First running of the Stawell Gift (1878)

The Stawell Gift, a professional foot race, began in 1878 in Stawell, Victoria. It originated as the 'Easter Gift' with prize money of £24, conducted by the Stawell Athletic Club. The event is held annually on Easter weekend, with finals on the holiday Monday at Central Park.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Stawell is a town in the Wimmera region of Victoria, Australia, located 237 kilometres west-north-west of Melbourne. The town is famed for the Stawell Gift, a professional foot race that began in 1878. The race is the main event in an annual carnival held on Easter weekend by the Stawell Athletic Club.

Origins. The Stawell Gift began in 1878, at the end of the Victorian gold rush, as the 'Easter Gift'. It was conducted by the Stawell Athletic Club in a program of seven races, most run in multiple heats. The prize money for the event was £24, which is several thousands in today's dollars.

Event Structure. The Stawell Gift is Australia's oldest and richest short-distance running race. It is the main event in an annual carnival held on Easter weekend by the Stawell Athletic Club. The main race finals are held on the holiday Monday at Central Park, Stawell, in the Grampian Mountains district of western Victoria.

People involved

Sources

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