Image: Pic Collage
What is the O’Keefe Challenge?
#Please note the following post is unsponsored
Image: www.theokeefe.com
The O’Keefe Rail Trail is my local rail trail and a place that I love for either cycling or walking. It runs from Bendigo to Heathcote, a distance of aboout 50k. The O’Keefe Challenge started off, a few years ago, as the O’Keefe Marathon, the first marathon to be run on a rail trail. I’m not sure if it’s still the only one, but it’s now an annual event, with a full program of running, walking and cycling events, on the rail trail and in Heathcote. The event has grown every year, with athletes coming from all over Australia to participate in this much loved event. In previous years there have been overseas participants, but that won’t be possible this year, due to Covid-19. Importantly, The O’Keefe is open to all fitness levels and caters for families.
However, the O’Keefe is much more than a fitness event. It’s an event focused on community, and is a fundraiser for the Heathcote Dementia Village Project, which, when complete, is expected to change the way dementia patients are treated.
There are many fun, community events planned at the Marathon finish line, on Barrack Reserve, featuring a kids zone and “come and try” activities.
Run or Walk
The following running or walking events are this year held on Sunday 02 May, with the main event of the weekend, being the Marathon. The O’keefe caters to all ages and all fitness levels. There is a ‘tail end Charlie’ with radio communication to organisers, so slower participants are never left alone.
Following are the run/walk events:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10km
- 5km Run/Walk Against Dementia
- 1km Kids Dash
- 500 metre superhero kids dash
Wenlock Olympian medals are presented to the male and female marathon winners. This is very special as the O’Keefe Challenge is the only event outside England to have the honour of presenting these medals. All other participants will also receive a medal on the day.
Relay
For those who don’t feel they have a marathon in them, it’s possible to form a team, and run the distance as a relay. There are many team categories able to enter, making this is a great opportunity for shorter length runners to join in the fun of a marathon. The relays are very popular events on the calendar.
Cycle
The cycle event is a social ride called Light The Night and held on the Friday night, on the rail trail, following the Marathon course, from Bendigo through to Heathcote. Axedale is a point where shorter course riders can join in. It’s a fun night with riders decorating and lighting up their bikes. Prizes are given for The Best Illuminated Outfit, Best Lit Bike and an encouragement award for those demonstrating the “spirit of The O’Keefe”. The ride finishes at the brewery in Heathcote for refreshments and light entertainment.
I am hoping to participate in the cycle event this year, although I haven’t committed yet, as it depends on my arm, which is still mending. It seems as though it will be ok, but I’d like to test it out a few more times before entering. And then there is my fitness level…….well that’s another matter entirely.
I have been on the spin bike trying to get my cycling fitness back. I plan to combine both the spin bike with my rail trail bike to build fitness. Enough to say, that if I enter, I will have to work hard on my cycling fitness in the next few weeks.
I receive no payments from the organisers of the O’Keefe Marathon for this post. I was involved on the organising committee a few years ago, and really enjoyed my experience. The only reason I gave it up was that I had taken on too much at the time, and something had to give. Unfortunately, it was this event that I had to give up. Even though I’m no longer officially involved, I’m still a huge supporter of the event.
For more information: O’Keefe Challenge
This post is linked to Denyse’s Life This Week and Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share
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Hi Jen – it sounds like a wonderful set of events and a great way to showcase the trail and raise funds for a worthy cause. I hope your fitness level and arm strength return enough to be able to compete and maybe when you retire you can take up your role on the committee again in the future?
Hear hear to all of that Leanne. Thanks for popping in
Cycle the night sounds like a lot of fun.
Are you riding at the mement Carmel? Not sure yet if I will be able to do it. Hope so.
Not at the moment Jen, thought this might have been a good motivator, but logistics of getting to and fro are too difficult, without a back up driver.
It is a bit tricky this year without the bus. I haven’t done test ride yet as the rain stopped me. Hopefully in the in the next couple of days
A wonderful event for a good cause. I hope you get to cycle it…
Fingers crossed Jo
Sounds like a great challenge, Jen and wish I lived closer. I would definitely try the running event. Have a great week! #lifethisweek
I thought if you as I was writing this Sue
I loved reading your post Jen and one day we will get down there to ride your rail trail. I also am very interested in the night ride and am thinking we can do something similar here on our trail. Thanks for the info and good luck if you get to ride it! Next weekend there is a Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge which is mainly along local roads but will also be using our rail trail for some of it. Very exciting. #lifethisweek
I googled the Snowy valleys Cycle Challenge Deb. It looks like a great event. I’m presuming you are going to ride in it?
This sounds like such a great event and for such a worthy cause too! I love the idea of a relay for the marathon – so much more achievable!
You’re right Sammie. The relay is very popular. In my running days I would have loved to do it
What a great event and as everyone else has also said – for a very worth cause! I can’t run but I would definitely give walking or cycling a go!
My running days are over now too Min
Recovering from the arm fracture and of course, all that COVID brought in terms of where you could go etc has been quite a challenge.
Outlining all here it sounds like such a great way in which to join others and provide help to this worthy organisation.
I hope, over time, you work out the best way it can be for you.
Thank you for linking up your blog post to Life This Week #232. Lots of interesting comments from bloggers this time about “good”. Next week, the optional prompt is Heroic….that too might generate more conversation…and THAT is what I love about hosting a link up on my blog. See you there. Denyse.
Thanks for creating the space for #lifethisweek I look forward every Monday to reading posts from incredible bloggers
Sounds like a wonderful thing to be a part of. I’ve been thinking of taking part in some virtual events, walking of course because I don’t run or jog unless it’s short spurts between walking…lol.
There are some great virtual events Kristin. I’m currents doing a virtual walking challenge with The Conqueror Virtual Challenges.
Jennifer, This looks like a fun event for a very good cause. I hope you gain strength in the coming days to participate in it. Thank you for sharing this at #WeekendCoffeeShare.
Thanks for popping in again Natalie
Hope your arm is feeling better and that you will be able to participate in this challenging and exciting event!
Fingers crossed. Thanks for visiting