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 become 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. It is easily accessible from the National Highway marked “A8.”

Stawell Gift Race 2025 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 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 2025 Stawell Gift are encouraged to embrace the all-new official dress code of Black and 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 their own style.

Fashions Day has been a mainstay of Easter Saturday for over twenty 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. The event includes a glamorous outdoor fashion parade, activities, prizes, and entertainment, followed by the Powercor Stawell Gift women’s and men’s heats.

Winners of the Fashions Day are awarded prize money, gifts and hampers. The Lady of the Day and Best Dressed Gent will receive $1,000 prizemoney, while the 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 on Easter Sunday. There will be a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy, 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.

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 2025 Carnival. Coverage commences 5 minutes before 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 bring chairs or picnic rugs. Catering, first aid, and public toilets are also available, and free car parking can be found on 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!