Community & Business
13 May, 2025
Charity, community and plenty of stamina
RAISING almost $250,000, with 48 teams and over 500 runners, this year’s Great Wheelbarrow Race was a testament to regional community spirit and stamina.
This year’s winners of the race, which starts in Mareeba and ends in Chillagoe, was the St Stephen’s Saints – Seniors school team with a time of seven hours, three minutes, 46 seconds.
The 2025 biggest fundraisers were Down Under Movers & Shakers - Fighting Parkinson’s Disease, with the team raising $30,096.
Led by 83-year-old Brian White, who himself suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, the money raised will go towards the Neurology Department at Cairns Hospital.
Running since 2007, the Great Wheelbarrow Race has attracted people from across the region, with a fun street parade in Mareeba before the teams get down to business.
But beneath the joy and competition lay a certain sadness for the loss of one of the event’s biggest supporters, the late Mareeba Shire councillor Kevin Davies, who passed away in January this year.
Local member for Cook, David Kempton, a major partner in the event, paid his respects to Cr Davies who was acknowledged with a minute’s silence at the opening of the race.
“From the very beginning, Kevin was deeply involved in the race, taking on many roles over the years — as a competitor, a dedicated committee member, and most recently, as Chair,” Mr Kempton said on Friday.
Mr Kemp, who quipped that he might be old enough to join his team favourite Dad’s Army next year, said the race was “was more than just a competition — it brings communities together, celebrates our unique heritage, and injects energy into regional Queensland.”
Mayor Angela Toppin said the race was a great boost to the region.
“Being one of Mareeba Shire’s biggest events, it’s all about team spirit, fun, and endurance,” she said.
“The race brings hundreds of visitors to some of our region’s smallest towns, showcasing the wonderful country hospitality our area is known for.”
New Wheelbarrow Race Chair Cr Cardillo said he had definitely caught the race bug.
“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,” he said.
“None of this would be possible without the support of Mareeba Shire Council, the Great Wheelbarrow Race committee, our volunteers, and our generous sponsors.”
RESULTS:
OVERALL WINNERS:
St Stephen’s Saints – Seniors (total time 7 hours, 3 minutes, 46 seconds) School team
2nd place: Costa 1 (total time 7 hours, 15 minutes, 29 seconds) Social team
3rd place: Siren Squad (total time 7 hours, 24 minutes, 25 seconds) Corporate team
CATEGORY WINNERS:
Over 55s: Dad’s Army (total time 13 hours, 59 minutes, 58 seconds)
Corporate Services: Siren Squad (total time 7 hours, 24 minutes, 25 seconds)
Ladies team: Wheely Pushy Women (total time 8 hours, 14 minutes, 47 seconds) NEW RECORD
Mixed team: Wheelbarrow Warriors (total time 7 hours, 56 minutes, 58 seconds)
Social team: Costa 1 (total time 7 hours, 15 minutes, 29 seconds) NEW RECORD
School team: St Stephen’s Saints – Seniors (total time 7 hours, 3 minutes, 46 seconds)
Solo male: Finley Green (total time 16 hours, 27 minutes, 42 seconds)
Solo female: Helen McAllister (total time 23 hours, 31 minutes, 17 seconds)
Solo female assisted: Ange Willet (total time 9 hours, 36 minutes, 40 seconds)
Duo: Up Dawg (total time 10 hours, 32 minutes, 39 seconds) NEW RECORD
Trio: Wheelie Sore (total time 15 hours, 28 minutes, 42 seconds)
The Team Spirit Award: Kickin it for Kev – A social team running in honour of the late Chair of the GWR committee Cr Kevin Davies.
It was also awarded to the duo Up Dawg for their great community spirit throughout the weekend.
