Fast Field of Runners at The 43rd L.W. Kent Memorial Easter Fun

A morning bathed in Autumn sunshine, the air still and windless, and hung with the promise of perfect running conditions, greeted 172 eager runners for the 43rd annual Lindsay Kent Memorial Easter Fun Run, in Stawell on Easter Sunday morning. 

The Lindsay Kent Memorial Easter Fun Run is the Stawell and Ararat Cross Country Club’s (SACCC) major fundraiser for the season, and a much loved tradition, perfectly timed to coincide with the excitement of the Stawell Gift. 

The added bonus of an extra hour following the end of daylight savings meant many runners, walkers and even some four-legged canine companions had time to participate in traditional Easter Sunday morning activities, before setting off to sprint, run or walk the 5km or 3km courses around the scenic backroads surrounding the Stawell Racecourse, with both distances boasting a fast field of seasoned runners, regular competitors and families embracing the spirit of participation. 

The 5km race delivered a competitive edge, as the fastest male and female both pushed hard to claim line honours, as well as the Mathew Riordan memorial trophy and beautiful Stawell gift style sash generously donated by long time fun run supporter and sponsor Ray Riordan. First to cross the line after completing the 5km course was Manaia Bremner from Tarrington in a speedy time of 17’ 18”, just ahead of impressive local Stawell runner Neil Beaton in 17’ 49”. 

Tessa Ebert from Tatachilla in South Australia was first female to complete the 5km course, crossing the finish line in impeccable form in what was described by SACCC President Mark Thompson as “a very very strong time” of 18’ 36”.

The shorter 3km event saw some remarkable young talent on display, and with many members of the ever impressive Field Family peppering the podium across the range of distances, it was Sam Field from Blackburn, offspring of professional athletes Simon and Hayley Field who steamed across the line first, completing the 3km course in 11”21’, only seconds in front of Hamish Peters, also from Blackburn in 11”28’, with Stawell local, and regular SACCC Junior Race Series competitor, Kayden Beaton rounding out the top 3 in 13” 29’. Sarah Lakeland, from Tasmania, was the first female across the line, finishing the 3km course in a tenacious time of 13” 51’. The winners were presented with sashes, sponsored by long time sponsor Mary Kent, who proudly watched the entire event unfold. 

The final sash of the day, was awarded after being drawn at random, to Maddison Dalziel, whose family have been deeply involved with the Stawell Gift since its beginning. 

The event concluded a huge success for the Stawell Ararat Cross Country Club, with strong participation, enthusiastic volunteers and generous sponsors, all ensuring the club raised valuable funds ahead of their 2026 season, which begins next Sunday April 12th with the Rhymney Reef 5000m Handicap at Rhymney Cricket Ground.