Race to raise quake cash

Photo / Geoff Sloan

New Zealanders are being encouraged to go to Queensland to take part in a wheelbarrow race to raise money for Christchurch earthquake 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 Outback town of Chillagoe.

Race organiser Alan Pedersen said of the May 13 to 15 event: "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."