When people hear about the Wounded Heroes 24 Hour Challenge, many immediately think it's all about fitness. While walking or running up and down Castle Hill for 24 hours certainly requires determination, the event is about something much bigger than endurance.
It's about community.
It's about resilience.
Most importantly, it's about standing beside the current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families who need support when life takes an unexpected turn.
On 19–20 September 2026, people from across Australia will come together in Townsville to take on one incredible challenge while raising vital funds for veterans and Defence families facing crisis across Far North Queensland.
Whether you complete one lap or twenty, every step makes a difference.
If you're ready to be part of something bigger than yourself, you can register for the 24 Hour Challenge today.
A Challenge Designed for Everyone
Unlike traditional endurance events, the Wounded Heroes 24 Hour Challenge isn't about crossing the finish line first.
It's about challenging yourself at your own pace while supporting an important cause.
Participants can:
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Walk or run Castle Hill
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Complete as many climbs as they choose during the 24 hours
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Participate individually or as part of a team
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Fundraise for local veterans and Defence families
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Join for a few hours or stay for the full event
There are no expectations to complete a certain number of laps.
Whether you're an experienced runner, casual walker, Defence member, veteran, workplace team, sporting club, school, or simply someone wanting to make a difference, there's a place for you.
Learn more about how the challenge works.
Why This Challenge Matters
Far North Queensland is home to one of Australia's largest Defence communities.
Thousands of serving ADF members, veterans and their families live throughout the region.
While many people associate military service with strength and resilience, the reality is that life after—or even during—service can present unexpected challenges.
Families may experience:
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Financial hardship
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Housing insecurity
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Relationship breakdown
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Domestic and family violence
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Unexpected medical expenses
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Emergency accommodation needs
When crisis happens, people don't have weeks to wait for help.
They need practical assistance immediately.
That's where Wounded Heroes Australia steps in.
Through its 24/7 crisis response service, Wounded Heroes Australia provides urgent support including emergency accommodation, food assistance, fuel vouchers, relocation support and other practical help to stabilise veterans and their families during difficult times.
Every Dollar Raised Stays Local
One of the most important aspects of the Wounded Heroes 24 Hour Challenge is that funds raised stay in Far North Queensland.
Every registration, every donation and every fundraising page directly supports local ADF members, veterans and their families facing hardship.
Rather than funding overseas programs or general administration, your fundraising helps provide immediate practical support when local families need it most.
You can see exactly where your fundraising makes an impact and why every dollar raised matters.
More Than a Fitness Event
The Wounded Heroes 24 Hour Challenge is about much more than walking up a hill.
Throughout the weekend, Castle Hill will become a hub of community spirit, bringing together people from every walk of life.
You'll experience:
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A welcoming event village
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Food and coffee vendors
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Live entertainment
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Community organisations
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Sponsor activations
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Event merchandise
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Families cheering participants on
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Veterans sharing stories
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Businesses supporting a meaningful cause
It's an opportunity to meet new people, challenge yourself and be part of something truly special.
The event has been designed to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome—whether you're participating, volunteering or simply coming along to support family and friends.
A Great Opportunity for Teams
One of the unique features of the challenge is how well it brings people together.
Many participants choose to enter as part of:
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Workplace teams
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Defence units
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Sporting clubs
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Community groups
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Schools
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Families
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Groups of friends
Working together toward a shared goal creates stronger connections while making a real difference in the lives of others.
Many businesses are using the challenge as a team-building opportunity while demonstrating their commitment to supporting the veteran community.
Friendly fundraising competitions between workplaces add another level of excitement, with every dollar raised helping local Defence families.
You Don't Need to Be an Athlete
One of the biggest misconceptions is that only elite athletes can participate.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
Some participants will complete one climb.
Others may return throughout the day.
Some teams will rotate members across the full 24 hours.
Every contribution matters.
The challenge is about pushing your own limits—not someone else's.
Whether you're aiming for your first climb of Castle Hill or your fifteenth, you'll be surrounded by a community cheering you on every step of the way.
Supporting Those Who Have Served
Australia's Defence community has given so much in service to our country.
The Wounded Heroes 24 Hour Challenge provides an opportunity for the wider community to give something back.
By registering or donating, you're helping ensure veterans and their families have somewhere to turn when they need immediate support.
It's a powerful reminder that community is strongest when people come together for a common purpose.
Can't Participate? You Can Still Help
If you can't make it to Townsville, you can still make a meaningful impact.
You can:
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Donate directly to the campaign
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Support a participant's fundraising page
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Share the event on social media
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Encourage friends or colleagues to register
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Sponsor a workplace team
Every contribution helps ensure Wounded Heroes Australia can continue delivering practical support to veterans and Defence families across Far North Queensland.
You can make a donation here.
Join the Challenge
The Wounded Heroes 24 Hour Challenge is more than an endurance event.
It's a movement built on resilience, mateship and community.
Every climb represents hope.
Every donation provides practical support.
Every participant helps ensure local veterans and Defence families are never left to face crisis alone.
Whether you're looking to test yourself, honour someone who served, strengthen your workplace team or simply give back to your community, this is your opportunity to make a genuine difference.
Register today at https://www.24hourchallenge.com.au/signup and become part of an event that is changing lives across Far North Queensland.
To learn more about the work Wounded Heroes Australia does every day supporting veterans and their families, visit https://www.woundedheroes.org.au.
Together, we can climb for a cause, support those who served, and show that no veteran or Defence family has to face hardship alone.
