10 APRIL 2024 | ISSUE 545 | FREE
GOULBURN RIVER & RANGES
A GIFT OF SPEED Pictured: Local sprinter Hayden Anderson.
An historic chapter of Australia's oldest foot race was written on Easter weekend, as torrential rain caused havoc at the Stawell Gift. However, this didn't defy the athletes from KELFIT - Seymour's Pro Running Club.
The Stawell Gift is Australia's oldest and most lucrative short-distance race, which began in 1878. It takes place annually over the Easter long weekend in Stawell, Victoria, and attracts thousands of athletic enthusiasts and competitors from across Australia and beyond. The event features the fiercely contested 120-metre race, where participants compete for victory and a share of the substantial prize purse. Every year during Easter, the charming town of Stawell attracts both skilled athletes and enthusiastic onlookers, all eager to witness the exhilarating display of swiftness and perseverance. Amidst the excitement, bookmakers contribute an additional layer of intrigue, woven into the event's vibrant and diverse tapestry, as betting enthusiasts try to predict the outcomes. The competition covers a broad range of distances and includes both genders, from 70 to 3200 meters, highlighting a diverse array of running skills. The races take place on state-of-the-art surfaces, and sprint events happen in designated lanes marked by lane ropes. One of the most iconic features of the event is the finish gates, which etch unforgettable moments into the annals of the Gift's history. In its pinnacle moment, the 120-metre sprint commands the nation's attention for a mere 12 seconds per gender, epitomizing the essence of speed and precision. The winners not only bask in the glory of their victory, but also receive significant cash prizes, solidifying the Stawell Gift's position as a toptier event on Australia's sporting calendar.
Familiar names to Nagambie of Breen (1894), Heath (1933) and Deane (1946) have each etched their way into Stawell Gift history winning the prestigious race. Patrick Breen was born at Wahring and won the Stawell Gift in 1894. Patrick participated successfully in various local sports prior to winning the Gift. Fierce competition in pedestrian sport of the time involving wagers on results, and threats to participants, spoiled the sport for Patrick. Patrick Breens sister married into the Deane family and history now tells us that Tommy Deane carried the Breen ‘speed’ gene. The Nagambie Museum has an excellent display of the Stawell Gift local winners including news clippings, medals and sashes, spikes and stop watches. You can visit the Nagambie Museum at 344 High Street, Nagambie during opening hours, 9.30-12.30pm Every Wednesday and Sunday, and the 1st Saturday of each month. You can contact the museum on 0428263929. In 2024, get ready to witness the revival of track racing as Seymour's KELFIT running team renews their passion and competes in events across Victoria. KELFIT was founded 3 years ago by Kelvin Lubeck, who is an Olympic level sprint and hurdle coach at level 3 internationally. He has an unparalleled passion for athletics in the region and is dedicated to inspiring athletes to achieve their full potential. His commitment to his work is truly commendable. Continued on page 3.
Pictured: Kelfit Season 2023-2024 L to R: Cooper Lubeck, Lucy Zotti, Hayden Anderson, Olivia Barry, Coach Kelvin Lubeck, Mandessah Wyatt, Olivia Attard, Isabella Morgan and Ian Porter | Absent: Nic Davey