up a number of professional athletes to contest the $8500 event held today.

They will go head-to-head with Victoria's finest in a bid to represent their hometown.

"It's always good to represent your home city and run," Hoffman said.

"You get families and friends coming up for it - it's a good event."

It will be the second gift appearance for Hoffman, who will compete in the 400-metre backmarkers, as well as the 1200-metre showcase event.

He said he hoped a finals appearance was on the cards.

"I'm more of an endurance runner, but I can do alright in the sprints," he said.

"I'm looking for a semi-final berth but I'll be rapt if I make a final."

Hoffman will be joined by teammate Patrick Martin in what will be his third appearance at the carnival. After making the final of the 400-metre backmarkers last year, he said he hoped to go one better.

"In the 400 I feel like I've got a fair chance," he said.

"I came fifth last year and I'm hoping to back that up and go a step better this year."

Rilloraza might boast the best chance of the three in the sprint events.

Now in his seventh year of athletics, Rilloraza is no stranger to competition.

The 20-year-old will compete in four events, including the Ballarat men's gift, the 400-metre open and the 70-metre sprint.

He said he was more of a short-distance specialist.

"The 70 is my pet event," he said.

"I feel like I can make the finals, but I just want to run my best and come out injury-free.