19 for Nineteen Challenge
Sunday 18 October 2026
It's time prepare for Round 4 of the Triple Crown! A 19km (7km for the Junior School) adventure for Anya’s Wish in support of the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Many of you have heard of the 19 for Nineteen Challenge, and over the past five years, over 1200 TAS students, parents and staff have completed the event. Anya’s Wish and the 19 for Nineteen are part of the TAS family. Anya Zuber (sister of TAS OA Alex) tragically lost her life to osteosarcoma (a bone cancer) on 12 September, 2020. She was only nineteen.
19 for NINETEEN
It's time prepare for Round 4 of the Triple Crown! On Sunday 18 October (Week 1 Term 4), is the 19 for Nineteen Challenge (https://www.tourderocks.com.au/19-for-19) . A 19km (7km for the Junior School) adventure for Anya’s Wish in support of the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Many of you have heard of the 19 for Nineteen Challenge, and over the past 5 years, over 1200 TAS students, parents and staff have completed the event. Anya’s Wish and the 19 for Nineteen is part of the TAS family. Anya Zuber (sister of TAS OA Alex) tragically lost her life to osteosarcoma (a bone cancer) on 12 September, 2020. She was only nineteen.
Five years ago, Liz Egan (Anya’s Mum) created a working group and launched an event to raise money for an ambitious new, critical research project at Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA). This was designed to honour Anya’s last request, when it became obvious that there was no longer any treatment possible for her battle with osteosarcoma. Anya wished that her body, her experience with the disease, and any other resources be focused on the ongoing research to improve treatments and survivability for young people diagnosed with osteosarcoma. You can find her story here, “A Life Should Be Long” https://youtu.be/pet-PGaEQ8M
Chase the goal of completing the course by yourself, or pair up with a friend, Mum & Dad, your family, the choice is yours.
I’m pleased to be able to offer this experience to all TAS students, staff and families. Please join us for the magical event.
Should you wish to avail yourself of this epic opportunity, please register your Expression of interest via the link provided on this page. A list of FAQ’s is below.
If you have any further questions, please contact Mr Jim Pennington at [email protected]
FAQ
When?
Sunday 18 October 6-11am
Where?
'Warrane' Located approximately 24 km north-west of Armidale.
What is it?
A 19km (Middle and Senior School), 7km (Junior School) walk or run taking in some of the amazing New England gorge country
What support is available?
There will be medical staff at the event, with aid stations throughout and water and food tents set-up at Race HQ.
What is the cost?
Registration is $140 (19km) and $100 (7km for the Junior School) and includes transport from TAS, event t-shirt, breakfast, lunch and a donation to the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Toilets?
There will be 8 portable toilets set-up at Race HQ and toilets at each aid station.
Can I register on the day?
No, All walkers must be pre-registered.
How do I get there?
Buses will depart from TAS for students, parents (who enter through TAS) and staff.
There is NO parking at the event site. The bus is the only form of transport.
Will there be food and drinks at the start/finish?
Yes. A BBQ breakfast and coffee van will be located at the start / finish area at the Walk Base Camp.
Will water will be available?
Yes. Water will be available so you can get refills at various refreshment stations along the way.
* DON'T FORGET to bring your own Water Bottle.
This is a 'cupless' event. No disposable cups will be provided.
What does my registration fee cover?
Your registration fee ensures that we can provide everyone with food, drinks, portaloos and all the important comforts and safety along your walk, as well as your t-shirt and transport.
What facilities are at the start/finish area?
Portaloos will be available at Walk Base Camp and a four locations along the track. Snacks will be covered by your registration, plus a BBQ breakfast/lunch and coffee van at the start / finish area at the Walk Base Camp.
How will the course be marked?
All tracks will be signed, marked with bright tape and manned with volunteer marshals along the course trails.
What should I wear / bring with me?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and closed toe walking shoes / runners. It is best to train in the same footwear you plan to wear on event day to avoid any nasty blisters.
* DON'T FORGET to bring your own Water Bottle.
The event will proceed rain, hail or shine so keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress to the conditions.
