What began in 2023 as a grassroots challenge created by the Lennox Run Club has now become one of the region’s most inspiring endurance events.
A media release from organisers reads, ‘Deeply rooted in the Lennox Head community, The Ox returns this October, bringing together 300 competitors who will push themselves to the limit in a 24-hour test of strength and resilience in the name of a greater cause: fundraising and raising awareness of the deadliest childhood brain cancers, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG)’.
‘The Ox is simple, but brutal: 100 km in 24 hours – 4.2 km every hour, on the hour. Runners endure exhaustion, discomfort and the elements, pushing themselves beyond their limits. In doing so, they catch a small glimpse of the relentless fatigue and hardship faced by families living through the nightmare of DIPG and DMG. Yet, just as those families rely on the strength and support of their communities, every runner knows they will not face the challenge alone, with teammates and fellow competitors helping to carry them through each lap.
‘Since its inception in 2023 with just 100 competitors, the event has grown rapidly.
- 2023: 100 runners, raising over $140,000
- 2024: More than 200 runners, raising over $240,000
- 2025: A record 300 runners are set to take on the challenge
Over the past two years, The Ox has already raised close to $400,000 for RUN DIPG, a Newcastle-based charity dedicated to funding world-leading research into DIPG and DMG. By investing in pioneering science, RUN DIPG is helping to provide families with what they need most: hope, and the chance of a better future for their children.
Founded in memory of Frankie Fitzgerald, who passed from DIPG in 2022 at just nine years of age, The Ox has grown into something much larger. Families from across Australia now travel to Lennox Head to participate, each running in honour of their child and to shine a light on this devastating disease. At its heart, though, The Ox remains a Lennox Head community event, driven by the dedication of the Lennox Run Club and the extraordinary support of local sponsors and businesses whose generosity continues to make the event possible.
‘The Ox 2025 is a community united, running for those who cannot, and striving for a future where patients and families are no longer told to “go home and make memories,” but instead offered real options and hope’.
For more visit https://www.theox.au/
Road closures
Ballina Shire Council advise vehicle access to Camp Drewe Road in Lennox Head will be temporarily closed for The Ox Charity Fundraiser 24-hour running event this weekend.
The media release reads, ‘Camp Drewe Road, Lennox Head will be temporarily closed from 8.00am Saturday 11 October 2025 and will reopen at 11.00am on Sunday 12 October 2025’.
‘Pedestrian access will be maintained however the 4WD beach access will be restricted during the road closure period.
‘With an increase in visitors and event participants, parking near Lake Ainsworth and the Lennox Head Surf Club will also be limited on the day.
‘For updates on road closures visit livetraffic.com’.
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