After 44 years the Pomona King of the Mountain race has been cancelled.
Race organisers said to meet new permit conditions from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) the event is required to be adjusted in a way that the race committee believes would compromise its essence too much.
A statement on the King of the Mountain Facebook page said a continued deterioration of track conditions has prompted the QPWS to impose stricter conditions for this year’s permit approval.
While preserving the natural beauty of Mt Cooroora remains a shared priority, it’s a reminder that even cherished events must, where possible, adapt to changing circumstances or face closure.
Over the years, the race committee has proactively worked to ensure the race supports the wellbeing of the mountain as much as possible. Through years of collaboration with the QPWS, the committee has strived to strike a balance between preserving the environment and hosting a memorable race. The decision to end the event is a testament to our respect for the land and our commitment to upholding the integrity of the race experience.
The statement said it’s always tough to say goodbye to something we hold dear, especially when it’s been such a significant part of the community for so long.
For 44 years, the King of the Mountain race has been a source of excitement, challenge, and camaraderie for runners, volunteers, sponsors, performers, and spectators alike.
The race committee’s dedication to providing a safe yet thrilling experience, complete with the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Mt Cooroora finishing chute, has left an indelible mark on the community.
But alas, all good things must come to an end, and in this case, the decision to bid farewell to the race has been a weighty one. For logistical reasons, this also means the Prince and Princess circuit of the race will no longer be run.
As we bid farewell to the Pomona King of the Mountain race, let us cherish the memories created, the challenges overcome, and the friendships forged along the way. While the race may have reached its final lap, its legacy will live on in the stories we share and the bonds we’ve built.
To all those involved in any capacity throughout the years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. The King of the Mountain race, a project of the volunteer driven Cooroy-Pomona Lions club, has truly been a community effort, and what a remarkable community to be part of.
We now shift our focus from running the mountain to enjoying fun-filled moments under its magnificent presence at the Pomona Family Fun Day. The Cooroy-Pomona Lions Club will keep Stan Topper Park buzzing with free rides and attractions for all to enjoy so stay tuned for further information.
Sandy Bolton, our local State MP, has given us her support and stated “The race has been a highlight in our communities’ calendar every year, as well to the many thousands of visitors from across the world. I thank each and every one of the fabulous volunteers who have made this possible for over four decades.
Now let us all get behind and fully support the KOM Committee and the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club in this decision and ensure the Pomona Family Fun Day becomes a much-loved favourite for all, which I know it will be.”
Meanwhile, the QPWS has also issued a statement that said “any decision to cancel the 2024 King of the Mountain is a matter for the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club.”
It continues: QPWS is working with Cooroy Pomona Lions Club to facilitate an environmentally sustainable King of the Mountain event that also respects the cultural values of this area.
In recent years the entry numbers have been limited to 80 competitors at QPWS’s request, the only amendment requested this year has been that the start is staggered over two stages of 40 competitors each.
This will help protect the environmental and cultural values of Mt Cooroora and the Tuchekoi National Park, as well as the safety of competitors.
The event, a timed foot race up and down a narrow track to Mt Cooroora’s summit, has had more than 100 participants in past years.
This has caused environmental and safety issues, particularly when competitors who have reached the summit begin to descend and meet competitors who are still ascending.
The resultant bottlenecks have seen entrants running off the track and into environmentally fragile and sensitive areas, and tripping and falling, often in places where their safety is at significant risk.
QPWS believes the capping of entry numbers and starting the event over two stages will minimise these impacts and safety risks.
QPWS continues to be willing to negotiate a reasonable resolution with the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club that reduces the impact on the environment and culturally sensitive areas and minimises the safety risk to competitors.
