A wheely successful return

THE Great Wheelbarrow Race returned with a roaring success over the weekend after a two-year break.

Race chairman Mareeba Shire Councillor Locky Bensted said more than $100,000 was raised by the 25 teams that took part in the three-day event where competitors pushed a wheelbarrow for 140km from Mareeba to Chillagoe.

“It was fantastic and there was a lot of support from all the teams that turned up. There were tears and there were cheers,” Cr Bensted said.

“The wheelbarrow race was unbelievable. The committee went above and beyond.”

The race was such a success, Cr Bensted said he expected some returnees next year.

“Every team we spoke to said they will be back and some will even bring multiple teams back,” he said.

The race from Friday to Sunday allowed the different teams to have a bit of friendly fun while raising money for their nominated charities.

Cr Bensted said there had been a good spirit in the camp.

“We had some great nights after the races, watching the highlights on the big screen,” he said.