Mackay Road Runners King & Queen of the Mountain 2026

Mackay Road Runners' King & Queen of the Mountain is a 12km hill race in Mackay, Queensland, starting from the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex in Ooralea. It is part of the club's formal season program, counts toward championship points, and offers local runners a challenging climb instead of a flat speed test. A separate Challenge category allows participants to run the route without competing for the main title. The course utilizes Mackay's hilly terrain, featuring steep gradients and sufficient elevation gain to necessitate early pacing. Competitive club members consider it a key hill race of the season. The broader King of the Mountain tradition near Eungella also attracts cyclists and triathletes through associated club events. Mackay Road Runners have organized mountain races for over thirty years, and the Laura Pettifer Inspirational Trophy provides a junior component with perpetual trophies and sports vouchers for the top young male and female participants.