Community & Business
31 March, 2026
Born for the barrow
HEADING into his 12th Great Wheelbarrow Race, Jared Hohns has run solo, duo, trio and in teams. But for this year’s “Face of the Race”, it never gets old, he’s grown up with a wheelbarrow in his hands.
“I did my first race when I was just 14 years old,” he said.
Before that, he was inspired by his father, who had started competing when a young Jared was “just a spectator in the crowd, cheering the teams on”, and keen to get out there with them.
“I love competing in this event because it is a real challenge, and the atmosphere of being with the other teams – there’s no other event like it,” Jared said.
This year, Jared will be running with his brothers Jordan and Issac in a trio named ‘Hohns Heroes’.
“Myself and the boys have unfinished business — and there’s no better way to settle it than by running for a cause that truly matters.”
The brothers set the record back in 2019, and held it for six years, but despite beating it in 2024, they came short of taking the overall win.
While Hohns Heroes chase redemption on the Wheelbarrow Way, they are just as committed off the course, raising nearly $50,000 throughout their Great Wheelbarrow Race journey over the years.
“Our goal this year is to raise over $5,000 for the Mareeba Animal Refuge,” Jared said.
The 2026 Great Wheelbarrow Race is already shaping up to be a crowd pleaser, with 43 participants and teams already signed up for the 140km run.
Held over three days on 8-10 May, the annual event attracts spirited runners from all ages and occupations, putting their best foot forward for charity.
Race committee chair and Mareeba Shire Cr Ross Cardillo, said it was exciting to already see so many entries.
One of the biggest highlights for him was the “incredible amount of funds donated to charities and causes”, with $3 million raised since 2007.
“Last year, teams raised over $260,000 with 80% of those funds going towards health-related causes,” Cr Ross said.
And people continue to return year after year.
One of those returning teams is GTB Engineering, who will once again be raising funds for Guide Dogs after raising $23,000 last year.
The small family-owned business has a dedicated motivation for racing, with a family member born with a rare genetic condition called LCA, which causes early-onset childhood blindness.
Team captain Rebecca said the event brought fun and an action to fundraising for so many great causes.
“It’s truly a unique experience and one that should be on everyone’s bucket list,” she said.
To capture these moments and memories, the Great Wheelbarrow Race committee is calling on talented creatives to submit a quote to photograph and video the event.
“The highlight videos are a great addition, and the participants really value having a gallery of photos to capture memories,” Cr Ross said.
To find out more information, visit Mareeba Shire Council’s website.
