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A record breaking 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge
June 5, 2026
From 9am on Friday 29 May to 9am on Saturday 30 May, more than 1,250 people came together at Very Special Kids to keep the treadmills in motion for 24 hours in support of 24-hour care.
Our goal was to raise $1 million – and we smashed it before we were even halfway through.
Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support from 62 teams and more than 8,000 supporters, we raised a record $1.2 million (and counting)!
This is the highest amount raised in the 15-year history of the 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge.
From the first step to the final stride – the energy, generosity and spirit were incredible.
Superhero Power Hour
This year, we introduced a very special new moment – the Superhero Power Hour.
From 5pm to 6pm on Friday, we paused to remember the children who have died and to walk alongside bereaved families. During this hour, we called on everyone to dig deep – and they delivered, raising an incredible $32,651.
To make the moment even more special, we hit our $1 million goal just before 6pm.
Inside the hospice, the “superhero” theme also came to life. Occupational therapist Leo led a very special superhero mission, with children donning capes as they moved through tunnels, crossed a flowing “river” and navigated around towering “boulders,” while bubbles drifted through the air.
The course invited each child to take part in a way that suited them, supporting movement, coordination and confidence while making room for choice, rest and play.
The Smiles 4 Miles team brought their own kind of magic, running hands-on science experiments that sparked curiosity and wonder.
When children needed a quieter moment, music therapist Isaac and massage therapist Moira were there to support relaxation, offering gentle spaces to pause and reset before returning to the activities.
Throughout the day, children also visited the marquee to take in the entertainment on site, connecting with the wider energy of the event.
Together, these experiences helped ensure the day felt open and accessible to kids staying in the hospice, with something for every child to engage in, on their own terms.
A few special shout outs:
- Highest fundraising team: Frankie’s Fanatics
- Highest individual fundraiser: Peter Iancov – Team Jemena Zinfra
- Best youth fundraiser: 11-year-old Georgios
- Team Spirit award: BFIRM Partners in motion
- Superhero Spirit: brothers Harry and Tom from Frankie’s Fanatics who ran most of the 24 hours, clocking 170 kilometres
- Best dressed: caped superheroes from Supersonic Jett
- Volunteer Spirit award: Louise Rehe
Huge congratulations to everyone who brought the energy, colour and heart to 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge!
Thank you to our incredible supporters
- Harry the hirer who built and supplied the marquees, sound and lights – and formed a tready team for the first time!
- NovoFit and Genesis Health + Fitness who supplied all the treadmills to keep us in non-stop motion
- 3AW, our media partner, who supported with fundraising and on-air interviews
- ALH Hotels and all their food suppliers, who generously donate the food and drink for the event, keeping us fed and happy all 24 hours long – and who raised over $140,000
- Rapid Relief Team and Wallop Water for providing the catering and water to keep us going
- GSS Group for keeping us safe over the 24 hours
Be part of it in 2027
The next 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge may feel a while away, you can get in early with an expression of interest!
Join the waitlist and be among the first to hear when registrations open – we promise 2027 will be even more special!
Join the waitlist
Be first in line when registration opens.
