Historic Stawell Gift Draws a Record Crowd, Highlights by Power Blackout and Gout’s Performance
This year’s Stawell Gift, held during the Easter weekend at Central Park in the small Victorian town of Stawell, drew an impressive crowd that nearly matched the town’s population. The event, one of Australia’s oldest and most unique sporting traditions, did not disappoint attendees, offering drama, history, and plenty of excitement.
A Historic Gathering
The Stawell Gift, which has been held annually for 143 years, took center stage during the weekend. While the town of Stawell, located in western Victoria, may not be as internationally recognized as New York’s Central Park, the event put it under a global spotlight. This year’s race attracted 5,827 spectators, doubling last year’s turnout and marking the highest attendance in over two decades. The town’s official population is only 6,220, making the crowd size even more impressive.
Hotels, motels, and caravan parks in the area were fully booked, with many visitors traveling from outside the town to experience the event. Among those who traveled was 17-year-old sprinting sensation, Gout Gout. Having just run a fast 200 meters in Perth, Gout flew back to Brisbane for school before heading to Victoria for the historic race. He was not only attracted by the rich tradition of the event but also the $50,000 appearance fee and a chance to win the grand prize of $40,000.
Gout Gout Steals the Show
The young athlete was one of the biggest attractions of the event. Although Gout’s performance in the semifinals did not lead to a win, his appearance was a key moment in the race’s 2025 edition. Gout, widely regarded as one of the fastest teenagers in sprinting, competed wearing the signature red silk singlet. Despite heavy showers, a power blackout, and difficult racing conditions, Gout impressed the crowd with his enthusiasm and presence.
In his semi-final run, Gout finished second, a result he attributed to the headwind and heavy track conditions. Nonetheless, his energy and sportsmanship shone through when he returned for a mixed-gender invitational consolation race. Here, he participated despite being unable to be wagered on, as local gambling laws prohibit bets on minors. Although Gout didn’t finish near the front in the consolation race, he spent time interacting with fans, signing autographs, and posing for selfies, much to the delight of the crowd.
Power Outage and Weather Challenges
The race’s dramatic moments were amplified by unexpected events. During Gout’s run, two heavy showers passed through, with the second one causing a power failure that knocked out the commentary and the big screen. The weather didn’t help the track conditions either, making it even more challenging for the athletes. As Gout ran in the rain and strong winds, his red singlet flapped in the breeze, adding a layer of spectacle to the race.
Though Gout was unable to reach the final, his appearance certainly left a lasting impact. The athlete’s appearance in the event was not only a personal highlight but also contributed to the excitement surrounding the Stawell Gift, bringing in new fans and helping boost the profile of the race.
A Community Event with Deep Roots
The Stawell Gift is more than just a race; it’s a community event that holds deep historical significance. Central Park, the venue for the race, exudes the charm of an era long gone, with its dilapidated grandstands, old-school manual scoreboard, and a grass track that’s been nurtured over 40 years by local groundskeeper Kevin “Cabbage” Rickard.
The race also stands out due to its unique handicapping system, which gives slower runners head starts. In some events, this can be as much as a 10-meter advantage, leveling the playing field for all participants. This system, along with the atmosphere at the park, makes the Stawell Gift a one-of-a-kind experience.
In addition to the professional-level competition, volunteers from the Stawell Athletic Club, dressed in maroon blazers and ties, ensured that the event ran smoothly. They handed out brightly colored singlets to the athletes, a tradition that occasionally sparks some controversy. Some athletes, like Gout, choose to tie up their singlets to reduce drag during races.
A Celebration of Athletics
Gout’s appearance at Stawell was also seen as a celebration of his successful season. Just before the men’s final race, he shared a warm embrace with the day’s star performer, Bree Rizzo. Rizzo, who achieved a remarkable victory as a back-marker, had accomplished what even Gout could not — winning from scratch. The two athletes shared a moment of joy after the race, with Gout praising Rizzo’s performance.
As Gout and Rizzo exchanged pleasantries, a local police officer remarked on the event’s impressive turnout, speculating that Gout’s presence helped sell thousands more tickets. For some, it was a reminder of the importance of engaging youth in athletics. As one local resident put it, the event offered a much healthier alternative to “playing a PlayStation.”
The Future of the Stawell Gift
While Gout’s run was just one of many highlights, the Stawell Gift itself continues to thrive as a unique and cherished event in Australian sport. The mixture of tradition, local involvement, and international interest ensures that the race remains an important fixture in the athletics calendar. As more young athletes like Gout become involved in the race, the future of the Stawell Gift looks brighter than ever.
The 2025 edition of the Stawell Gift will go down in history as one of the most memorable, marked by great athletic performances, unexpected challenges, and a sense of community spirit that made the event even more special.
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