David Haigh: A master of success celebrates golden season

Date: 9th April 2025

As Easter approaches and the Powercor Stawell Gift prepares to welcome the nation’s fastest to Central Park, few names will command the respect and admiration of the running community like David Haigh.

A seasoned professional with a love for the sport that spans five decades, David is entering his 37th Stawell Gift with an extraordinary lead-up season behind him – six wins at regional Gifts, a feat that has even surprised the humble Victorian.

“I feel very fortunate to have won six races in a season,” David says. “Each of those wins has its own story and meaning.”

A season to remember

Haigh’s season has been a masterclass in versatility and endurance, securing victories from 400 to 800 metres across age categories and open fields.

His winning run began at one of Australia’s most iconic carnivals – the Bay Sheffield in South Australia – where he claimed the 550m Over 35, his fourth win at that carnival. He went to the Frankston Gift and won the 400m Open, a particularly emotional triumph.

“That one was special, it was my first win in my original hometown,” he recalls.

He followed that with a win in the Wangaratta 800m Over 45, marking his fourth career victory at that historic meet. Wins at Ballarat (550m Over 45) and Geelong Gifts (Open 550m) came soon after too.

But perhaps the most meaningful came at Castlemaine. “Winning the Open 800m there was very special. It was the Sean Quilty Memorial Race. Sean was an amazing runner and a friend. That win meant a lot.”

Back where It all began

This Easter, David Haigh returns to Central Park for the 37th time, a journey that started as a wide-eyed spectator in 1989.

“I watched (Simon) McIntyre win the Gift that year, and I was hooked,” he says. “I first competed at Stawell in 1991 in the 800m, where I came 5th in my heat off 26m.”

Since then, Stawell has been a fixture of his life, and not without success. Haigh won the 800m in 2000 and the prestigious Herb Hedemann Invitational 1600m in 2001. This year, he’ll compete in the Open 400m, 550m, and 800m – proof that even at 56, David isn’t slowing down.

He’s looking forward to “walking in the gates on Friday afternoon and catching up with runners, trainers, friends and Stawell gift officials” who have also become friends over the years.

“Every day I can run is a good day”

Haigh attributes his resurgence to a rare break. After four decades of continuous racing, he took 2023 off. “It really freshened and revitalised me, and this year’s results show that,” he says.

Haigh trains with Team Ireland under respected coach Todd Ireland. He credits his squad and the camaraderie of pro running for keeping his passion alive.

“At 56, pro running is a great way to stay healthy. Getting to training a few times a week is as much about the social side, the banter with the 20-somethings, as it is the running.”

But it’s the shared success that fuels him most. “Although it’s an individual sport, I get great pleasure in the success of others, especially stablemates and friends. Sharing each other’s wins is something special.”

The spirit of pro running

From country carnivals to legendary Stawell Mondays, David Haigh is a walking time capsule of pro running stories and spirit.

“In the ’90s, the after-parties at Wangaratta and Bendigo were legendary,” he laughs. “Then there was the Brix Hotel on Easter Monday – that went to another level again.”

With a lifetime in athletics, a heart full of gratitude, and a fire that still burns for the next win, David’s story is far from over. “Every day I’m able to run is a good day. It’s always been that way. I enjoy training, but I’m always driven by my next win.”

When he isn’t running, David likes to get away. “Aside from being a running tragic I enjoy travelling with my wife Angela.”

As the 2025 Powercor Stawell Gift nears, don’t be surprised if David Haigh is once again making headlines, not just as a veteran of the sport, but as a contender with plenty still left in the tank.

Images: David (right) with coach Todd Ireland

Below: Team Ireland

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