King of the Mountain
Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (09:47): I rise like the world’s smallest mountain – Mount Wycheproof, a staggering 43 metres high, rising from the flat surrounds of the Mallee, the location of the toughest footrace in Australia, the famous King of the Mountain, an event that has been on hiatus for 35 years, until last weekend, when the Wycheproof–Narraport football, netball and hockey clubs resurrected this event in the most glorious way. It is a 10-race program over just 1 kilometre, uphill the entire way, straight up Mount Wycheproof, concluding with the queen and king of the mountain. I along with 53 others competed in the king and queen events, and the biggest congratulations to new king Thomas Rodgers and queen Carly Isaac. It actually really is as tough as those before us said it was, but it is brilliant. I also want to congratulate the footy club, the fundraising committee, each and every volunteer, the sponsors, the CFA volunteers who were there to catch us at the finish line, and those who entered and supported the race program. With around 3000 people descending on the town of normally around 600 people to participate, spectate or enjoy the family picnic whilst watching the AFL Grand Final afterward, it was an absolutely brilliant day, and I cannot wait for next year. I hope the significance of what you have all achieved is not lost on you.