2025 Stawell Gift breaks records and is seen around the world
Published: 24 April 2025Thanks to a host of world class athletes and a packed schedule of events, Central Park welcomed a full house for the biggest Gift ever.
For an Easter long weekend, Central Park in Stawell went global as clips of the 2025 Stawell Gift lit up social media, showcasing the Grampians to the world.
It was a highlight of the 143rd running of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious footrace, with sprinting superstars Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy headlining a strong card which also featured Olympic semi-finalist Bree Rizzo in the Women’s Gift.
Rizzo stole the show in the Women’s Gift final, becoming only the second female winner off scratch in the race’s history.
Having finished sixth in a semi-final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rizzo reeled in the field to win the prestigious title, something that made the win even more rewarding.
'To both win it is so incredible, and to win it off scratch, it’s just mind blowing, so special. I’m so proud of myself.'
Both Gout and Kennedy fell short of making the Men’s final with runner up performances in their respective semi-finals, but their dominant heat wins made headlines around the world.
Gout’s vanquisher in the semi-final John Evans continued on to claim victory in the final of the Men’s Gift, making it a weekend he’ll remember forever.
'I just run pros, and I’m not going to be running the likes of Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy again, so it’s a fantastic opportunity, and I get to tell my kids I did that now.'
Other top moments from this year’s Gift included Paris 2024 Olympian Peyton Craig taking the honours in the Men’s 1000m Invitational Handicap over fellow Olympian Peter Bol.
Beyond the headlining stars, more than 800 athletes competed across the long weekend including the stars of the future with 200 Little Athletics participants, through to Masters athletes who make the annual pilgrimage to Stawell.
Off the back of so many world class athletes making the trip to the Grampians, the 3 days saw more than 13,000 attendees experience the action, a 17% rise from last year.
More than 13% of ticket holders were from outside Victoria and the culmination of the Gift on Finals Day saw more than 6,000 spectators pack Central Park.
Beyond those on the ground, Seven and 7Plus’ coverage surpassed 1.5 million viewers, a 134% rise from last year. This was led by the streaming audience rising by 400% compared to 2024.
The Easter long weekend provides the ideal opportunity for visitors to explore Stawell and nearby towns in the Grampians region, providing a huge boon for local jobs and businesses.
To ensure the Stawell Gift continues to be Australia’s most famous footrace, the Victorian Government has committed $1.72 million in support to Stawell Gift Event Management to deliver the event through to 2027.
With the region doing it tough in recent months, the Victorian Government is committed to helping Stawell and other cities across the Grampians rebound.
This includes supporting small businesses and communities affected by the bushfires in Western Victoria with more than $29 million in assistance to support immediate and long-term recovery.