NZers called on to take part in charity wheelbarrow race

NZ contestants are being invited to the Great Wheelbarrow Race to raise funds for victims of the Christchurch Earthquake in Cairns. Photo / Supplied

New Zealanders are being encouraged to cross the ditch to Queensland and take part in a wheelbarrow race like no other to raise money for Christchurch quake victims.

Challengers in the gruelling 149km Great Wheelbarrow Race make their way down a pioneering mining route from Mareeba, an hour west of Cairns, to the small outback town of Chillagoe.

Race organiser Alan Pedersen is encouraging New Zealanders to take part in the event from May 13-15 to help raise money for victims of last month's quake.

"It's a great opportunity to come over, enjoy our beautiful sunny, warm winter days, have a lot of fun, see the countryside and raise some money for the people affected by the earthquake," he said.

The race is run in three stages -- 50km from Mareeba to Dimbulah, 65km from Dimbulah to Almaden and 34km from Almaden to Chillagoe.

The route is known as "Wheelbarrow Way" because pioneering miners of the early 19th century used to travel about the region using wheelbarrows to carry all their possessions.

The race, first held in 2004, was the brainchild of the former Mareeba Shire Council, which wanted to honour the miners and provide a boost to smaller communities along the way.

Many teams wear themed costumes for the first day of the race, making a colourful spectacle as they travel down the main street of Mareeba.

Categories include teams of up to 10 people; solo competitors; duos; over 40s; school students; and service personnel including police, firefighters and defence forces.

Nominations close April 29 with forms are available at www.trc.qld.gov.au.

- NZPA