The O’Keefe Challenge was back and bigger than ever with a record 1180 entries across the night ride, running and relay events in 2021. As well as being a great physical test, the event raises much needed funds for the Heathcote Dementia Alliance.

After having to go ‘virtual’ in 2020 due to the coronavirus, organisers and athletes alike were thrilled to be back on the picturesque O’Keefe Rail Trail between Bendigo and Heathcote.

“Wow – what an event: we had awesome weather, a fantastic turn out, and after 2020 it was just so nice to have an ‘in-person’ event,” Kerstin Brauns, Chair, O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon Inc.

O'Keefe Challenge night ride

O’Keefe Challenge night ride

On Friday, 30 April, over 200 riders set off at sunset from Axedale and finished at Palling Bros Brewery on High Street Heathcote. Amongst this ‘peloton’ was a school group from the Alice Miller School in Macedon, plus men, women and children of all ages and stages.

“The sight of the riders rolling out from Axedale with their decorated bikes and flashing costumes was fantastic and a lot of fun. Everyone had a wonderful time,” explained Ride Coordinator, David Little.

All riders received a finishers medal upon arrival at Palling Bros and $100 gift vouchers for Giant Bendigo were awarded for ‘Best Illuminated Outfit’, ‘Best Lit Bike’ and an ‘Encouragement Award’ for those who have demonstrated the spirit of the O’Keefe Challenge.

On Sunday, 2 May, a record number of runners set off in the Mandalay Resoures Marathon, Fosterville Gold Mine Half Marathon, Emu Downs Contracting 10km run and the Connallys Real Estate 5km Run / Walk against Dementia.

Winner of the Men’s Marathon, Peter Reynolds, was running just his second ever marathon and finished in a time of 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Castlemaine resident won by over three minutes from Jarrod Mullavey. In the women’s marathon, Chelsea Warnes claimed victory by less than 2 minutes from Sally Prymer.

The weather was picture perfect as athletes followed the spectacular O’Keefe Rail Trail from Bendigo to Heathcote, as it weaves its way through bushland, open fields, farms, and past Lake Eppalock.

All proceeds from the event go back into the community, supporting the various community groups that man the aid stations along the route and our charity partner, the Heathcote Dementia Alliance, supporting the fight against Dementia.

“We are committed to supporting the establishment of ‘Gilbruk Place’, the proposed dementia-focused village in Heathcote,” said Sandra Slatter of the Heathcote Dementia Alliance.

“Gilbruk Place will provide a safe and secure ecological environment and incorporate unobtrusive, but effective care practices and services. This will support residents retain dignity and control of their daily lives and enable them to continue to be well respected and valued members of the community.”

By the numbers

  • 980+ running entries
  • 200+ night ride entries
  • 35 Ekiden Relay Teams

Total of 1180+ individual entries.

Where did our athletes come from?

Location of Origin Total

Bendigo

 35%
Heathcote & towns along the O’Keefe Rail Trail 11%
Metro Melbourne 32%
Regional Victoria (other than Bendigo / Heathcote) 20%
Interstate

2%

Thank you to our very valuable Volunteers

200+ volunteers from a range of community organisations, including:

  • Advance Heathcote
  • Bendigo University Athletics Club
  • Eaglehawk Rotary Club
  • Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail
  • Heathcote Car Club
  • Heathcote Kiwanis
  • Heathcote Men’s Shed
  • Heathcote Night Country Women’s Association
  • Heathcote Primary School
  • Heathcote Rotary Club
  • Holy Rosary Primary School, White Hills
  • Junortoun Community Action Group
  • Sandhurst Amateur Radio and Electronics Club

Thank you to our super Sponsors and Supporters:

The O’Keefe Challenge is a not-for-profit event, run by a dedicated team of volunteers.

We are generously supported by a variety of local businesses including:

Gold Sponsor

  • Mandalay Resources

Major Sponsors

  • Connallys Real Estate
  • Fosterville Gold Mine

Supporting Sponsors

  • Kilmore Racing Club and Bendigo Club,
  • Emu Downs Contracting,
  • RUC Cementation and Mining,
  • Villawood Properties
  • Easytow Trailers
  • Heathcote Lions Club
  • Ben Stolz Myotherapy
  • The City of Greater Bendigo.