The Pomona Family Fun Day

This event has ended!

It was in 1958 when Bruce Samuels, a local footballer and railway porter, ran to the top of Mt Cooroora as a hangover cure. He later casually announced in the bar of the Railway Hotel (since demolished), that he had done it in under an hour. His claims brought doubts and scoffs from the idling drinkers who needled Samuels into declaring that he was prepared to do it again, under supervision. The race was arranged for 22 March 1958, a good few side bets placed, and after no special preparation Samuels set out to prove he could do it "inside the hour". To the amazement of most, Samuels returned with 20 minutes of his hour to spare and collected the 100 pound wager. He became the town hero and was nicknamed "Hilary" Samuels. The feat was recorded on the wall of the hotel bar and it was there in 1959, that Barry Webb, a 21yr old Brisbane man, decided to take up the challenge. Barry was no speedster but knew that he had stamina and was in good condition. He declared that he could beat Samuels' time and a race was set for the following Saturday.