Running that distance not tough enough for you? Then the terrain makes it a killer. Up fire trails and crossing 12 creeks. The track takes competitors over 5,000m of vertical climbing elevation.
The goal is for teams to finish as a complete team of four in honour of the spirit forged on the Kokoda Track in 1942: mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice.
Kokoda Association
Back in 2005, when the Kokoda Association established this event as a fundraiser, they had little idea it would expand to such a massive event. The association has two main aims. Firstly, to educate youth and raise general public awareness of the victory by Australian soldiers in 1942 on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. More than 600 Australians were killed and some 1680 wounded during perhaps the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II. For more details of the Kokoda battle go to: www.kokodachallenge.com/history-of-kokoda
Secondly, to identify young Australians who are at a crossroad and support them through a 14 month community counsel – The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program. Participants selected for this program undertake a 14 month commitment to a community program, designed and supported by the Kokoda Challenge Association. This aims to encourage participants to develop self-awareness within the wider community and prepare them for the challenges of life.
The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program culminates in the participants using the skills and training gained, to undertake the challenge of walking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
Kokoda Challenge
For the athletes and communities that support this event, it encompasses many of these fighting qualities. And with such a challenging course they need it. Last year only 55% of teams finished with their full four members. Last years winners, a team of elite distance runners (NIKE HAMMER) completed the course in 11 hours 48 mins. Last week their race record was smashed with team "NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS" crossing the line in 10 hrs 17mins. Over ten hours in the forest is a long day at the office. And longer still for the other competitors out there in the dark forests of the Gold Coast Hinterland for up to 39 hours. The Kokoda Challenge is a unique team endurance event with an amazing heritage.