Memorable finish caps off Stawell Gift weekend

International stars headlined the Stawell Gift with the finals of the 144th Powercor Men’s and 37th Women’s Gift run and won.

Finals Day included a packed schedule of events, highlighted by Sha’Carri Richardson winning the Women’s Gift and South Australian Olufemi Komolafe winning the Men’s Gift. Both claimed the $40,000 winners’ purse.

It was an exciting Easter weekend of track action highlighted by US sprinting superstars Richardson and Christian Coleman.

The international contenders took on a star-studded field made up of Australia’s best short-distance runners.

Richarson flew home to win the Women’s gift off scratch. She became just the third Women’s Gift winner to win off scratch.

Coleman was knocked out in the semi-finals but both wowed the strong crowd at Central Park.

The excitement wasn’t just on track across the weekend with activities for spectators of all ages. This included the popular Easter egg hunt, Fashions at Central Park on Easter Sunday and the Sash Club.

The long Easter weekend always provides a chance for visitors from around Victoria and beyond the explore the picturesque part of regional Victoria. This includes Stawell and the many towns which make up the Grampians region.

The race was broadcast live across Australia on the Seven Network with more than 1.5 million viewers tuning in. This helped showcase Stawell to a massive audience, further providing a massive boost for local tourism.

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.

As a key highlight on Victoria’s major events calendar every year, events like the Stawell Gift helps make up the state’s $3.3 billion visitor economy.

These events help fill accommodation providers, create jobs and support smalls business across the state.