Competitors take on 140km Great Wheelbarrow Race

Runners have had perfect “goldilocks” weather as they tackled the 140km Wheelbarrow Way from Mareeba to Chillagoe over three days all while pushing a wheelbarrow.

Competitors and fundraisers take the first steps of the 140km Great Wheelbarrow Race. photo: E.Tierney

Runners have had perfect “goldilocks’ weather as they tackled the 140km Wheelbarrow Way from Mareeba to Chillagoe over three days all while pushing a wheelbarrow.

On the third weekend in May of each year, Mareeba Shire Council plays host to ‘The Great Wheelbarrow Race’.

Over three days teams push an empty wheelbarrow along the road between Mareeba and Chillagoe a historic stretch now known as ‘Wheelbarrow Way’ all in the name of charity.

Committee chair Ross Cardillo said he couldn’t believe how great the weekend was.

“We had 50 teams register but lost two before the start, but still a massive turnout bigger than last year,” he said.

“The weather was perfect, goldilocks weather, not too hot and not too cold.

“Everything ran smooth and every township along the way came out to support the entire event.”

WINNERS: 2025 Great Wheelbarrow Race overall winning team St Stephens Seniors

This year the over 500 runner in 48 teams took on the challenge, up from 34 teams last year, raising close to a quarter of a million dollars.

“As this was my first year being involved in the Great Wheelbarrow Race, I was absolutely blown away by the dedication and resilience of the teams, and the passion they showed for the causes they were supporting – with nearly a quarter of a million dollars raised this year,” Mr Cardillo said.

Competitors and fundraisers take the first steps of the 140km Great Wheelbarrow Race. photo: E.Tierney

This year the over 500 runner in 48 teams took on the challenge, up from 34 teams last year, raising close to a quarter of a million dollars.

School team, St Stephens Seniors, took out the overall challenge in a time of 7 hours, 3 minutes, 46 seconds.

Down Under Movers & Shakers raised the most money this year fighting Parkinson’s disease with a total of $30,096 which will go to FNQ Hospital Foundation.

“As this was my first year being involved in the Great Wheelbarrow Race, I was absolutely blown away by the dedication and resilience of the teams, and the passion they showed for the causes they were supporting – with nearly a quarter of a million dollars raised this year,” Mr Cardillo said.

Late in the 1800s when work was scarce and transportation was limited, miners often used to travel about the region using a wheelbarrow to carry all of their possessions.

In 2004, as a tribute to these early pioneers and to honour their amazing trailblazing feats, the road between Mareeba and Chillagoe was named the Wheelbarrow Way.

Since 2007 runners have taken to the stretch every year raising a total over $2.63 million till 2024.

“This incredible event not only draws hundreds of visitors to our outback towns, but also builds a strong sense of community spirit. None of this would be possible without the support of Mareeba Shire Council, the Great Wheelbarrow Race committee, our volunteers, and our generous sponsors.”

Queensland Member for Cook, David Kempton said the is more than just a competition.

“It brings communities together, celebrates our unique heritage, and injects energy into regional Queensland,” he said.

The last team arrives at the finish of the Great Wheelbarrow Race. Photo: Facebook

Winding through fertile farmland, cattle country, and Savannah landscapes, the

Wheelbarrow Way connects visitors with the rich history, hospitality, and scenic charm

of Far North Queensland’s inland towns of the Cook region.

“The race honours our past while supporting our future, especially by driving tourism

and awareness of our vibrant Mareeba Shire,” Mr Kempton said.

Originally published as Competitors take on 140km Great Wheelbarrow Race