Running star Tom Scully has taken out the 2017 running of the GIANTS’ annual handicap race on the final day of training before the Christmas break.

Starting a massive one minute and 50 seconds behind the first starters, Scully mowed down a gallant Nick Shipley to re-gain the trophy he first won in the inaugural 2014 edition.

Local Western Sydney product Shipley backed up his top-10 finish in the 3km time trial in second place with big man and new recruit Lachlan Keeffe coming in third.

The annual 3.5km race started at the GIANTS’ pre-season camp in Noosa back in 2014 with Scully taking out the first running.

Jon Patton took the title in 2015 before draftee Tim Taranto was the surprise packet in the 2016 edition.

Taranto was on hand to present the trophy back to Scully as he once again impressed in the race through Bicentennial Park in Sydney Olympic Park.

The Cup is named after the GIANTS’ first employee and current director of coaching and AFLW head coach Alan McConnell.

The McConnell Cup capped off a big field session for the GIANTS on Friday morning before the club breaks for the Christmas and New Year holiday period.