On the third weekend in May of each year, one of the region’s most iconic events takes place. The 2020 Great Wheelbarrow Race was officially launched in Dimbulah on Sunday as part of the Australia Day celebrations.
The launch coincided with the naming of this year’s Face of the Race, with that title being awarded to Terry Roos for his commitment and dedication to the race since inception.
Mr Roos said being named Face of the Race was very humbling.
“It’s an honour and pleasure to be named the face of the race for 2020,” he said.
Mr Roos has just moved back to Mareeba from Mission beach “it’s cooler up here and I was clocking up so many miles to attend the wheelbarrow race meetings, this will make my life a little easier,”
“I’ve been part of the race since it started in 2004 and I’ve also competed in it 4-5 times.
“It’s the best team building exercise for any business or sporting team I’ve ever had anything to do with – it builds lifelong friendships.”
Each team who competes gets the opportunity to raise money to their own nominated charity.
“Over the years the teams must have raised more than 2 million dollars for local charities and people in need.”
The initial idea for the wheelbarrow race came from then Mareeba Mayor Mick Borzi in 2004 as a way of helping the outback communities, “providing them with one of their biggest nights of the year, giving them some exposure and injecting some money into their local community,” Mr Roos said.
Last year more than 40 teams competed and this year the race will start in Chillagoe and end in Mareeba on the Sunday at the Rodeo Grounds.
This year’s Great Wheelbarrow Race will take place from May 15-17 with registrations now open at greatwheelbarrowrace.com.au.
For regular updates and information visit the Great Wheelbarrow Race Facebook page.