Four Records Broken on the Wheelbarrow Way

Images available: Great Wheelbarrow Race Press Pack

Videos Available: www.youtube.com/@thegreatwheelbarrowrace557

Mareeba Shire residents and visitors were wowed this weekend with the return of the Great Wheelbarrow Race where four records were broken.

“The race went extremely well, with a new race record of 6 hours 22 minutes and 28 seconds by the reigning champions, Tune Squad. That is an average of around 22 kilometres per hour,” Cr Kevin Davies, Committee Chair said.

“The Race sees teams travelling 140 km from Mareeba to Chillagoe over three days, with an overnight stop in Dimbulah on the Friday evening and a stop at Almaden on the Saturday. This year over 350 competitors joined along the Wheelbarrow Way in the 21st anniversary year. The Wheelbarrow Way is one small part of the Savannah Way, a 3700 km route linking Cairns to Broome.”

“The weekend brings together people from all walks of life, with the youngest runner aged 13 years old and the oldest runner 87 years old. Most teams use the race to fundraise for a charity of their choice and over the weekend it was announced that $93,342 was raised for charities. GTB 2024 for Vision Australia raised the most funds, $20,500.”

The race results are as follows:

Overall winner: Tune Squad who set a new race record of 6h 22min 28s in the men’s category. Second place: Rusty Wheels Third Place: SSCC Saints from St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba

Sandy Butler Memorial Team Spirit Award: Costa Berries

Category winners:

Over 55: Dad’s Army School: SSCC Saints from St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mareeba Social: Costa Berries Men: Tune Squad with new record of 6h 22min 28s Ladies: Wheely Pushy Women with new record of 8h 38m 18s Mixed: Rusty Wheels Solo: Julian Picot Duo: Giblet ‘n’ the Hairyman Trio: Missy’s Donors Wheelies with new record of 8h 22min 53s

“I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors and volunteers who made this event happen. Congratulations to everyone who crossed the finish line, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2025,” Cr Davies concluded.