Capacity crowd watches return of the Stawell Gift

The past three days have seen the Stawell Gift athletics race return following its cancellation last year because of the Coronavirus.

With the race not run last year, for only the fifth year since 1878, and its future having been clouded in uncertainty until a funding commitment from the Victorian Government, a capacity crowd of 5,000 people has watched the 139th Stawell Gift.

Australia's richest footrace, dating back to 1878, had been in doubt after it lost the support of major sponsors in February 2019, forcing it to reduce the prize money for the winner from $40,000 to $15,000.

This was restored later that month after an agreement between the Victorian Government, Northern Grampians Shire Council, and the Stawell Athletic Club, but in December of that year the athletic club rejected a long-term funding agreement from the Victorian Government contingent on changes being made.

The situation changed last November when the club signed a sponsorship deal to keep the race televised, and to receive $1.22 million from the Victorian Government for four years.

With a new board of management and a new major sponsor in Powercor, this year’s Stawell Gift has seen the unveiling of a plaque, presented by World Athletics, marking the international importance of the prestigious athletics carnival.

World Athletics heritage plaques celebrate iconic athletics careers, cities, competitions, culture, performances and venues around the world, with the Stawell Gift the only athletics event in Australia to receive this recognition.

Commenting on the value of the event, Victorian acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Jaala Pulford stated “Stawell at Easter is a Victorian tradition that brings major benefits to the region, bolstering businesses and supporting jobs. We’re proud to be backing its continued growth.”

Stawell Athletic Club President, Neil Blizzard added “the World Athletics heritage plaque recognises the efforts of committee members, athletes, spectators, supporters and sponsors throughout the history of the event who have made the Stawell Gift what it is.”

Image: Running of the Stawell Gift at Stawell’s Central Park.