Tim Rosen peaked just at the right time to take out the Maribyrnong Gift on Australia Day.
Rosen ran second in his heat and third in the semi-final but hit the line first when it mattered in the open 120m race final at Pennell Reserve.
Rosen, who competes for Glenhuntly Athletics Club, had a limited preparation because of a hamstring injury.
He crossed the line just ahead of tough competition from Edward Ware and Nicholas Repalust.
The six-runner field in the final was rounded out by James Vine, Stephanie Richards and Daniel Steinhauser.
Local star Megan McMahon took out the 120m women’s gift.
She pipped Jacqui McCann and Loryn Savoia in a tight finish.
Repalust just missed out on first place in the open 120m event but made up for it by winning the 70m open race. Lachlan Taylor triumphed in the 300m open race, while the 300m women’s/masters went to Laura Nicholson.
Stefan Catalano comfortably took out the 1600m open, while Colm Rothery picked up a win in the 1600m restricted.
The next generation had their go at the St Andrews Footscray Cricket Club-organised event, with Tom Griffin taking the honours in the under-17 120m race.
