UPCOMING EVENTS AND CHALLENGES
At Canteen, young people’s real experiences are at the heart of everything we do. We don’t shy away from the tough stuff - we use it to build hope, resilience and meaning.
Find your next challenge and help young people find life in the face of cancer.
For more information or support please contact us at fundraising@canteen.org.au
Rottnest Channel Swim
WA
21 February 2026
One of the largest open water swim events in the world, the Rottnest Channel Swim is a 19.7km open-water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island).
Ballarat Marathon
VIC
25 April 2026
Life Cycle Off Road
WA
2-4 May 2026
Join us for the 2026 Off Road event, as we take a journey along the Munda Biddi Trail. This year we will be riding between Logue Brook Dam and Donnybrook, staying overnight both nights in Collie.
Hokka Ultra Trail UTMB
NSW
14-17 May 2026
A trail running celebration like no other. Only 90 minutes from Sydney CBD, this event is set in The Blue Mountains, one of the most spectacular locations in Australia.
Other challenge events
Cole Classic
1 Feb 2026
Participants in the world's biggest ocean swim, the Cole Classic, will dive into the waters off Manly for 1km, 2km, 5km, and - making its debut in 2026 - a brand-new 10km course.
Register here
Terrigal Swim Fest
8 March 2026
From intimate small-group swim clinics led by expert coaches to thrilling mass-participation ocean swims that welcome swimmers of all abilities, Terrigal Swim Fest offers something for everyone.
Register here
Sydney Half Marathon
3 May 2026
Come and experience a truly unique city running experience through the beating heart of the Sydney CBD on Sunday 3 May 2026.
Register here
HOKA Ultra-Trail
14-17 May 2026
A trail running celebration like no other, and just a 90 minute drive from Sydney CBD, UTA is set in one of the most spectacular locations you can imagine. The Blue Mountains is in a world of its own.
Register here
Canberra Times Marathon Festival
11-12 April 2026
Saturday will feature the Runner’s World 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash, creating a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere, while Sunday will showcase our premier events – the TCS Marathon (42.2K) and Half Marathon (21.1K) – giving those runners the spotlight they deserve on Canberra’s iconic closed roads.
Register here
Noosa Summer Swim Festival
22 February 2026
Each year, more than 2,500 swimmers—accompanied by around 5,000 enthusiastic supporters—flock to Noosa for a weekend packed with sunshine, surf, and unforgettable swims.
Register here
Mooloolaba Mile Ocean Swim
22 March 2026
The Mooloolaba Mile program is packed with distances from 800m - 6.0km, and based at Mooloolaba Spit where you can push your limits in a safe environment.
Register here
Cooly Classic
17 May 2026
There are four distances, from 1km to 5km, but it’s always the 2.0km Cooly Classic from Snapper Rocks to Kirra Beach that attracts the masses.
Register here
Gold Coast GC30
17 May 2026
With a course that combines closed roads and some of the best running trails the Gold Coast has to offer, this multi-distance event has a challenge for everyone next May, including 30km, 15km, 7.5km and Kids Dash events!
Register here
Noosa Marathon
23 May 2026
Escape to world famous Noosa for Runaway Noosa Marathon and a weekend filled with sunshine and good times. With a flat, fast and friendly multi-lap course set in the heart of Noosa township and multi distances to choose from, it’s easy to find your happy running place right here.
Register here
Brisbane Marathon
7 June 2026
One of the most historic events on the Queensland running calendar, with cleared CBD roads and views like no other, tihs is your chance to challenge yourself in support of Canteen.
Register here
Hervey Bay Half Marathon
21 June 2026
The Hervey Bay Half Marathon Festival offers runners a truly unique coastal experience, set against the stunning backdrop of Queensland’s Fraser Coast. With sweeping ocean views, tranquil beaches, and an inviting esplanade lined with palms and cafés, participants will be immersed in the laid-back charm and natural beauty of this coastal paradise.
