FOR the first time, primary school students will get the opportunity to compete for the title of Winter Warrior as the 2026 edition of the popular obstacle race at Lake Keepit near Gunnedah looks set to be bigger and better than ever.

Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre’s popular adventure race returns in August with primary school students to join secondary students to take on the challenging course for the first time.

Winter Warrior sees students from across New South Wales put strength, stamina and teamwork to the test over a 15-kilometre adventure race featuring more than 25 obstacles including mud pits, log carries, slip and slide, and paddle.

Students compete in teams of six across three divisions – boys, girls and mixed – for the title of Winter Warrior, with prizes also awarded for the best dressed team.

With primary school students eligible to compete in the event for the first time, the centre is aiming for a record number of participants in 2026.

For the first time, primary school students will this year get the opportunity to compete for the title of Lake Keepit Winter Warrior.

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, joined Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre program co-ordinator Fiona McKnight on Friday at the site to announce the exciting new details for the 2026 edition, alongside a team of six students who gave the course an early trial run.

The inaugural Rising Warrior primary school division will be held on Tuesday, August 11 with the Winter Warrior secondary school student division held on Thursday, August 13.

Registrations open Monday, March 30 and schools can register on the Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation centre page on the Office of Sport website.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said Winter Warrior is the ultimate test of endurance, resilience and teamwork for New South Wales students.

“It’s an incredibly popular event and fantastic initiative. Importantly, it’s also fun,” Mr Kamper said.

“I’m excited that Winter Warrior 2026 will open to primary school students for the very first time.

“This year’s event is going to be the biggest and best yet, so don’t miss this opportunity to register your school because places will fill fast.”

Office of Sport Deputy Secretary Adam Berry said seeing students work together while completing the challenges is extremely satisfying for the Office of Sport and makes the months of hard work preparing for the event worthwhile.

“But the thing we enjoy the most is the smiles on their faces when they cross the finish line,” Mr Berry said.

“With this year’s event open to primary school students, we’re aiming for a record number of entries, so jump online when registrations open on March 30 and don’t miss your school’s chance to be part of Winter Warrior 2026.”

Watch the video from last year’s Winter Warrior HERE.