Riders take the Challenge

BY the time the 175 riders in the 2023 QSuper Cardiac Challenge reached Cooktown, the event was on the cusp of reaching its fundraising goal of $400,000 with more funds expected to come in over the next month.

The riders at the end of the Cardiac Challenge in Cooktown.

2023 was the 17th year of the Cardiac Challenge, Cycling from Cairns to Cooktown, the major fundraiser for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. Funds raised by the riders go towards cardiac equipment at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

More than $6 million has been raised over the 17 years with riders cycling from Cairns to Cooktown through Mareeba, Mt Carbine and Lakeland to Cooktown.

Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin said it was a pleasure to welcome the riders participating in the annual Cardiac Challenge to raise funds for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.

“Many thanks to Rotary Mareeba for sponsoring the beautiful breakfast and to the many local farmers and businesses who provided food items for the breakfast,” Mayor Toppin said.