Something for everyone at O’Keefe Challenge

THE O’Keefe Challenge and Heathcote Community Games will return to Barrack Reserve on Sunday.

The not-for-profit event promotes health and wellbeing in the community.

“The O’Keefe Challenge is more than just a race, fun run or relaxing walk,” said O’Keefe Challenge president Kerstin Brauns.

“It celebrates fitness, nature and the community spirit of the greater Heathcote region.

“The O’Keefe Challenge has been running for 10 years and attracts around 1000 registered participants as well as observers to our region.

“Our participants often make a weekend of it in Heathcote supporting local businesses with accommodation and meals as well as visiting attractions and wineries in our beautiful area.

“The O’Keefe Challenge has a variety of running and walking events to cater for all ages and abilities.

“Our events include a full marathon (42.2 kilometres), half marathon (21.1 kilometres), 10-kilometre and five-kilometre run/walk against dementia.

“We have a family-friendly, all-abilities 1.5-kilometre quiz walk through town where participants follow directions looking for clues to answer a series of quiz questions about Heathcote attractions and businesses.

“There is plenty on offer for the kids with a one-kilometre race and 500-metre superhero dash where everyone is encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero.

“We also offer two relay events for teams of six, the Ekiden Relay is 42.2 kilometres over six legs and the mini-eki is 21.1 kilometres over six legs.”

Athletes follow the O’Keefe Rail Trail between Bendigo and Heathcote, as it weaves its way through bushland, open fields, farms and past Lake Eppalock as well as utilising the McIvor Creek Trail in Heathcote past the Valley of Liquid Ambers.

“The finish area on Barrack Reserve is located on the main High Street, providing easy access for family and friends to visit the event village and cheer their loved ones on,” said Ms Brauns.

“There they can join in the Heathcote Community Games family entertainment with a rock-climbing wall, fun inflatable challenges and giant games.

“We raise funds for the Dementia Alliance which promises to be a game-changer in improving the design and delivery of innovative dementia care services, with a focus on rural and regional solutions.

“Last year we raised over $6500 for Dementia Alliance to put towards their latest flagship project – Reflections at Eppalock, a nature-based sanctuary nestled on twenty acres on the serene banks of Lake Eppalock.

“This haven offers an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to recharge, connect with others in similar situations, and learn new coping strategies together.

“The O’Keefe Challenge also donates funds to over a dozen local volunteer groups who operate our drink stations, provide first aid support and marshal our course.”

Volunteer groups include Heathcote U3A, Heathcote Night CWA, Heathcote Car Club, Friends of Bendigo Kilmore Bike Trail, Bendigo University Athletics Club, Heathcote Men’s Shed, Heathcote Footy/Netball Club, Bendigo Triathlon Club and SADARC and SAREG Amateur Radio Clubs.

“This year Heathcote SES is coming on board to operate an aid station and raise funds for their new 4WD Medium Rescue Truck,” Ms Brauns said. “The money will be matched dollar for dollar by Heathcote & District Community Bank.

“Lions Club will be operating their BBQ trailer, and the Heathcote Football/Netball Club will have the tuck shop open.

“We rely on the generosity of local sponsors as well as registrations to fund our event.

“Mandalay Resources, Connallys Real Estate and Heathcote Lions Club have been sponsoring our event since the first Challenge event with Emu Downs Contracting.

“This year Heathcote’s new At the Bar 24/7 Gym joins us a new sponsor.

“Tellurian Winery and Palling Bros Brewery donate goods for prize packs and Heathcote Visitor Information Centre donate their time to put them together with local goodies promoting our region.”

The Event Village at Barrack Reserve will open at 8am.