This year's Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge has raised over $1.2 million, bringing the total raised since the event began in 2012 to more than $10.5 million.

VSK is Victoria's only children's hospice, supporting seriously ill children and their families through life, death and bereavement. NovoFit has proudly supported the Treadmill Challenge since 2012.

Held on 29-30 May at Very Special Kids on Glenferrie Road, Malvern, the 2026 Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge brought together corporate teams, community groups, participants, donors and supporters for one of the organisation's biggest annual fundraising events. The challenge was powered by NovoFit and Genesis Health and Fitness, 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 straight.

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. It's a job that starts well before the gates open and continues right through the night, making sure 36 treadmills stay in full working order under constant use.

The challenge was more than a physical effort. A party atmosphere helped carry participants through the day and night, with food, dancing, games, prizes and DJs keeping energy levels high. Celebrity appearances from Dyson Heppell, Jimmy Bartel, Dave Hughes and Jeremy Howe helped boost support for the cause, and the event 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, describing the atmosphere as something special and praising the work of the families and the organisation behind the event. Very Special Kids doesn't receive government grants or handouts, so every dollar raised genuinely makes a difference to the families who rely on its support.

Michael Wasley, Very Special Kids CEO, and the wider team shared their gratitude following the event, thanking everyone who stepped up to take on the challenge. Keeping treadmills moving for 24 hours was the visible part, but the bigger picture is what that effort represents: continued care and support for seriously ill children and their families when they need it most.

Tim Horskins, NovoGroup CEO, said the result reflected the generosity of the wider community, thanking the teams at Genesis Berwick, Lilydale, Ringwood and Wantirna for loaning 18 treadmills to support the challenge, along with Harry the Hirer, ALH Hotels, volunteers, participants, donors and supporters. Every contribution, big or small, helped make a real difference on the day.

To learn more about the Very Special Kids 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge or to support future fundraising efforts, visit the Very Special Kids website.