Kelly, 14, racing off 4.25m finished just over half a metre behind winner South Australian Hayley Orman who was the front marker in the final, running off 9.75 metres.

Earlier this season, Kelly claimed the Warrnambool Gift and was a finalist in the Ballarat Gift.

EARLIER: Ballarat Harriers runner Grace Kelly could become the youngest female in history to take out the prestigious women's Stawell Gift.

The 14-year-old cruised through her semi-final triumph to book a spot in the final, which is scheduled for 1.50pm.

A delighted Kelly, who is in year nine at Emmanuel College in Warrnambool, said she "couldn't believe it" after winning her semi.

Kelly lives in Warrnambool but joined the Harriers three years ago and still runs under the Ballarat club's banner.

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"I honestly can't believe it. It was my goal to make the semi and to just have some fun," she said.

"To make a final with some pretty amazing athletes is just incredible."

Kelly said the result proved hard work paid dividends.

She said she was unsure of what she'd do with the $40,000 prize if she was to win but would cherish the experience of running the race.

The women's gift final will be telecast on Prime7 from 1.50pm.

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