What is Chain Reaction?
Chain Reaction is a long-distance corporate cycling challenge designed for individuals who want to combine personal endurance with meaningful fundraising. It is intentionally not a mass-participation event; instead, it brings together a committed group who take on the physical challenge while using their personal and professional networks to raise funds for registered children’s charities.
Participants completed a 1,000+ kilometre route over seven days, including more than 14,000 metres of elevation, with funds directed to selected charity partners chosen ahead of each ride.
The impact so far
Since the first ride in 2007, Chain Reaction has raised $46,277,565 for its charity partners and has now conducted 51 rides across Australia and New Zealand.
Marshall White team members have personally raised $1,578,000 in support of children’s charities since joining the challenge.
For 2026, the Melbourne Chain Reaction Challenge began on 1 March, with participants working towards a collective $1,000,000 fundraising goal.
How the fundraising works
Riders and teams raised funds through a combination of corporate networking and personal fundraising, often by selling various levels of sponsorship on their jerseys. Similar to the Tour de France, special jerseys awarded daily throughout the challenge were also sponsored by corporate partners, helping to expand networks while creating friendly competition between supporters.
Each rider contributed an upfront donation (typically $4,000) and committed to raising a minimum of $7,000 in personal donations, supported by corporate sponsorship. The model transforms individual networks into real-world outcomes, helping children’s charities deliver care, resources and practical support for families navigating difficult circumstances.
Who the ride supported in 2026
For the 2026 Melbourne event, funds raised supported Monash Children’s Hospital, helping purchase vital respiratory equipment designed to save the lives of newborns. The ride also supported Starlight Children’s Foundation, enabling the delivery of its Starlight Express Room and Captain Starlight programs, which bring comfort, distraction and genuine moments of relief to children and families during hospital stays.
To learn more about the 2026 Melbourne Chain Reaction Challenge, visit the Chain Reaction website.
