It's all about community

WINNER of the O’Keefe Challenge marathon last week, was Bendigo-born, professional athlete Fraser Walsh.

Cindy (11) had hoops of fun! Photo: Brendan McCarthy

Based in Brisbane for the past five years, he has been competing in ironman events and achieved 3rd at Ironman Busselton in 2022.

One giant leap for Ava (5). Photo: Brendan McCarthy

“This was my first fresh marathon,” he said. “All my marathons I’ve done have been off a 180km bike, usually on a hot afternoon.”

Fun for all ages: Nicole Wheelhouse with Alby(3) and Kim Lingard with Mason (2) joined in the 500m Kids Dash. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

Mr Walsh said he really enjoyed competing in the O’Keefe Challenge.

All part of the community feel: Summer Johnson & Minx. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

“You really miss those community events run by great locals. “It is a great course that I’ve always wanted to do but things hadn’t aligned.

Team Leisa after the relay race at the O’Keefe Challenge. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

“The off-road surface is something I enjoy running on, running past a pretty full Eppalock and finishing back in Heathcote… great wine region with an even better bakery.”

Leading the field: Patrick Mannix, winner of the 500m Kids Dash. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

Winner of the 5km race, Bruce Maunganidze, said there was a great atmosphere at the event.

“Everything was perfect and lots of good fun.”

Domenic (9) enjoyed the many free activities at the Heathcote Community Games. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

A full list of results can be found on the O’Keefe Challenge Facebook page.

Ready to leap: Lincoln (4) enjoying fun in the sun. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

The challenge was run in conjunction with the Heathcote Community Games, one of the original founding partners.

Archie (11) climbed the rock wall for a birds-eye view of the Community Games. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves,” said community house executive officer, Vicki Forde.

And they’re off and racing at the start of the 1km Kids Dash. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

“And fabulous to have the Community Bank come on board as sponsors along with City of Greater Bendigo, The Connected Circus and Emergency Recovery Victoria. “We had activities for everyone.

David Staehr 2nd, Fraser Walsh, winner, and Tom Barkmeyer 3rd after the O’Keefe Challenge Marathon. Photo: Brendan McCarthy

“Not everyone is sporty, so we were pleased to offer activities for them too. “Attendance increased from last year and I was really pleased to see so many locals supporting the event as well as people from Pyalong, Tooborac and Axedale.”