Former winner Greg Wilson to make Castle Hill fun run return

50 years after his win in 1975, runner Greg Wilson is back to compete in the annual King and Queen of Castle Hill fun run.

Brendan Carter, Dave Wharton, Augustine Huchin, Martin Zavala, Marcel Zevenberg and Charlie Goldsmith are set for upcoming the King and Queen of Castle Hill race. Picture: Evan Morgan.

North Queenslanders of all ages will put on their running shoes for the annual Castle Hill fun run.

Organised by Brendan Carter, the event, which has been running for 54 years now, brings the community together for a run up Castle Hill, with the winner being crowned the King or Queen of Castle Hill.

Greg Wilson competed in the first run in 1972, and won three years later in 1975.

This year, he will return to celebrate 50 years since his win, after competing in the race’s 50th anniversary in 2022, and said he’s thrilled to be back.

“This race is a lot of fun, and I’m honoured to be part of an event that brings people together to challenge themselves and support local causes,” he said.

Augustine Huchin, Marcel Zevenberg and Martin Zavala are set for upcoming the King and Queen of Castle Hill race. Picture: Evan Morgan.

“[Castle Hill] is a distinctive landmark of the city, and why wouldn’t you want to walk or run up it?”

It’s been almost 50 years since Mr Wilson last competed in 1976, and said he can’t wait to reconnect with other runners.

“It’ll be great to get back there and meet some people who ran in the first race who are still running,” he said.

Mr Wilson said he encourages everyone in Townsville to “give it a go.”

“It’s about getting the best out of your own personal ability and achieving your personal potential,” he said.

“Get up there as quickly as possible without falling over.”

The event will feature multiple race categories to suit all ages, and a prince and princess will also be crowned.

The run will take place on June 1 at 6.30am, starting on Kennedy Street. Locals can register on Townsville Road Runners’ website.

Originally published as Former winner Greg Wilson to make Castle Hill fun run return