1960 saw the first Chincogan Charge run up Mount Chincogan – started as a fundraiser to build the Mullumbimby Memorial Swimming Pool. The second race wasn’t run until 1967 which saw local Colin Creighton win after he had come second in the 1960 race.
‘The year I won it I was cutting cane at Wooyung,’ said Colin. ‘I was pretty fit because of the cane cutting, but I had to run barefoot because a few days before I’d cut my foot cutting cane and had four stitches in it.’
The 2024 winner, Jack Gill, did the return run in just 30 minutes and ten seconds, beating his 2023 run of 30 minutes and 44 seconds.
This Saturday, September 20, Frank Cornale will be opening the race and you can either run or walk up Mullumbimby’s Mount Chincogan as part of the Chinny Charge.
The Chinny Charge became an annual feature of Mullumbimby from 1967 and was run in conjunction with the Chincogan Fiesta however, they ended in 2001.
After a 16-year hiatus the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce brought back the Chinny Charge race in 2017 after negotiating with local landholders to have the running route opened up for this one day event each year. Now you can run or walk up the mountain depending on your preference.
Kids run at 1.30pm
The children’s race, up to 12 years old, starts at 1.30pm and the main race and walk begins at 2pm.
‘Even if you are only registered to walk up the mountain, you need to start the walk at 2pm,’ Jenelle reminded all participants. ‘Everyone, runners and walkers, needs to be registered and wearing their bib to walk through the departure arch at the beginning of the event. If you turn up late to the start you will not be allowed up onto the mountain.’
Jenelle has also reminded everyone that the walk is over private property, ‘so please treat it with respect so we can continue to enjoy this annual event that is facilitated by Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce,’ she said.
Not going up the mountain?
A suite of activities are taking place in and around the Mullumbimby Civic Centre from 12 noon for everyone who isn’t heading up the mountain. Two new sandstone seats have already been installed in the park and Tali Cohen-Flantz from Keramika will be doing free mindful clay making.
‘Come and work with her under her guidance and possibly have your creations fired if you wnat to,’ said sculpture and prganiser Suvira McDonald.
Exhibition
In the Civic Art Space in the Civic Hall there is also the 260 Rocks Exhibiiton that opens this Thursday at 5.30pm and runs till 8pm. The exhibition will also be open on Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm.
‘We’ve timed the exhibition to coincide with the Chinny Charge,’ said Suvira.
‘The sculpture exhibition is by three local artists Richard Tabaka, Stefan Mager, and myself. The two of the artists works relate to landscape and a the third is a bizarre portrail of fantastic creatures.’
Helping organise the event and providing volunteers is the local NSW Fire and Rescue in Mullum, (Station 388), police, local businesses and community.
‘Everyone has come together to put this event on,’ said Jenelle.
‘There is a food stall with cakes provided by Mullumbimby Primary School, drinks are available at the Ex-Services Club, and locals get a once-a-year opportunity to take a run or walk up their local Mount Chincogan.’
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