Community & Business
7 May, 2025
Tablelands local takes on solo challenge
WITH the Great Wheelbarrow Race just around the corner, Atherton local Finley Green is gearing up to take on the massive challenge of running solo.
“I’m pretty keen to be honest. I’m keen to see how I go and just take on the challenge,” he said.
“I did it as a duo last year, so I thought I might as well try it solo this year.”
Green has competed in the Wheelbarrow Race as part of a team and as a duo, but this year will be his first time competing as a solo.
The young man is raising money for Blue Care and has already surpassed his fundraising goal of $500.
“I chose to raise money for Blue Care because it’s pretty personal to me,” he said.
“I have a few family members who get looked after by them and I thought it’d be good to try and raise a bit of money for them.
“So far, I’ve raised about $750.”
To donate to Finley’s campaign, visit https://fundraise.bluecare.org.au/s/133/88/s.
Great race kicks off this weekend
JUST under 50 registrations were made for the Great Wheelbarrow Race this year, with approximately 500 runners set to compete.
In total, there were 49 registrations made, including 37 teams, one trio, seven duos, and four solos.
Of the 37 teams, there is one corporate, four ladies, three mixed, one over 55s, four school, and 24 social teams.
The Mareeba downtown parade is set to kick off at 9.30am this Friday. The runners will then make the long trek to Chillagoe with the race estimated to finish at about 12pm on Sunday.
“We are very excited to be bringing back the Great Wheelbarrow Race for its 22nd year,” Wheelbarrow Race chair Ross Cardillo said.
“This is a fantastic event that brings hundreds of runners to our towns, and each year we are incredibly grateful for the support of our communities.
“I would like to urge all road users to take extra care during the race weekend between Mareeba and Chillagoe, as there will be many teams on the road.
“Please be patient, only overtake when it is safe to do so, and keep in mind that there will be runners on the left side of the road.
“Bus drivers will be monitoring traffic and will pull over if necessary. Traffic control and road closures will be in place throughout the weekend.”
To view the list of temporary road closures, visit www.msc.qld.gov.au/news/great-wheelbarrow-race-9-11-may-road-closures.
