Zinc FM International Mt. Challenge Race
In 1979 the Cooroy-Pomona Lions Club formed the King of the Mountain Committee to revive and make the race an annual event. The race is now run on the Fourth Sunday of July each year and has become a major Internationally recognised sporting event on the Sunshine Coast Calendar.
The race runs from the centre of Pomona township, past streets crowded with well-wishers and supporters, then heads 'bush' towards the mountain. The runners commence climbing a set of low hills before confronting the mountain. The track up the mountain is little more than a goat track, with parts now modified with steps. In some places, it is only wide enough for one or two runners.
The mountain provides a steep almost vertical climb. The return down the mountain requires strength, agility, a good sense of balance, and an immunity to fear. The course, and indeed the race, has to be seen to be believed! Entrants in the King of the Mountain come from all over Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Rim and the United Kingdom. There is a strong rivalry between Australia and New Zealand participants.
The race record was set in 1987 by Graham Baralett of Queensland who completed the course in 22 minutes 50 seconds. In 2009, 22 years since the record was set, Neil Labinsky, 4th year consecutive winner, broke the record and recorded a time of 22 minutes 43 seconds.
The race has 5 categories, Junior, Open Male, Open Women, Veteran, Masters.
