As I turned into my road recently, I saw someone running down it with their torch bobbing in the dark night. I quickly stopped, wound down my window, and asked if they were okay?
The cheeerful response assured me everything was fine as they told me they were in training for the Chinny Charge on Saturday, 19 September. I have to admit, they are much fitter than I am – or at least they will be!
The charge (aka run) up Mullumbimby’s Mount Chincogan was first held on 8 October 1960 to raise funds to build the Mullumbimby Memorial Pool. The first male winner was Howard Buchanan of Tweed Heads, who ran the race in 33 min 33 s, and the first female, Belinda Sheldon of Mullumbimby, ran it in 50 mins 50 s.
Though no races were held from 1961 to 1966 they restarted in 1967 with local Colin Creighton winning the race barefoot with four stitches in one foot. Colin had come second in the 1960 race.
The run is just shy of 7km with runners (and these days many walkers) heading to the 1,002 ft top of the local Mullumbimby mountain and enjoying the views on the way before returning to the start line.
The fastest time for the men so far has been Graham Barralet, in 1994, at 28 min 58 s and the best female time was Nicolle Carroll, in 1996, at 35 min 41 s.
The prize money in 1960 was $38, rising to $1,000 in 1985 and 1997 total prize money was $4,500. This year there will be prizes for the first male and female to cross the line as well as the first local male and female to cross the line.
‘The race and the Chincogan Fiesta were stopped in 2002. We restarted the race again nine years ago to raise money for the local community via the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community,’ said Chinny Charge organiser Jenelle Stanford.
Get your spot now
There are limited places for this once-a-year run and walk up Mt Chincogan and everyone is encouraged to book your place at: https://www.eventwizards.com.au. The entry fee is $50 for runners and $25 for non-competitors (walkers). If you leave it to the last minute, it is $75 on the day if there are spaces available.
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