He'll be taking on the 120-metre men's gift and the 300m men's event at Friendly Societies' Park on January 2.

Perry believes his best chance is in the 300m.

"Hopefully I'm running all right over the 300m," he said.

"It would be pretty good to win at my home gift."

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His form in the past two years has been strong with wins at Maryborough (400m), Mount Gambier (550m) and Berwick (300m).

Perry is thrilled the historic event is going ahead.

"It's very exciting, especially after the year we've had," the 24-year-old said.

Gift president Richard Wearmouth said Victorian Athletic League gave the January 2 event the official tick of approval in the past fortnight after the state government's coronavirus pandemic restrictions eased.

He said the event had also received the go-ahead from relevant bodies including Warrnambool City Council.

He added most local participants would come from the Duynhoven Perry Sprinting (DPS) stable and the Athletics South West Turbines track and field club.

Perry, whose father Wayne is a Warrnambool running coach, was part of DPS for one season before he moved to Geelong.

He relocated at the start of 2018 and works full-time as an accountant.

Just this week he undertook the chartered accountant exam.

He said he began training with current coach Shane Ezard soon after he arrived in Geelong.

He said Ezard Athletics was a small stable with four runners.

Speedwork has been a focal point for Perry this pre-season, with more work in the starting blocks.

"(The focus has been) fitness over 400 metres, holding that top speed for long periods of time which you obviously need for 400," he said.

"I've also been focusing on speedwork this year compared to other years."

While 200-400m is his preferred range, he's looking to transition to the shorter sprints in the next couple of years.

Perry will have his first hit out of the season at this weekend's Meadowglen Gift. He'll run in the 200m.

He said he'd then undertake a week and half of heavy training before easing off the week before the Warrnambool Gift.

Beyond Warrnambool, Perry has his sights set on Bendigo's Black Opal 400m which is held on the Labour Day long weekend in March. He's aiming to win that event for the first time.

Perry is a former North Warrnambool Eagles senior footballer. They play in the Hampden league.

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