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The 2020 O’Keefe Challenge event has been cancelled in the wake of the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The 5th edition of the event was scheduled to be held on 17 – 19 April 2020.
We believe this is the most appropriate course of action to minimise the risk of public exposure to COVID-19, in line with Australian Government advice and restrictions. The health and wellbeing of our O'Keefe Challenge participants, volunteers, family, friends and members of the Bendigo and Heathcote communities is our highest priority.
Whilst this decision was not taken lightly, the O’Keefe Challenge team hope that our participants, sponsors and stakeholders understand the reasons behind this cancellation.
The team are also announcing the following events:
- Our 'Light the Trail' social night ride will be rescheduled for Friday, 23 October 2020.
- The next full O'Keefe Challenge event is scheduled for Friday 30 April and Sunday 2 May 2021.
- A ‘Virtual Run’ to raise funds for the Heathcote Dementia Village during April 2020.
Registered participants now have the option to rollover their entry to our future events, receive a partial refund, or donate their refund to the Heathcote Dementia Village Project.
OPTION 1: Rollover their entries at no cost to October ride event OR our 2021 O'Keefe Challenge event. (No action required, participant remains registered).
OPTION 2: Receive an 80% refund of their entry fee.
OPTION 3: Donate 80% of their entry fee to the Heathcote Dementia Village Project.
Participants are invited to complete an online form to advise of their preference:
https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=38560
Unfortunately, full refunds are not possible due to the considerable investment in insurance, equipment and resources that have already been committed to hold this event. The O’Keefe Rail Trail Marathon Inc is a non-profit event delivered by a group of volunteers. We ask for participants understanding of this situation.
The O’Keefe Challenge team would like to thank all of the volunteers, community groups and sponsors who have contributed to this event to help it reach this stage.
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The O'Keefe Challenge is more than just a race or fun run - it celebrates fitness, nature and the community spirit of the Heathcote region.
We invite you to follow the spectacular old rail trail from Bendigo to the heart of Heathcote, as it weaves its way through bushland, open fields, farms, and past Lake Eppalock.
Wait! Want to enter an Ekiden Relay team?
Click here to register a relay team >
Want to know more about the event?
Visit the O'Keefe Challenge website >