Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail

The community supported O’Keefe Challenge 2024 successfully held its annual running events on Sunday, 21st April, with a total field of 932 participants.

In near perfect weather conditions, the Starter’s gun saw the marathon runners burst out of the Barrick Reserve Heathcote to head along the O’Keefe Rail Trail for the turn-around point within the Knowsley Forest. The marathon runners returned along the rail trail for the 42km finish at Heathcote, with the first across the finish line being Fraser Walsh in a time of 2hrs 32mins 37 secs.

The Half Marathon entrants began their run at Knowsley, utilising the rail trail to finish at the Barrick Reserve Heathcote. The first finisher was Jayden Nicholson in 1:17:28. Other events on the day included a 10km, 5km, Ekiden Relay, Mini-Eky Relay, 1Km Kids Dash, and 500m Superhero Kids Dash. The ‘Light the Trail’ social bike ride was held on Friday evening, with 70 riders participating.

Underpinning the weekend’s events were community groups and volunteers, who carried out various roles such as Aid Station attendees and road marshalls. Providing support and encouragement to the runners, as well as assistance where required, such was definitely appreciated by all who were involved.