Rising Warrior starts on 11 August 2026

Primary school students will join Winter Warrior for the first time in 2026 through the new Rising Warrior division at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre.

The NSW Office of Sport issued the reminder on 21 July 2026 and urged schools to register by 31 July 2026.

Rising Warrior will run on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The secondary school Winter Warrior division will follow on Thursday, 13 August 2026.

Years 3 to 6 students can enter the new primary school event, and organisers set that course at half the size of the secondary race.

Meanwhile, the main Winter Warrior event returns in August as a 15-kilometre adventure race with more than 25 obstacles.

Students will tackle mud pits, log carries, a slip and slide, and a paddle leg during the Lake Keepit course.

Teams of six compete across boys, girls and mixed divisions for the Winter Warrior title.

Prizes will also go to the best dressed team, while the centre aims for a record number of participants in 2026.

Adam Berry urges NSW schools

Office of Sport Deputy Secretary Adam Berry called Winter Warrior “the ultimate test of endurance, resilience and teamwork for students”.

Berry also said Winter Warrior 2026 could break records and urged local schools to register before entries close.

According to Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre programme Coordinator Fiona McKnight, the event encourages students to support peers and challenge themselves.

McKnight said the Rising Warrior category gives Years 3 to 6 students a safe, supportive and exciting adventure race for the first time.

Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre will host both school events against the backdrop of Lake Keepit in August 2026.

Schools across NSW can register through the Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre page on the Office of Sport website at www.sport.nsw.gov.au.