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Stawell Gift

Stawell Gift

The Stawell Gift is a running race with a long history dating back to the late 19th Century. Today, this iconic race has grown to be the most important event in Stawell’s sporting calendar.

The event is held in March/April over the Easter holidays at Central Park in Stawell. Central Park is 67 kilometres from Horsham and about a 3-hour drive from Melbourne. The park is easily accessible from the National Highway marked “A8”.

Stawell Gift Race 2024 Dates, Race Times, Location, Victoria

Every year, many local and international athletes come to Stawell to participate in this prestigious event. The Stawell Gift Foot race draws thousands of visitors annually to this town. The main attraction of the running event is the 120-metre race over an uphill gradient. The final race, which marks the event’s culmination, is held on Easter Monday. One of the most intriguing things about the Stawell Gift is that participants run on natural turf instead of the more common rubber surfaces, unlike international games such as the Olympics.

In addition, sprinters taking part in the events have their lanes demarcated by lane ropes instead of conventional lines painted on the rubber surface. During the competition, spectators will note that the runners are grouped differently based on each individual’s ability and form. Consequently, the starting points differ accordingly as each runner is given a ‘handicap’ based on their qualifying time.

The Powercor Stawell Gift and the Strickland Family Women’s Gift are Australia’s richest footraces. Aside from a place in Australian sporting history, the winners of both events take home a $40,000 winner’s cheque. Both events share equal prize money.

FASHIONS DAY

All attendees at the 2024 Powercor Stawell Gift are encouraged to embrace the all-new official dress code of Black & White with a Dash of Red this Easter Saturday. As part of the Gift’s evolution, Easter Saturday is now known as Fashions Day and is an opportunity for athletes and spectators to join in the fun and celebration of fashion in your own style.

Fashions Day has been a mainstay of Easter Saturday for over 20 years, but now, everyone can get into the spirit of Fashions Day. Whether you’re into Haute Couture and want to dazzle in your finest race-going attire, or whether your style is a little more street, celebrate your own sense of style in your favourite black and white outfit, with a touch of red for the colour pop.

Since 2003, Fashions Day has played a prominent role at the Stawell Gift carnival, including a glamorous outdoor fashion parade, activities, prizes and entertainment, followed by the Powercor Stawell Gift womens and mens heats.

Winners of the Fashions Day presented by Cadbury, are awarded prize money, gifts and hampers. The Lady of the Day and Best Dressed Gent will receive $1,000 prizemoney while winner of the Best Hat will receive $250. The ladies winner will receive a sash in memory of elite sprinter Billie Jo Petersen.

Winners are judged on elegance, exceptional style and classic carnival race wear.

FAMILY DAY

Experience the all-new Family Day at the Powercor Stawell Gift with a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy on Easter Sunday. And it’s all free for children under 12.

Join the hunt for more than 7,000 easter eggs,  have fun on the giant slide, get your face painted or meet the stars of Australian athletics. Enjoy family fun at Central Park, even if you’re not running. Come and meet the Powercor mascots, Max and Pippa, enjoy fun activities and giveaways, or ride high above the ground to see the world like a liney.

Easter Egg Hunt times:
11:30am – 11:45am (3-4 year-olds)
11:45am – 12pm (5-7 year-olds)
12pm – 12:15pm (8+ year-olds)

LIVESTREAM

The Powercor Stawell Gift is streamed live and free on 7Plus for all three days of the 2023 Carnival. Coverage commences 5 minutes prior to the first race each day. Download the 7Plus app or visit 7plus.com.au to see all of the action from Central Park live.

Central Park is located on Main Street in Stawell, approximately 1km from the Western Highway. Ground entry is via the Stawell Athletic Club or the entry gates on Main and Victoria streets.

Seating is available in the grandstands, or many patrons choose to bring their own chairs or picnic rugs. Catering, first aid and public toilets are also available, and free car parking can be found in the surrounding streets.

With fashion off the runway and on the tracks and entertainment for the kids, the Stawell Gift offers an invigorating sporting experience like no other!

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What date is the Stawell Gift?
What time is the Stawell Gift?
Saturday, 30 March 2024 – Fashions Day
Box Office Opens: 8:30am
Gates Open: 9am
Event Start Time: 9:30am

Sunday, 31 March 2023 – Family Day
Box Office Opens: 8:30am
Gates Open: 9am
Event Start Time: 9:30am

Monday, 1 April 2024 – Finals Day
Box Office Opens: 8:30am
Gates Open: 9am
Event Start Time: 9:30am

Please refer to the image gallery above for all race and event times

7 Plus Livestream Schedule
Easter Saturday: 9:25am
Easter Sunday: 9:25am
Easter Monday AM: 9:25am
Easter Monday PM: 2:30pm

2024 Powercor Stawell Gift Fashions Day Schedule
12:30pm - 3:30pm: Entries open for Fashions Day presented by Cadbury
3:30pm: Fashions Day entries close
3:30pm - 4pm: Fashions Day judging
4:10pm: Fashions Day on ground parade

Family Day at the Powercor Stawell Gift Schedule
9am - 9:30am: Kids Athletics Clinic
9:30am - 4:30pm: Face Painting
9:30am - 4:30pm: Inflatable slide
10:30am - 11:15am: Meet & Greet
11:30am - 12:15pm: Easter Egg Hunt
1pm - 3:30pm: Sports and Fun Zone with Kelly Sports


Please visit our website for more information on the Stawell Gift.
Where is the Stawell Gift located?
What is the Stawell Gift address?
What are the Stawell Gift entry prices?
Please refer to the ticket prices listed in the image gallery above

Please visit our website for more information on the Stawell Gift.
What is the Stawell Gift phone number?

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