Chinny Charge is back – as a walk on April 9

The Chinny Charge, the yearly run up Mullumbimby’s local mountain, Mt Chincogan, was put off for two years as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world.

To make up for the loss of the last two years, 2022 will now see two charges up the mountain.

On Saturday, April 9, the mountain will open to walkers from 2 to 5pm, with this being the first time that primary school children can take the opportunity to walk up the mountain as well.

Prior to the walk opening, there will be an Easter egg hunt for the children at the Mullumbimby Sculpture Garden from 1pm.

‘We’ve had lots of requests for children under 12 to be able to walk up the mountain since we started the Chinny Charge back up again in 2017, after a 16 year hiatus,’ Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce president, Jenelle Stanford, told The Echo. 

‘This seemed like the perfect opportunity for families with younger children to have the opportunity to take a walk up the mountain, as the event is normally limited to 12 years and above.’

Children from five and up can walk up the mountain with adult supervision, however, anyone under 12 can’t do the final rocky climb to the top. 

Registration open

The Chinny Charge is also a fundraiser for the Chamber, with fundraising going towards a range of community events and improvements. 

All walkers must be registered prior to starting, and online registration is now open.

The cost is $20 per adult (18 years and over); children 12 and over $10; family of two adults plus two children $50; family of two adults, plus three children $55; and a family of two adults plus four children $60. Children aged five to 12 are free.

‘We do need to make it clear to everyone who is doing the walk that they must be off the mountain by 5pm, at the request of the landowners, who have generously opened up their properties for the community to access the mountain,’ said Ms Stanford. 

The normal Chinny Charge will take place in September this year, with a range of prizes for runners 12 years and up.