It was in 1958 when Bruce Samuels, a local footballer and railway porter, ran to the top of the (438m) Mount Cooroora. On June 27, 1959, the first official Pomona King of the Mountain Race was organised.

The Pomona King of the Mountain Festival held in the Noosa Hinterland town of Pomona, is an all-day fun filled event for the whole family, climaxing with the Bendigo Bank International Mountain Challenge where competitors run up the face of Mount Cooroora.

The festival program includes a Nestle 3km Family Fun Run, Heritage Markets, the Canesaid Primary School Relay, Raine & Horne Tug O War (for Primary School Children and Corporate Tug O War for local businesses), Zinc 96.1FM Mountain Dash, Skate Park Competition & Jam Session, E Fitness Pram Push, live music on the Pomona IGA stage - Janice Smithers, buskers, amusement rides, side show alley and a relaxing food court area...plus more.

Events

The highlight of the Pomona King of the Mountain Festival is of course the Bendigo Bank Mountain Challenge, which begins at 3pm. However the day's sporting events also include:

• Primary School Relay races
• Zinc 96.1FM Mountain Dash to the foot of Mount Cooroora
• Nestle 3km Family Fun Run.

If you enjoy competition but running is not your thing, you might like to enter some of the side events:

• The Cooroy Rag World Championship Thong Throwing
• The Master Bowls Tournaments
• The Poker Run

Or you can just come for the Heritage Markets, rides & fanfare.

Don't forget to start the day with the unforgettable Bush Poets Breakfast!