ON a wet and cold Easter weekend in 1965 Bruce Cox won the iconic Stawell Gift and this year, exactly 50 years on he will return to the track to celebrate his milestone.
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Running off seven and a half yards and in a time of 12.00 seconds Cox crossed the line winning the Gift which was worth £850 together with a Gold Medal (£10.10.0), Silver Tea Service (£41) a Jerabombe of Champagne and the Sporting Globe sash.
Many changes have taken place over the years with the prize money a significant difference.
Cox's association with Stawell goes back to 1960 when the Stawell Athletic Club held a 100 yard event on the Easter Monday called the Encourage Handicap for runners 19 years of age and under to encourage younger participation in professional running.
"We think this is the only time the Stawell Athletic Club has run such an event.," Cox said.
"I won this race in the time of 9.7 seconds off four yards and won the sum of £15 and a sash presented by Mr and Mrs Bill Peter of Stawell."
Cox who is now retired and living in Gippsland on the Gippsland Lakes with wife Judy got the urge to get out and see Australia and returning home to Victoria after 27,000 kilometres went through Stawell to revisit the famous Stawell track.
"Once out on the oval it was easy to line up where the official finish gates are positioned," Cox said.
"We retraced the track and lined up the approximate starting mark for the now famous red singlet which I wore."
On looking further towards the Hall of Fame building there came a shout of amazement from Cox where on a large mural on the side wall there is was rejoicing as he crossed the line to win the 1965 Gift.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cox's win at Stawell and he is making a special effort to return to Stawell with his family to celebrate this milestone.
Accompanying Cox will be wife Judy, daughters Tracey and Donna, grandchildren Charlie and Grace and brother Peter and his wife Maureen.
On the down side Cox is battling the effects of Motor Neurone Disease.
Motor Neurone Disease is a neurological disease that affects the nerve cells that control the voluntary muscles.
There is no known cause and no known cure.
Cox was first diagnosed early March last year and had since lost over 14 kilograms in weight from his upper body which has resulted in physical weakness.
Cox is determined to make this emotional trip to Stawell to celebrate this milestone.
If anyone wishes to donate to the Motor Neurone Disease Association go to https://www.mycause.com.au/payment/charity/15
