The launch also previewed the much-anticipated second annual Run for the Willow in December.

Special guest, Cameroons champion sprinter Sani Biao, took the chance to test the grounds before he returns for the Daylesford Gift.

Biao said he was looking forward to getting in some extra competitive running in the Telstra A Series.

He ran second to the world's fastest man, Asafa Powell, at the March Commonwealth Games, but is looking forward to taking on the likes of Joshua Ross at the Daylesford Gift.

Ballarat rising star Nathan Dixon has swapped his footy boots for running spikes this season, also attending the launch as a special guest.

Last season, Dixon won three gifts at Geelong, Ballarat and Waverley, and, while preparing to defend his titles, hopes for a strong performance at Cricket Willow.

"If I have a similar year to last year it would be fantastic," Dixon said.

"It'll be good to get on track and make it all worthwhile."

Dixon was also crowned Victorian Runners and Trainers Association sprinter of the year last season and said he already felt fitter this time around.

"I still do a lot of running training during the footy season," he said.

"It's hard to say how I'll go this time of the year. You don't set out to achieve all that I did: you just do your best."

Dixon kicks off his season with the Bacchus Marsh Gift on Melbourne Cup Day in November.

Former professional running champion John Toleman was a guest speaker and declared the event "sensational" for the area and for running.

Events promoter and four-time Stawell Gift finalist Chris Tuohy spoke of his dreams for a gift at Cricket Willow, and his work with the Tinetti family to make it a reality.

Tuohy said he saw other sportspeople competing in "nice environments" and hoped to offer the same to his sport.

"I thought why not run and compete in such a nice environment.

"We deserve the same thing, so let's get over the cow paddocks and onto the pitch," he said.

Geelong Greyhounds will host the first VAL meet of the season on Friday, October 27 and the last will be the running of the Stawell Gift on Easter Monday.