Our Fundraising Partner - The O’Keefe Challenge

The O’Keefe Challenge is 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 from Junortoun on the outskirts of Bendigo to 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.