The Great Pyramid Race 2024
The annual Great Pyramid Race up Walshs Pyramid is set to take place on Saturday 3rd August 2024. Held in Gordonvale, south of Cairns, the event is popular amongst locals and running enthusiasts with a day chock-full of tradition, family friendly activities, race day activities and community celebrations.
Here’s a guide to the Great Pyramid Race including event schedule and travel information before you begin the race.
What Is The Great Pyramid Race?
The Great Pyramid Race is an annual running event that draws participants and spectators from across the North Queensland region and beyond to Gordonvale, a picturesque country town located just south of Cairns City. This challenging race involves a gruelling ascent up Walshs Pyramid, a natural pyramid-shaped mountain that sits as the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world. Participants compete in a race up the mountain that tests their endurance, speed, and mental fortitude, with winners taking home a cash prize from multiple divisions and the bragging rights for having conquered the world’s largest natural pyramid and one of Australia’s most formidable running competitions.
History Of The Great Pyramid Race
It’s said that The Great Pyramid Race was inspired by a wager made between two local sugar cane farmers debating who could reach the summit of Walshs Pyramid and come back down in the shortest amount of time. At the local watering hole after a long day out in the fields, a challenge was thrown down and it wasn’t long before the local bookie was taking bets, locals keen to get in on the action.
The challenge quickly grew in popularity and became an annual event in 1959 as part of Queensland's Centenary celebrations. Over the years, the race has evolved into a local tradition, attracting professional athletes, running enthusiasts and supporters eager to be a part of the fun, festivities and feats of endurance.
Great Pyramid Race Events Schedule
Come race day, the whole town of Gordonvale shows up, keen to participate in mini competitions, fun runs, raffle draw prizes and cheer on athletes game enough to take on the full summit run. Below is a brief outline of the 2024 Great Pyramid Race schedule of events.
Race Day Schedule
| Time | Event |
| 7:30am | Acknowledgement of Country |
| 7:45am | Great Pyramid Race Briefing |
| 8:00am | Start of Great Pyramid Race Major Event |
| 8:15am | Start of Dash for Cash 100m Races |
| 8:30am | Intrust Group 1800m Junior Race |
| 10.30am | Start of Half Pyramid Race |
| 11:00am | Start of the Charity Fun Run |
| 12:00pm | Presentation of Great Pyramid Race and 1800m Junior Race |
| 1:15pm | Start of the 3km Race |
| 1:45pm | Start of Race to the Base |
| 2:45pm | Presentation for Half Pyramid Race, 3km Race, Race to the Base and Monster Raffle Winners Drawn |
| 3:00pm | Event Finishes |
The Great Pyramid Race
The main event challenges participants to race from Norman Park in Gordonvale to the summit of Walshs Pyramid and back. The race covers about 12kms of rugged terrain, with an elevation gain of roughly 922m. Competitors face steep inclines, rocky trails littered with twisted tree roots and the balmy North Queensland winter weather, making it a solid test of strength and stamina.
The Half Pyramid Race
For those seeking a less daunting challenge, the Half Pyramid Race offers participants a taste of the full race with a run halfway up Walsh’s Pyramid before returning to the base. This race covers about 6kms and is ideal for runners looking to experience the pyramid climb without the full ascent.
Race to the Base
This race is perfect for families, beginners and those who prefer a shorter, less intense run on flat ground. The Race to the Base involves a run from Norman Park to the base of Walsh’s Pyramid and back, covering approximately 3km. It allows participants to be part of the event’s activities and enjoy the beautiful surroundings without the physical demands of the Great and Half Pyramid Races.
Dash for Cash
Not keen on climbing Walshs Pyramid, but still want to get in on the action? Join the Dash for Cash race and go in to win $100. There are five 100m Dash for Cash races on the day. No need to register ahead of time, simply sign up on the day!
