Riordan’s are proud to again support as the main sponsor the Riordan Wycheproof King of the Mountain event, to be held on Saturday 27 September 2025. The race is a testament to the real impact that comes from investing in community events.
Originally held from 1977 to 1988, the King of the Mountain race was a unique challenge designed to test the strongest and fittest people from across the land. After a 35-year break, the race was relaunched in 2023 as “Australia’s toughest footrace” and is now celebrated as a showcase of community spirit, strength, and resilience.
Mount Wycheproof is officially registered as the smallest mountain in Australia. The conical-shaped rise is only 43 metres high, but it’s steep. Carrying bags of wheat in the challenge, male competitors are ladened with 60kg and female competitors with 20kg on their backs to race 1km uphill to the finish line. There are several other events, including a 5km summit dash, junior races, wheelbarrow relays and a community picnic where the winners’ presentations will be announced crowning the King and Queens of the Mountain and the AFL Grand Final is screened live.
Riordan’s values include innovation, wellbeing, drive, and community; and this event strongly reflects those values. Jim Riordan, Managing Director of Riordan, said: “We can see from this event what can be achieved when people have a goal and are prepared to work together and overcome challenges. This event has already made a significant impact on the community, and we are very proud to be a part of it.”
The event is the major annual fundraiser for the Calder United Lions Football, Netball and Hockey Club (formed in 2025 after the merger of the Wycheproof-Narraport FNHC and Nullawil FNC), generating valued funds that have gone directly to improving training facilities, installing better lighting, and laying the foundation for future projects, including clubhouse renovations, sporting field upgrades, and other resources such as safety equipment and volunteer training.
It has also helped fund the now-iconic “Footy Bus,” which benefits not only the football, cricket, and bowls clubs but also other local groups that regularly use the community bus.
Ricky Allan, President of the Calder United Lions, said: “These initiatives are more than just infrastructure investments they’re tools that help bring people together, support grassroots sport, and create opportunities for all ages across the region. The community benefits go far beyond sport; they extend to every corner of the town.”
The Riordan King of the Mountain has provided a welcome economic boost to local businesses. Hotels, accommodation providers, food outlets and the supermarket all see an increase in trade, while the event brings past residents back to reconnect with their roots and rekindle proud memories tied to the race.
“We’re very proud to support the King of the Mountain event as an opportunity to bring people together, boost local business, and drive meaningful community development,” Jim said.