Chinny Charge draws locals and pros back to the mountain

UP to 500 people are expected to take on Mt Chincogan near Mullumbimby for the annual Chinny Charge on Saturday September 20.

The much-loved community event draws professional runners and enthusiastic locals alike, with participants competing in a 6.5km race across two divisions.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the fastest man and woman overall, as well as the fastest local man and woman, and the oldest male and female participants to complete the course.

The Kevin Moran Memorial Shield will also be presented to a participant who shows exceptional effort and encouragement of others.

While entrants must be 12 years or older to tackle the mountain route — either running or walking — there is a separate Children’s Challenge to the base of the mountain. That event kicks off at 1.30pm, half an hour before the main race begins outside Mullumbimby Fire Station.

Spectators and families can also enjoy a range of activities outside the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club during the event, including clay making and food and drink stalls.

Launched in 1960 to fund the town’s memorial swimming pool, the Chinny Charge has since helped raise money for a variety of other improvements and charities. Although the event ceased in 2002, it was revived in 2017 by the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce.

Event organiser Jenelle Stanford said the event takes place on private land owned by three different individuals and this is the only day of the year members of the public are allowed on the mountain.

Stanford has worked hard to make the event environmentally sustainable, with participants required to bring reusable water bottles and leave no rubbish behind.

“People love it and our volunteers get such a reward out of everybody doing it and thanking them,” she said.

“Everybody is so thankful that they can do it. It attracts a lot of professional runners and the ones who come from other states who love the fact that nobody can train on it so they’re all on an even playing field.

“The record is 28 minutes – it’s phenomenal how fast people run.”

Participants must register by September 18 via mullumbimby.org.au