Tour de Rocks
Make a difference for cancer awareness, prevention and cure and challenge yourself on the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown held Thursday 24 - Saturday 26 April (during school holidays).
A list of FAQs is below.
Visit the Tour de Rocks website if you would like to find out more about this event.
If you have any further questions, please contact
James Pennington
[email protected]
FAQ
Riding to inspire communities to help find a cure for Cancer!
What are the dates?
Thursday 24 - Saturday 26 April 2025 (please note that this is during the school holidays)
Why am I doing this?
Have fun and make a difference for cancer awareness, prevention and cure. A challenge for a worthy cause. Build the memories as you enjoy the company of your fellow participants and our magnificent regional environment. Oh, it’s the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown!
What sort of bike should I ride?
A mountain bike is highly recommended. A hybrid bike is a possibility. However, road bikes are highly unlikely to survive the conditions.
What do I need to contribute to become part of the Tour de Rocks community?
Every person that rides, supports or assists on tour, including the Board and Committee members, are required to register and commit to the fundraising targets. | Registration
| Fundraising | TAS Levy Includes tents, snacks at night, support staff and transport back to Armidale | Total |
Adult Rider | $245 | $250 | $150 | $645 |
Secondary Student Rider | $195 | $250 | $150 | $595 |
Adult Supporter | $150 | $250 | $0 | $400 |
Use the raffle tickets option for the Fundraising. We supply the prizes and raffle tickets. All you have to do is sell a book of 50 tickets and your fundraising is done, saving you $250!
How does the support team work?
With the assistance of TAS staff and parents, there will be a support crew for Team TAS. We will supply tents, portable shower, evening snacks, all camping equipment required and transport back to Armidale after the event on Saturday 26 April.
What camping facilities are available?
Day 1: Ebor camp area – near the Ebor Hotel / Motel. Toilet facilities are available and there are limited showers. You may want to bring a portable camping shower. No powered sites are available.
Day 2: Aberfeldy Ulong camp area. Toilet facilities are available and there are limited showers. You may want to bring a portable camping shower. No powered sites are available. There is a great shop in Ulong.
Day 3: Woolgoolga, this is where the ride will conclude.
What time do we leave on Thursday Morning?
Registration and Waivers are available for completion from 5.30am. The first teams will depart at 7.00am, with the last teams leaving by 8.00am. Teams will be advised of their approximate leaving time on the morning of the event.
Do I have to sign a waiver on the morning of the Ride?
Yes. All participants, including supporters, will be required to complete their final 'Day of Event Registration', sign their waiver and receive final briefing information.
When will we receive our Jerseys / Supporters Shirts?
These will be available early April. Arrangements will be made with Team Captains in relation to collection and distribution.
What time does registration open on Thursday?
5.30am. Booths will be set up by team name, family name or singles.
Will we have change and toilet facilities available at the start?
Yes. The Armidale Ex Services Memorial Club will make their change facilities and amenities available.
What is the terrain?
You will be riding on a mix of paved, unpaved and gravel surfaces.
The Ride Management Plan on the Tour de Rocks Website, shows all the grades, elevations, and distances. We suggest that you look at these so you will know what to expect throughout the ride
How far is it and what are the elevation changes?
| Segment | Distance | Elevation Changes |
Day 1 | Armidale to Ebor | 97 kms | 1,685m up 1,368m down |
Day 2 | Hernani to Ulong | 77 kms | 1,209m up 1,891m down |
Day 3 | Ulong to Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club, Woolgoolga | 84 kms | 1,415m up 1,959m down |
Is there an ANZAC Service / Ceremony on Day 2?
Day 2 is ANZAC Day, a very special day in our history and one that we will be honouring and respecting. We will be joining the Ebor ANZAC Dawn Service and hope that everyone joins us. The buses leave Ebor for Hernani, after the conclusion of the service. Further details will be provided closer to the event.
What time do we leave on Day 2?
