The O’Keefe Challenge
Heathcote, Victoria
Friday 19 April 2024 – Light The Trail Night Ride
Sunday 21 April 2024 – Running and Walking Events
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.
We also raise funds for the Heathcote Dementia Alliance, which is exploring the way we look after and care for people living with dementia.
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.
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)
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)
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)
5km Run / Walk
against Dementia
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)
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)
1km Kids Dash
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)
500m Superhero Dash
Heathcote
Start time: 11:00am
ENTRY FEES: $5.00
(Until 15 minutes prior to race start)
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
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.
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.
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!
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)