The O’Keefe Challenge

Heathcote, Victoria

Friday 19 April 2024 – Light The Trail Night Ride

Sunday 21 April 2024 – Running and Walking Events

Registrations now open!

Join us on Friday 19 – Sunday 21 April 2024 and follow the spectacular O’Keefe Rail Trail near Heathcote, as it weaves its way through bushland, open fields, farms and past Lake Eppalock.​

The O’Keefe Challenge is more than just a race, fun run or bike ride – it celebrates fitness, nature and the community spirit of the Heathcote and Bendigo region, in Central Victoria.

Be sure to bring the family for a great day out, featuring activities for the whole family to try out on Barrack Reserve throughout the day. These features are proudly presented by the Heathcote Community House.

We also raise funds for the Heathcote Dementia Alliance, which is exploring the way we look after and care for people living with dementia.

REGISTER NOW

Running Events

Come and choose your challenge!

Our signature event: the 42.2km Marathon, presented by Mandalay Resources, a point-to-point Half Marathon, presented by Fosterville Gold Mine, a 10km Fun Run, 5km fun run / walk, a 1km Kids Dash, and a 500 metre junior superhero dash.

O'Keefe Challenge Marathon

42.2km MARATHON

Heathcote-to-Heathcote
Start time: 8:00am

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird: $100.00
(Until midnight Thursday 29 February 2024)

Standard: $125.00
(Until Midnight 20 April 2024)

On The Day: $150.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)

Enter now >
Learn more >

21.1km Half MARATHON

Knowsley-to-Heathcote
Start time: 9.00am

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird: $72.00
(Until midnight Thursday 29 February 2024)

Standard: $90.00
(Until Midnight 20 April 2024)

On The Day: $110.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)

Enter now >
Learn more >

10km
Fun Run

Heathcote
Start time: 9:45am

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird: $30.00
(Until midnight Thursday 29 February 2024)

Standard: $40.00
(Until Midnight 20 April 2024)

On The Day: $50.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)

Enter now >
Learn more >

5km Run / Walk
against Dementia

Heathcote
Start time: 9:50am

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird: $20.00
(Until midnight Thursday 29 February 2024)

Standard: $25.00
(Until Midnight 20 April 2024)

On The Day: $30.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)

Enter now >
Learn more >

1.5km Quiz Walk

1.5km Quiz Walk

Heathcote
Start time: 9:55am

ENTRY FEES:
$10.00 per person
$24.00 per family
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)

Enter now >
Learn more >

1km Kids Dash

Heathcote
Start time: 11:05am

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird / Standard: $10.00
(Until Midnight 20 April 2024)

Late / On The Day: $15.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)

Enter now >
Learn more >

500m Superhero Dash

Heathcote
Start time: 11:00am

ENTRY FEES: $5.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)

Enter now >
Learn more >

Relay Events

Our Ekiden Relay
All you need is SIX relay team members, and they share the legs to cover 42.2km. The Ekiden Relay starts at the same time as the follows the 42.2km O’Keefe Challenge Marathon course, which begins and finishes in Heathcote.

Our Mini-Eki Relay
A new, shorter option for FIVE team members with legs between 2.7km and 4.5km from Knowsley to Heathcote.

It’s perfect for community groups, sporting clubs, work mates or friends.

42.2km Ekiden Relay

Heathcote-to-Heathcote
Six Legs
Start time: 8:00am

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird: $120.00
(Until midnight Thursday 29 February 2024)

Standard: $180.00
(Until Midnight 17 April 2024)
Relay entries close on WEDNESDAY 17 April 2024.

Enter now >
Learn more >

21.1km Mini-Eki Relay

Knowsley-to-Heathcote
Six Legs
Start time: 9:00am

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird: $120.00
(Until midnight Thursday 29 February 2024)

Standard: $180.00
(Until Midnight 17 April 2024)
Relay entries close on WEDNESDAY 17 April 2024.

Enter now >
Learn more >

RIDE – Friday 19th April 2024

Ride the O’Keefe Rail Trail by the light of the moon and many flashing bike lights! Prizes for best dressed and best lit bike!

Axedale-to-Heathcote
Six Legs
Start time: 6:30pm

ENTRY FEES:
Early Bird: $30.00
(Until midnight Thursday 18 April 2024)

On the day / night: $40.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to start time)

Enter now >
Learn more >

GOLD SPONSOR

Mandalay Resources logo

CHARITY PARTNER

Heathcote Dementia Alliance logo

MAJOR SPONSORS

Agnico Eagle Fosterville Gold Mine

SUPPORTING SPONSORS