The Bay Sheffield Carnival began in 1887 as a celebration of our State’s 50th birthday and it has become is a highly anticipated and renowned South Australian event.

The Bay Sheffield Carnival is South Australia’s richest and most prestigious foot racing event, attracting runners from all over Australia to compete each year on the 27th and 28th of December.

The feature races for men and women are run over 120 metres (competing for a prize of $16,000), while other races cater for juniors, veterans, para-athletes, men and women over distances from 70 to 3200 metres.

In 2024 we will celebrate the 138th consecutive Bay Sheffield Carnival at South Australia’s home of pro running, Colley Reserve, Glenelg.

Athlete nominations for The Bay Sheffield will open in November each year and the event is free for spectators across two exciting days of racing. 

The South Australian Athletic League’s (SAAL) handicapping system gives runners of different abilities a chance to be competitive.
For more information on SAAL and handicapped running please see here.