Kawerau King of the Mountain

Mount Edgecumbe (Putauaki) being so close to Kawerau, simply asked to be climbed, and often there was a wager as to who would be up and down first – so the Mountain Race began. This was 1955 and the price, donated by two businessmen, was £50.

Some of the conditions of the race were: no assistance apart from refreshments to be given to the competitors; entering the race was at one’s own risk; a compulsory stretch to be run at the beginning, then find one’s own way to the top of the mountain. Mr. Jim Chadwick won the first race in a time of 1 hour 10 minutes and 40 seconds.

It’s not too much different today. It’s still the same gruelling 8 km race to reach the summit – 852 metres above sea level. The record set by Barry Prosser in 1998 of 45 minutes 54 seconds still stands.

The day kicks off with the local primary schools completing relay races then the younger version of the main event takes place at 11am with the Prince and Princess of the mountain starting. This is a great development ground for the future stars of the main event which starts at 12pm.

Event listed by bartonlee

View their other events or contact promoter