Great Wheelbarrow Race

MAY
8-10
2026
Embark on a three day 140 km journey from Mareeba to Chillagoe in this unique sporting event. Participants travel across Far North Queensland through Dimbulah and Almaden while raising funds for charity.
8-10 May 2026
140 kilometers 65 kilometers Marathon 33 kilometers

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The Great Wheelbarrow Race

The Great Wheelbarrow Race is a multi-day sporting event covering a total distance of 140 km in Far North Queensland. The race takes place across three days, following a route from Mareeba to Chillagoe. Participants travel through several regional townships, with an established itinerary of stops and overnight stays along the course.

The event structure is divided into three stages:

  • Stage 1: Mareeba to Dimbulah
  • Stage 2: Dimbulah to Almaden including a stop in Petford
  • Stage 3: Almaden to Chillagoe

The race concludes with presentations in Chillagoe once the final competitor has crossed the finish line. The event has a history dating back over two decades, having first recorded fundraising results in 2004. It serves as a significant community activity for the Mareeba Shire, often incorporating local celebrations and gatherings at the end of each stage.

In addition to the athletic component, the event focuses on charity. Since 2007, the race has tracked fundraising amounts, with participants raising significant funds for various causes. Records show that over 2.8 million dollars have been raised across the history of the event. Registration for the race typically closes several weeks before the start date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

140 km
Total Race Distance
65 km
Stage 2: Dimbulah - Almaden
Marathon
Stage 1: Mareeba - Dimbulah
33 km
Stage 3: Almaden - Chillagoe