10/09/2026
GORDONVALE SHINES FOR 67TH GREAT PYRAMID RACE
The 67th Great Pyramid Race delivered another memorable day in Gordonvale, with around 400 runners taking part across five events and an exciting first added to the race’s long history.
Sunshine Coast couple Billy Curtis and Abbey Watson made Great Pyramid Race history by becoming the first couple to win the Men’s and Women’s main events in the same year. Billy crossed the finish line in 1:21:15, while Abbey claimed the women’s title in 1:47:16.
Billy then added to an already impressive day by also taking out the Half Pyramid event.
Main Event Results
Men
1. Billy Curtis
2. Joshua Chugg
3. Murray McPherson
Women
1. Abbey Watson
2. Isis Flynn-Pittar
3. Amelia Spring
Picture-perfect weather provided ideal conditions, with the event running smoothly thanks to the enormous effort of the organising committee and volunteers. Strong support from sponsors, local businesses and the Gordonvale and wider community once again contributed to the success of this event.
The Gordonvale Cottage Markets, held alongside the race, also attracted a huge crowd, adding to the atmosphere and bringing plenty of activity into town throughout the day.
The day also recognised the people behind the event, with the first honorary life memberships of the Great Pyramid Race presented to committee members Clive Murray and Ann Smith.
Both were recognised for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the race, marking an extraordinary contribution to an event that continues to grow while retaining its strong community spirit.
Clive received further recognition as a recipient of the Member for Mulgrave’s Community Service Award, acknowledging individuals who go above and beyond in service to their community.
BEHIND EVERY GREAT RACE ARE GREAT VOLUNTEERS
As thousands of footsteps echoed across the Great Pyramid Race course once again, countless volunteers worked behind the scenes to make Gordonvale's iconic event a success. Among them was Betty Lennox, who turns 82 this month and has spent more than 20 years at the Green Patch water station, supporting competitors and helping keep one of the community's cherished traditions running smoothly.
Betty's connection with the race began as a competitor. She finished second in her age category in her first Pyramid Race before returning the following year to claim first place. After experiencing the challenge of the course herself, she decided to give back by volunteering.
When Betty first took charge of the Greenpatch water station more than two decades ago, it was a much simpler operation. There was no gazebo, with the station set up in the shade at the bottom of the Greenpatch hill. She organised almost everything herself, supplying her own buckets, hoses and water containers, often purchasing extra cups, while family and friends pitched in to help. She also provided basic first aid when needed.
Over the years, the event became more professional. Volunteers are now provided with T-shirts, high-visibility vests, refreshments and much of the equipment, allowing Betty to focus on encouraging and supporting competitors on race day.
Among her favourite memories was running up the Greenpatch hill alongside popular local teacher Rod Whittle after he had climbed and descended the Pyramid. Betty treasures the camaraderie between runners and volunteers, with many competitors returning year after year to express their appreciation. Long-time competitor Arron Bowden is one of many who makes a point of thanking Betty each year for the encouragement and support provided by the volunteers. This year, Betty was especially touched to see former race winner Steve Francis choosing to run alongside his daughter Charli in the Half Pyramid Race, reflecting the event's growing focus on family and participation.
Betty's commitment to volunteering extends well beyond race day. She is an active member of the Mulgrave Historical Society, often dressing in character for the popular Ghosts of Gordonvale tours. She is also involved with Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group through tree planting days and nursery mornings, volunteers at a local nursery, looks after the community Street Library, and helps a local schoolteacher create artwork displays and stage props for the school's annual art production.
After more than two decades supporting the Great Pyramid Race and many other community organisations, Betty hopes others will consider volunteering. She believes giving time to the community brings far more in return through friendships, shared experiences and the satisfaction of helping others. Her example is a reminder that behind every great race—and every great community—are volunteers who quietly make a difference.
Photo captions:
#1 Joshua Chugg, Billy Curtis, Murray McPherson (photo by Pat Blake)
#2 Abbey Watson (photo by Pat Blake)
#3 Clive Murray and Ann Smith (photo by Jon Westaway)
#4 Betty Lennox and Amy Eden (photo by Sandra Charlton)
#5 Steve Francis with his daughter, Charli (photo by Sandra Charlton)
#6 Arron Bowden (photo by Sandra Charlton)
