Margie Maccoll
Jorge Hernaez Navarro flew into Noosa from Spain four days before winning the King of the Mountain race last Sunday and setting a new race record.
In the four years the Spanish native has been living in Noosa, the 34-year-old has run the race three times, winning it in 2021, coming in second to Mark Bourne last year and this year reclaiming his crown.
“This race for me is always happy. It’s a special environment. To break the record, I didn’t believe it. I didn’t expect that. I’m so happy,“ Jorge said after the race.
Celebrating its 44th year, the Pomona race organised by Cooroy Pomona Lions Club had 80 adults signed on for the Bendigo Bank Mountain Challenge Race and 67 children aged eight-13 years signed up to run in the Prince and Princess Race.
Also breaking the record for the women was newly crowned Queen of the Mountain Ange Harries, 38, claiming the title from last year’s winner Lee Cleary, 20.
It was the seventh race for the boxer and personal trainer who runs the mountain twice a week.
“It’s a beautiful race. It’s everything I love about everything,“ Ange said.
“Right from the start. It began with someone running up the mountain to get over a hangover.
“It’s a race where everybody has a crack. It’s just a good Aussie event.“
Thirteen-year-old Lachie Hudson won the title of Prince, and the Princess title went to Charlotte Reed who reclaimed the title she won last year.
Lachie has run the race every year since he was nine years of age. A keen competitor, he said he entered for fitness, fun, enjoyment and the added challenge the mountain presents.
The weekend event brought crowds to the town of Pomona for a variety of activities including the Pomona Markets, antique fair, art market, art exhibition, a silent movie at the Majestic Theatre, amusement rides, Venture Cycles Mountain Bike Ride and the Pomona IGA music stage.
Noosa Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie described it as a “fantastic event“ and praised the organisers for the 44 years they have run it.
“We’re applauding the athletes, we should be applauding Cooroy Pomona Lions Club,“ he said.
“All the councillors are supportive of these events. We see the value of these events. It helps build community resilience.“
For more information, visit kingofthemountain.com.au
