It’s all about community

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

 

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

 

“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.”

 

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

 

“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.

“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.”

 

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

“Everything was perfect and lots of good fun.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“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.

 

“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.”

 

Ms Forde said the games were regaining ground again after interruptions during COVID.

 

“There were more community groups involved this year and we are hoping there will be even more next year.

“That community feel is what it is all about.”