Day 2 of the ride will start at Hernani. Riders will be transported by bus to the start line. Bikes will be transported to the start line on the evening of Day 1 – ready to go. Unfortunately, there is no other option. The reason for this is that the road between Ebor and Hernani is too dangerous for us to use. Tour de Rocks will be facilitating these movements and further details and timings will be provided in due course. It is important that Riders do not use their own vehicles to move from Ebor to Hernani.
Day 2 has the Children’s ride from Hernani to Cnr Cornells Road and Faheys & Bulgins Rd (a distance of about 10 kms). The Children’s ride will leave first, with their parents at 8.00am and the adults will leave at 9.00am, after assisting with the camp pack up.
All supporters and their vehicles, except those picking up children from their ride, will go directly to “Aberfeldy” - Ulong – via Dorrigo – after finishing the pack up of the camp.
What time do we leave on Day 3?
An early start with the first riders leaving at 7.00am from “Aberfeldy” - Ulong. Finishing at Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club. Further information will be provided during the safety / daily briefings.
What happens at night?
Each night there is a presentation for the daily jerseys (Spirit, Guts, and Inspiration and Goose). A recap of the day, discussion about any incidents and briefing for the next day.
How should my bike be prepared?
Bike preparation is the responsibility of the rider. To enjoy the ride your bike should be in very good condition prior to leaving. Check that your tyres are in good condition, your lights are in working order, you have a spare tube, allen keys, tyre levers and a pump or CO2 container. Even if you cannot use these tools, there will be someone close by that will be able to.
It is highly recommended that your bike is serviced prior to leaving, please see Mark Bullen at The Armidale Bicycle Centre.
What happens if I get a flat tyre or mechanical issue?
There will be a team of bike mechanics, travelling with us, that will be able to fix most mechanical issues. It is advisable to have your own spare tubes and to be able to fix a flat. This will save waiting for the mechanics. Bike repairs and servicing will be available each evening during the ride. There will be charge for servicing and repairs.
What medical or first aid facilities are available?
St Johns Ambulance, as well as nurses and doctors are on the ride, in case of an emergency. It is a good idea to have you own basic first aid supplies including band aids, blister packs, anti-inflammatory medication, plasters, etc. Team Captains are required to carry a basic first aid kit.
What safety measures are in place?
The safety committee have satellite and two-way radio communication. St Johns Ambulance and additional medical staff, with equipment, are on the ride in case of an emergency.
Safe riding guidelines and instructions are provided and must be followed.
Coffs Ocean Swim
Register now for the first Triple Crown event of 2025 - the 2km Coffs Ocean Swim on Sunday 6 April, held in the safety of the harbour near the Coffs Jetty.
Regards
Mr James Pennington
[email protected]
FAQ
Where?
Coffs Harbour Jetty, Jordan Esplanade
Transport?
Buses will depart TAS at 5:30am on Sunday 6 April (event starts at 9:15am)
Is it a race?
No, it’s all about the experience. You MUST however complete the swim in order to qualify for the Triple Crown.
What safety is available during the swim?
Four of the Surf Clubs from the Coffs Coast provide water safety. This includes 3 inflatable rescue boats (IRB's) and numerous lifesavers on paddleboards. In addition 15 TAS Year 12 students who completed their Surf Bronze Medallion last year, will also be present as extra water safety on boards.
What is the cost?
The approximate cost of this event is $130 which includes entry, transport, breakfast and lunch.
What is the swim like?
Generally, very calm conditions and completely within the Harbour.
What happens if I get into trouble in the swim?
Put your hand straight up in the air and water safety will see you and paddle over to assist. For those swimmers who are understandably nervous, Mr Pennington and Mr Currell will swim at the back of the TAS group for anyone who wants to swim in a pack.
What about medical support?
TAS staff are trained in first aid and there is a doctor in attendance at the Jetty and many Lifesavers out on the course.
What meals will be provided?
Breakfast on the bus and lunch in Coffs Harbour.
What about some training?
Swimming training is available now - every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the TAS pool from 6.15-7.15am.
What do I wear?
On the bus wear your TAS PE uniform and for the swim, wear your TAS swimmers and goggles. A blue swim cap will be provided (in support of The Blue Tree Project).
Questions?
Please contact Jim Pennington via email [email protected]