The organisers of a long-running mountain race have explained why they can’t meet state government requests to alter the event, essentially signalling the end of it.
The 44-year-old Pomona King of the Mountain, run by the volunteer-driven Cooroy Pomona Lions Club, is unlikely to be held again, after the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service suggested the race format be changed amid environmental and safety concerns.
It was mooted that two races, with 40 competitors in each, could be held, instead of the usual one race, up and down the 439m Mount Cooroora.
But Dan King, who has been the race director for the past five years, said that was not a feasible option and the event won’t be held again.
“It’s not viable for the race experience, as far as the event committee is concerned,” he said.
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“We have taken pride in the race for many decades and we believe it (the proposal) would drop the experience of the race, for runners and spectators, below a level which we’re happy with.
“There would also be logistical challenges due to the added duration and coordination of volunteers and track marshals.
“And the spectacle of the finishing chute becomes a lot less for the crowd.”
Mr King said race organisers and QPWS had been working for years to “find ways to continue to run the race in a way that was sustainable”.
They limited impacts last year, when they reduced the number of participants from 100 to 80.
“We understand their (QPWS’) concerns and that was a step we could take to show them that the track and the mountain is a priority to us, beyond the race,” Mr King said.
But the latest request from QPWS was too much.
The two parties remain in discussions while the race committee “seeks clarity” but Mr King was resigned to the race’s termination.
“Communication is ongoing but the things that are being discussed have already been discussed, so it’s unlikely we will see a change in anything,” he said.
“At this point in time, it seems quite clear that this requirement from Parks and Wildlife will remain and that’s something we have to accept”.
Mr King, who was unsure if the race would ever be held again, said the mountain was more important than the race.
“We have been extremely fortunate to be able to run the event for so long, and anybody that goes up Mount Cooroora will be able to testify that the track is in need of some loving,” he said.
“It is being used more and more and, combined with the weather conditions, it’s really taking a toll on the track.
“The wellbeing of the mountain is above the race itself.
“The last thing we want as a committee is to have the mountain closed down for everybody, so the focus really needs to switch to rejuvenating the summit track.”
Mr King said the committee was grateful for the support the race received, from businesses, sponsorships, council grants and volunteers.
“There is a lot of passion for the race,” he said.
“It’s a unique race: there aren’t really many opportunities for people to compete in an event such as this.”
The race has been held in conjunction with the Pomona Family Fun Day, which will continue to be held. It will be on July 28 this year.
“It will be a great opportunity for people to come down for free rides and entertainment,” Mr King said.
“It will be a great day out. I believe that the event will be a positive one for the community and who knows what it will grow into.
“It might become quite significant, and it could end up being a real mark on the calendar each year.
“We’ll certainly be giving the Family Fun Day the same amount of attention we’ve given the race.”
A Department of Environment, Science and Innovation spokesperson said it did not force the cancellation of the race but it did request changes be made to it.
“Any decision to cancel the 2024 King of the Mountain event is a matter for the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club,” they said.
They said the parties were still in talks to try to make the event possible.
“QPWS is working with the club to facilitate an environmentally sustainable King of the Mountain event that also respects the cultural values of this area,” the spokesperson said.
“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 Mount Cooroora and the Tuchekoi National Park, as well as the safety of competitors.”
The spokesperson detailed how the current race model posed risks.
“The event has had more than 100 participants in past years,” they said.
“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.”
The event is the only one of its kind in South-East Queensland national parks and is a ‘legacy event’ from 1979, when it was held in what was then a state forest.
The mountain is culturally significant for the Kabi Kabi First Nations People.
Race organisers posted a message on social media late last week, notifying runners and community members that it would not be held again.
“All good things must come to an end,” it said.
“The decision to bid farewell to the race has been a weighty one.
“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.
“Unfortunately, to meet new permit conditions, the race is required to be adjusted in a way that the race committee believes would compromise its essence too much.
“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.
“To all those involved in any capacity throughout the years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.”
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