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 NSW put their strength, stamina and teamwork to the test over a 15-kilometre adventure race that features more than 25 obstacles including mud pits, log carries, slip & 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.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre program coordinator 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, 11 August with the Winter Warrior secondary school student division held on Thursday, 13 August.
Registrations open Monday, 30 March 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 NSW students. It's an incredibly popular event and fantastic initiative. Importantly, it's also very fun.
"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 the students work together while completing the challenges on the course is extremely satisfying for our team 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.
"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 30 March and don't miss your school's chance to be part of Winter Warrior 2026."
