The 29-year-old from Ulverstone, who was runner-up in the 400m gift the past two years and third in 2014 and 2015, powered away with a strong win over Amy Pedder and Eve Bell in a time of 53.35 (nearly two seconds ahead of Pedder) after starting with a handicap of 27m.

Post-race, Chapman, a two-time winner of the 120m Latrobe Gift, said her victory would also end her time running the longer distance.

“I really don’t like 400s, as I’m more of a one-two runner, but I’ve had two seconds and two thirds, so I’ve been wanting to win this one for a long time,’’ she said.

“I put in a good winter and I just really wanted it this year, and my preparation was good with no injuries, and I felt good, and that’s all you can ask for.

“I’ve been thinking about it (winning the Devonport Gift) all the time, so to finally get it, I can’t believe it.

“I knew my mark was reasonable, and you don’t know how everyone is going to run on the day, but I knew I was in the best shape I can be in and I try not to worry about anyone else.”

Having another big win on the Coast was a special moment for Chapman.

“I love running in front of a home crowd, and Devonport is one of my favourites, as you always hear the crowd get behind you on that home straight, as there’s no other feeling like that.”

In the men’s gift final, Victorian Luke Major made it a successful first visit to the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals Series by finishing ahead of Lachlan Bonney and Jarred Gilroy to take the title.

He completed his 400m run in 47.06 (with Bonney finishing in 47.48 and Gilroy 47.79) after being given a handicap of 14m.

“The vibe here is awesome and running in front of such a supportive crowd is a pretty good experience,’’ said Major, who said the 400m hurdles was his preferred event.

“I was just trying to stay relaxed, as it is always hard in a handicap race with people in front of you.

“So I was just trying to keep my cool and make sure I finish off strong which I think I did tonight.”