Festive fun at gruelling mountain race

THE countdown is on for the 38th annual King of the Mountain race, with strong crowd numbers expected for the 24 July event.
Known as one of Australia’s most gruelling and historic mountain races, the Pomona KOM festival is one of the Noosa hinterland’s most popular community events.
Pomona KOM chairperson Heather Manders said the festival remained one of the best opportunities for the community and visitors to get together in the hinterland.
“Who would have thought a simple bet in a pub in 1958 would see us all here in 2016 preparing to cheer on amazing athletes and celebrate hard working volunteers – particularly the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club?” she said.
Still recognised as one of the best fun and free days out for the whole family, the festival concludes with the running of the signature Bendigo Bank International Mountain Challenge, starting at 2.30pm.
Also back for another year are the Zinc 96.1 Prince and Princess Race on Saturday 23 July, Nestle 3KM Family Fun Run, Cooroy Rag Animal Farm, Sand Pitt Kids Pram Push, Royalton Constructions Primary School Relays, Raine and Horne Tug ‘O’ War, Livelife Pharmacy Skate Park Competition, Pomona True Value Stunt Motorbike, Pomona IGA Stage, market stalls, food, entertainment, live music, rides and much more.
As part of its commitment to the race it has sponsored since 2010, Bendigo Bank manager Geoff Edwards said it was always a special time of the year and was a festival ingrained in Noosa’s culture.
“We love it and there’s nothing else like it on the coast,” he said.
“We’re proud to be here again, and it’s precisely what we’re about – supporting the community that supports us. Our Pomona agency has just celebrated its first birthday, is growing strongly and has committed $6000 to the staging of the event again in 2016.”
Heather said she was delighted Pomona’s own bank had remained such a great supporter of the festival.
“Bendigo Bank have been a big part of our success in recent years, and our committee is very grateful for that and the great things they continue to do for Pomona and the Noosa hinterland. Their good work in the local community and this partnership fits well for everyone,” she said.
For further information about the 2016 festival, visit www.kingofthemountain.com.au.