About the O’Keefe Challenge

Since 2015, the O’Keefe Challenge has been an annual event which features a collection of running, walking and cycling events held in and around Heathcote.

The signature event, The O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon, sponsored by Mandalay Resources, follows the spectacular old O’Keefe Rail Trail near Heathcote and weaves its way through bushland, open fields, farms, and past Lake Eppalock.

The O’Keefe Challenge is more than just a race or fun run – it celebrates fitness, nature and the community spirit of the Heathcote region. It raises funds for the Heathcote Dementia Village Project, which promises to be game-changer in the way we look after and care for people living with dementia.

The event is auspiced by the O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon Inc, a non-profit incorporated entity (ABN: 76 829 945 736), and is managed by a committed group of volunteers.

The Marathon was originally part of the Heathcote Community Games in 2015, but became a standalone event in 2016 with additional fun runs, cycling, walking and community activities added in 2017 and 2018.

All of these activities are designed to celebrate fitness, nature and the community spirit of the Bendigo and Heathcote region.

For more information on visiting and staying in the region, please visit the Bendigo Tourism or Heathcote Tourism websites.

Travellers have been taking this historic journey from Bendigo to Heathcote since 1888, when the railway line first linked the towns during the gold rush. Victorian railway pioneer Andrew O’Keefe is recognised for his construction of many local railway lines. He migrated to the goldfields from Ireland in the wake of the great potato famine, finding his fortune in iron track.

Today the recreational trail beside the old railway line again allows users to journey the full 49 kilometres, albeit at a slightly slower pace. It’s just as well too, as there’s lots to take in. The safe, mostly-level walking and cycling trail is one of Victoria’s great family-friendly journeys. It passes through some spectacular natural bushland, past waterways and recreation reserves. Stop off at the Axedale township for great pub fare at the local Tavern or pack your own picnic. Here the trail crosses the pretty Campaspe River which is a stunning natural river environment, and habitat for platypus.

Lake Eppalock provides another excuse to recharge by the water. Throughout the year trail users can also spot wildlife such as wallabies, kangaroos and koalas, and of course view the beautiful wildflowers along the trail. In Heathcote, superb restaurants, wineries, a brewery and bed and breakfasts await.

Pioneer Andrew O’Keefe is recognised for his construction of many local railway lines. He migrated to the goldfields from Ireland in the wake of the great potato famine, finding his fortune in iron track. For lovers of history the trail also showcases replica railway stations, an original railway wagon and regular interpretative signs outlining the history of the trails development.

Today passionate community members contribute to the care and promotion of the trail, as well as some great events, such as the O’Keefe Challenge.