NEWS

Athletics Essendon represented well at the 2019 Stawell Gift Easter carnival.

Athletics Essendon was well represented at the 2019 Stawell Gift Easter carnival, held on the long weekend, the 20th – 22nd of April.

The Stawell weather (at the base of the Grampians) was sublime all weekend, the grass track at “Central Park” was pristine (the best prepared “football ground” in the country by far; like running on a lawn bowling green), and the racing was spectacular.

The highlight of Athletics Essendon’s representation at Stawell was no doubt Jara Konteh’s barnstorming run in his Stawell Gift heat and semi final, and winning a berth in the Stawell Gift final. Unfortunately for Jara, he succumbed to a hamstring injury with 40 metres to go. We’re sure Jara will bounce back bigger, stronger and faster from this in the off season.

Other Athletics Essendon athletes to compete at Stawell were:-

John Cooper – 300 Masters and 800 open.

Arron Downes – 550 metres open (6th in final) and 800 open.

Andy Boudrie – 200 open and 400 backmarkers.

Dominic Condello – 300 masters.

Brett Maurer – 400 frontmarkers.

Chris Vi – 70 metres open, 120 metre Stawell Gift, 200 metres open.

Stella McNamarra – 400 Women’s.

Harry Williams – 120 metres Stawell Gift.

Cam Searle – 120 metres Stawell Gift, heat and semi final. Cam finished 3rd in his semi final, with only the winners progressing to the final. Cam was also invited and competed in the 120 metres backmarkers invitational.

Jacob Despard – Jacob was the defending 120 metre Stawell Gift champion. Jacob raced the 120 metres Stawell Gift, and was invited, and competed in the 120 metres backmarkers invitational.

The Stawell Gift easter carnival is always a great way for all athletes to finish up their season.The history, and the atmosphere of the Stawell Gift carnival always makes the journey to central Victoria one to look forward to and remember.


The time honoured Stawell Gift perpetual trophy.
Jara’s post semi final victory interview with Jason “Richo” Richardson. Richo won the Stawell Gift in 1993. Richo finished his athletics career competing for Athletics Essendon.
Team Warlow