EDITION 63, AUGUST 2015
56th Annual Great Pyramid Race Program of Events 8:00am
Here we go again. Saturday August 8th sees the running of the 56th Annual Great Pyramid Race from Norman Park in Gordonvale to the top of the Pyramid. Local legend has it that two Gordonvale cane farmers, quenching their thirst at the local pub, decided to settle an argument with a race to the peak of the nearby Walsh’s Pyramid. This was no ordinary race. A wager was made between the two to see who could run the race in the quickest possible time and it created so much interest that a local bookie took bets on the outcome. From this unlikely start has evolved “The Great Pyramid Race”.
The first official race was organised in 1959 to coincide with Queensland’s Centenary Celebrations and it has become an annual event where some of the finest and fittest present themselves and strive to conquer this formidable mountain in unbelievable record times and often described as, “A never-ending uphill scramble and a ‘controlled’ downhill free fall.” The feature event, the 12 kilometre race commences at 2pm where runners will do a lap of Norman Park before heading to the Bruce Highway via Greenpatch then to the foot of the Pyramid a total of 3 kilomtetres before commencing the steep 3 kilometre run to the top of the pyramid which sits 922m above sea level. The runners turn around at the top before commencing the decent down and back to Norman Park. Currently the record sits at 1 hr 15 minutes and 34 seconds set in 1997 by Sunshine Coast runner Neil Labinsky. The womens record was set by Anita Appleby the same year in a time of 1 hr 32 minutes and 6 seconds. The event and the supporting markets, entertainment and music, cultural and craft events, children’s activities and rides and amusements have become the foremost community event for Gordonvale and surrounding areas, growing every year since its inception in 1959. Festival activities include the main event, The Great
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Country Fair Markets, Food Zone, Kids Zone - run throughout the day and evening 9:30am 1500m Road Race 10:30am 5km Cross Country Race 11:00am 5km Charity Run 1:00pm Welcome to Country and Opening Ceremony 2:00pm Great Pyramid Race 2:30pm 5km Cross Country Race and 1500m Road Race Presentations 5:30pm Great Pyramid Race Trophies and Prize Presentation 7:30pm Festival Fireworks
Registrations: www.pyramidrace.com.au There are still positions available for all events with the main event capped at 150 competitors. Further details can be obtained by popping into the Great Pyramid Office in Norman Street between 9am and 12pm on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Thanks again to our wonderful sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible.
Pyramid Race, as well as other sporting activities including a 5km Cross Country Race and a 1500m Road Race around Norman Park (for competitors from 10 years of age). New in 2014 was the 5km Charity Run, with all profits raised going to nominated charities, not-for-profits and community groups. There will also be a diverse selection of performers, musicians, workshops and roving entertainers to keep the crowds enthralled, culminating in a fireworks spectacular. This year sees great representation from local businesses, organisations, school groups and individuals - all committed to showcasing the unique community of Gordonvale. The event, held on August 8th, is expected to attract up to 15,000 spectators (local, interstate and international), making it one of the largest and most vibrant events in the region. The program of events for the day and are subject to change
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