Frequently Asked Questions

The Bendigo Bank Mountain Challenge (King of the Mountain race) takes place on the 4th Sunday of July. The main race begins at 2:00 pm. The next race is on July 28th 2024.

This race attracts a range of runners from novice to elite. All reasonable skill levels are encouraged and ALL participants MUST be able to complete the course in around 60 minutes or less so we strongly recommend that if you are interested in this race that you seek clearance from a trained medical professional and follow guidance provided by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service as you familiarise yourself with the mountain. To help protect Mt Cooroora we recommend that training for the mountain race is done in ways other than climbing Mt Cooroora itself. If you are considering entering the race please have a look at the safety information located here.

All competitors are required to complete the course in around 60 minutes or less. Should a competitor be unable to complete the course within this time frame there is no guarantee that their finishing time will be recorded or that presentations won't have already started.

To see the race records please visit this page

Participation Medal for all finishing entrants.

Ann Daly Trophy for the most gallant effort.

Stan Topper Trophy for sportsmanship.

Bruce Samuels Trophy for dedication and perseverance.

Col Jackson Trophy for fastest oldest competitor +65 based on a formula which uses age and race time. Finish time minus 30 sec for each year over 65.

Sub 40 Certificate for all runners completing the race under 40 minutes.

The entry fee for the Bendigo Bank International Mountain Challenge typically starts at $110. See the event page for more details.

Registrations typically open on the 1st of March and close 1 week before race day (see the event page for further details) or upon receipt of 80 registrations.

There are several options for spectators to see runners competing in the Bendigo Bank Mountain Challenge - Mountain circuit. Anywhere from the start/finish line and up to the area where the course dips down onto the trail just past the Lions den is the place that sees the most spectators. As a spectator you will see runners looking their best and their worst and you get to cheer them on for the last push to the finish line 😉 There is a small amount of space, provided you remain well clear of the running track, near the tourist entry carpark on Mountain street. There will be marshals present and spectators must follow their directions at all times.

Yes. The mountain is closed from near the tourist carpark. This closure is from 12:00pm (Noon) until 4:00pm. Any person not involved in an official way with the race will be required to vacate the mountain between these times.

"King of the Mountain was inspired by the footrace up Mt Cooroora in SE Qld, and the incredible natural beauty and unique history of the Noosa hinterland; it is not a reference to motor racing at Mt. Panorama in Bathurst. Best wishes.” - Rob Hirst (on behalf of Midnight Oil)

The date for the next Prince and Princess race is July 28th 2024 and the race starts at 2:00pm.

Registrations typically open on the 1st of March and close 1 week prior to the race or upon receipt of 75 registrations.

Cost is $10 (plus a 2% transaction fee). NB: You MUST register online. Late entries will not be accepted.

For many years a festival has accompanied the Bendigo Bank Mountain Challenge. For at least the foreseeable future, there are no plans to have a big festival on the day of the races. There will be some attractions, just not a big festival.

• Hospital Street from 7am to 5pm.

• Mountain Street between School Street and Church Lane from 7am to 5pm

Bruce Highway access to Pomona has changed recently due to highway upgrades. Take the Pomona/Kin Kin Exit (Exit 237) and follow the signs to the old Bruce Highway (now an access road). Continue up the hill and turn right at Pioneer Road. Follow the signs into Pomona Township.

Travel Times:

• From Brisbane approximately 1 ½ hours
• From Gympie approximately 30 mins
• From Noosa approximately 30 mins

There is plenty of street parking in close proximity to Stan Topper Park.