Register here
Gold Coast Marathon
4-5 July 2026
The world class international marathon will attract participants of all ages and abilities from around the world across eight races including the Gold Coast Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, Half Marathon, Wheelchair 10km,10km Run, 5km, Wheelchair 5km and 2km Junior Dash.
Register here
Cairns Marathon
12 July 2026
This must-do destination event in Australia is for all running and lifestyle event enthusiasts. Located beautiful North Queensland during the best season to experience the beauty of the tropics, this is the ideal way to add a personal accomplishment to a beautiful holiday desitnation.
Register here
Sunshine Coast Marathon
2 Aug 2026
The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is an AIMS certified course and is one of the most-loved running festivals in Australia.
Register here
City-Bay Fun Run
20 September 2026
Join the City-Bay's leading charity team and enjoy exclusive access to a marquee with a cooked breakfast, cold drinks and physiotherapy massages post race!
First 10 entrants to raise $500 receive a refund on their registration cost!
Register here
Sunset Series
4 Feb - 4 Mar 2026
Take on Melbourne’s ultimate three-race series across iconic locations – The Zoo, Princes Park, and The Tan. Whether you’re chasing a PB or simply running for fun, you’ll have the choice of long or short distances at each event: 4.7K or 7.7K at The Zoo, 4K or 8K at Princes Park, and 3.8K or 7.7K at The Tan.
Register here
Run the Rock
21 Mar 2026
With spectacular views and native wildlife, you get to experience running on trails, paths and roads including a lap at the base of Hanging Rock. Afterwards celebrate your achievements in our event village with live music, food trucks, games for the whole family and more.
Register here
Ballarat Marathon
25-26 April 2026
The Ballarat Marathon is a two-day running festival, open to both elite and recreational athletes. Our event showcases one of regional Australia’s most beautiful and historic cities and promotes health and wellbeing across the community.
Sign up for Ballarat Marathon
Mornington Running Festival
3 May 2026
Set in what is one of Australia's most stunning courses to run, winding along the esplanade from Mornington to Mt Martha and back. This unique experience to run or walk along this road free from traffic is unmissable. The weekend features a variety of running & walking events to suit all ages and fitness levels. All finishers receive a finishers medal and a free donut.
Register here
Great Ocean Road Running Festival
16 May 2026
Set in what is truly Australia's most stunning place to run, winding along the windswept coast of the Southern Ocean, the scenic course is guaranteed to take your breath away. This unique experience to run or walk along the Great Ocean Road free from traffic is unmissable.
Register here
Rosebud Running Festival
7 June 2026
The newest running event on the Mornington Peninsula is the Rosebud Running Festival and will take place again on Sunday 7 June 2026. The course will cover sections along the foreshore trails (Bay trail) with runners being able to enjoy running through some stunning landscapes with Port Phillip Bay as the backdrop.
Register here
Run Melbourne
19 July 2026
Whether you’re chasing a new PB, running for a cause close to your heart, or soaking up the energy of a city united by movement, Run Melbourne is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of passion, community, and the place we call home.
Finish strong at Melbourne Park and celebrate your achievement in one of Australia’s most legendary sporting arenas.
21 February 2026
One of Australia’s iconic community sporting events and the largest open water swim event in the world, the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim is a 19.7km open-water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup).
Register here
Lifecycle for Canteen Off Road
2-4 May 2026
Join us for the 2026 OffRoad event, when we will return to start another journey along the Munda Biddi Trail. This year we will be riding between Logue Brook Dam and Donnybrook, staying overnight both nights in Collie.
Register here
This year sees the 30th running of the Point to Pinnacle, with 3,200 people taking on the mountain, up to 1,600 racing to the Pub, and hopefully, more for Team Canteen.
Join Team Canteen
Kunanyi Mountain Run
Kunanyi Mountain Run is a 3-day trail running festival that celebrates the famous mountain on Hobart’s doorstep.
Kunanyi Mountain Run with Canteen
