Fans of an iconic Noosa hinterland mountain race have been left disappointed and confused after the race was axed following a dispute between the organisers and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

For 44 years the King of the Mountain event featured 80 to 100 runners ascending 439m on a steep, narrow track to the summit of Mount Cooroora and bravely descending the slope, which sits at the edge of the small town of Pomona.

An annual race since 1979, the gruelling 5.2km event was axed last week after the local Cooroy Pomona Lions Club rejected new conditions imposed by QPWS.

Documentary filmmaker Jacob Schiotz captured the nostalgia that surrounds the race in his documentary, Still Running, which was released last year.

"It's more than just a race," Mr Schiotz said.

"It's a day when the community come together and celebrate this beautiful mountain and watch about 100 crazy people race."

Mr Schiotz said the race started after local resident Bruce Samuels, who was "feeling a bit dusty" one morning after "a few too many one night" in 1958, decided to "shake it out a bit" by running up the mountain.

When he went back to the pub he was met with disbelief by his mates. Bets were wagered that he couldn't do it in under an hour.

"He won the bet and before you knew it, it was a race and became this wonderful tradition," Mr Schiotz said.

It's a tough run

The filmmaker said the race gained notoriety due to its almost vertical ascent and unforgiving terrain.

"In the early days there wasn't even a track," he said.

"It's all rocks and sharp edges and as one person said, 'Everything up there just wants to bite you'."

The race record lies with former Nambour resident Neil Labinsky, who won in 2009 with an "unbelievable" time of 22 minutes, 43 seconds.

"Neil took weeks to prepare," Mr Schiotz said.

"It was a 5-minute descent — totally fearless, absolutely amazing," he said.

Mountain runner James Maxwell, who ran fourth in last year's event, said the cancellation was disappointing and confusing. 

He hoped the event could go ahead in some way in the future.

What caused the cancellation?

In recent years race entry numbers have been limited by QPWS to 80 competitors, with an additional requirement imposed this year to introduce a two-stage staggered start, each comprising 40 competitors.

But the race committee rejected the request and cancelled the event, saying the stricter conditions would compromise the "essence" of the race.

The decision was "tough … and a weighty one", a statement from organisers read.

"Through years of collaboration with QPWS, the committee has strived to strike a balance between preserving the environment and hosting a memorable race."

The organising committee thanked past competitors and the community for their support and said the race's legacy "would live on in their stories".

Race adjustments 'necessary'

In response to the backlash, a Department of Environment spokesperson said the new restrictions would minimise "impacts and safety risks".

The spokesman said the governing bodies would continue to work with the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club to facilitate "an environmentally sustainable" event that "respects the cultural values of the area".

It stated that higher numbers of competitors in previous years had caused concern.

"Particularly when competitors who reached the summit begin to descend and meet competitors who are still ascending," the spokesman said.

Community at a loss

Relieved to have captured the race in his documentary before its axing, Mr Schiotz said the news had been disappointing for the community.

"It's just part of everyone who lives around here," he said.

"It's not just about professional mountain runners. People here walk it and know the guts it takes to run it. 

"The mountain is still here, the community spirit is still here ... and the love for the mountain continues."