Mackay’s schools are invited to take on the track at the Cathy Freeman School Challenge, a celebration of speed, teamwork and school pride at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Named in honour of one of Australia’s greatest athletes, this event brings primary and secondary schools from across the region together for an afternoon of competitive racing and fun, athletics-based challenges.
Whether your school sends its fastest runners or its most spirited team, this is a chance for students to represent their school, test their skills and be part of a genuinely special community event.
THREE WAYS TO COMPETE
400M RACES
Individual aces with separate girls’ and boys’ divisions for primary and secondary schools. Each school selects one girl one one boy to represent them.
4 x 100M RELAY
A team event for Mackay primary and secondary schools. Each school fields one team of four, two girls and two boys, to race for the school title.
SKILLS CHALLENGE
Fun, athletics based activities designed to test speed, agility, coordination and teamwork, giving even more students a chance to compete.
The Cathy Freeman Schools Challenge is open to Mackay primary and secondary schools. Whether your school is chasing 400m glory, relay bragging rights or a spot in the Skills Challenge, there’s a way for every school to be part for the day.
Places are limited, so schools are encouraged to register early.
Confirm by Friday 18 September 2026
