What started as a treadmill fundraiser in 2012 has now raised over $10.5m, with this year’s 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge contributing over $1.2m to help provide palliative care for children and vital support for their families.
Held from 29 to 30 May at Very Special Kids on Glenferrie Road, Malvern, the 2026 Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge powered by Belgravia’s NovoFit and Genesis Health and Fitness brought together corporate teams, community groups, participants, donors and supporters for one of the organisation’s biggest annual fundraising events.
With treadmills generously provided by NovoFit, Genesis and 2nd Hand Fitness, participants were challenged to run, jog or walk for at least 30 minutes, keeping the treadmills moving for a full 24 hours.
Behind the scenes, the NovoFit team worked tirelessly to install, service, clean and polish the treadmills, as well as maintain them throughout the event to ensure every participant could keep moving for the cause.
The challenge was more than a physical effort, with a party atmosphere helping carry participants through the day and night. Food, dancing, games, prizes and DJs kept energy levels high, while celebrity appearances from Dyson Heppell, Jimmy Bartel, Dave Hughes and Jeremy Howe helped boost support for the cause. The event also attracted media coverage including a 3AW live outside broadcast and Channel 7 News.
3AW’s Jimmy Bartel was among the first participants to step onto a treadmill and spoke about the importance of the event during a live broadcast.
“It’s a great atmosphere. I’ve been chatting with the families and it’s an incredible organisation. They don’t receive government grants or handouts, so every dollar raised makes a difference. We say it every year, it’s an incredible charity. It’s one you hope you never need, but if you unfortunately do, you’ve got an amazing team behind you.”
Images supplied by Very Special Kids.
Michael Wasley, Very Special Kids CEO, and the team shared their gratitude following the event.
“Thank you for stepping up to take on the 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge. You helped keep treadmills moving for 24 hours, but more importantly, you helped ensure Very Special Kids can continue providing vital care and support to seriously ill children and their families. We are deeply touched by the generosity, heart and dedication shown by everyone involved.”
Tim Horskins, NovoGroup CEO, said the result reflected the generosity of the wider community.
“This event is only possible because so many people come together behind the scenes and on the day. I’d like to thank the teams at Genesis Berwick, Lilydale, Ringwood and Wantirna for loaning 18 treadmills to support the challenge, along with Harry the Hirer, ALH Hotels, our volunteers, participants, donors and supporters. Every contribution helped make a real difference.
“To see over $1.2m raised for Very Special Kids is an incredible result, and we’re already looking forward to supporting the challenge again next year and continuing to make an impact for children and their families,” Tim concluded.
The outstanding result will help Very Special Kids continue its critical work supporting seriously ill children and their families through life, death and bereavement.
To learn more about the Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge or support future fundraising efforts, visit the Very Special Kids website.
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