Twenty-nine-year-old Nathan Allen has won the nation’s richest and most prestigious footrace, the 126th edition of the Australia Post Stawell Gift.

Diving across the line, Allen won by just one tenth of a second off 5.25 metres after crossing the famous finish gantry in 12.35 seconds. Prahran’s Nick Sampieri (9.5 metres) was second in 12.36 seconds, with Sydney’s Iain MacFarlane (6.75 metres) third in 12.41 seconds.

Stamping his name in the record books, Allen was ecstatic with his victory.

“It means everything, it’s unbelievable, it’s an amazing event.”

Although Allen has been on the professional running circuit since he was 15 years old, he has only appeared at Central Park four times due to serious knee and back injuries. Never making the Australia Post Stawell Gift final, his previous best achievement was making the final of the 70 metres event in 1999.

Allen now plans to by a car after selling his $250 1982 Ford Laser to finance his trip to Central Park. Dennis Atacador of Australia Post presented the $40,000 winner’s cheque from Australia Post.

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