Community & Business
27 May, 2026
National sponsors size up Race
THE Great Wheelbarrow Race is attracting interest from across the country, with sponsors already keen to negotiate next year’s event.
Speaking to Mareeba Shire Council at its meeting last week, Cr Ross Cardillo, chair of the Wheelbarrow Race Committee, said the 2026 event was a great success, raising over $160,000 for charities this year, and attracting national interest.
“Before the race this year, we were contacted by some major national sponsors, who we are going into discussions with, as soon as possible, for the next race,” he said.
“This year’s event went off exceptionally well. We had a great face of the race, Jared Hohns, who ended up proposing at the end of the race, which made it even more spectacular.”
Cr Cardillo joined Mayor Angela Toppin – attending the meeting via video call – in congratulating the committee, council staff and volunteers who contributed so much to the event.
He made special mention of Cr Nipper Brown for his assistance “throughout the whole event”.
“His intricate knowledge of the event was so valuable to our committee. We’ve learnt a lot and I’m sure (the event) will be even better next year.”
The Great Wheelbarrow Race, which involves competitors running with wheelbarrows from Mareeba to Chillagoe, was held from 8 to 10 May, and attracted 47 teams.
The event has been held for 22 years and has raised over $3 million.
