About the Kokoda Challenge

 The KCA are pleased to welcome back the hugely successful Virtual Spectator to the Kokoda Challenge for the second year running.

The Virtual Spectator is an innovative tracking system developed by KML tracks that allows ‘real time’ tracking of your team’s progress as you move through the course.

This system allows your supporters to watch you online via Google Earth, and therefore become a ‘Virtual Spectator’ from the comfort of there home, office, checkpoint or anywhere else where internet access is available.

This unique technology has been developed specifically for the Kokoda Challenge. Each competitor wears (around their neck) a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag, the ID tag is scanned into each of 14 Checkpoints and based on your timing can predict your progress throughout the course.

The tracking system is powered by Telstra Next G™ technology. The superior coverage in remote areas combined with advanced Blue Tick equipment, for remote access, delivers the reliability and stability this system requires.

In 2009, the partnership between KML Tracks and Telstra Next G™, has added additional benefits to competitors. Competitors can now view their results by - time, category and checkpoint splits. And as your team crosses the line you will be sent an sms (to the mobile number registered) to congratulate you for completing and instantaneously report your completion time.

This truly amazing technology has improved event safety, by alerting organisers as soon as a team is behaving in a way that is unusual. The KCA will also be communicating with competitors via sms in the instance that any potential hazards arrive during the weekend.

Let all your supporters know, they can watch you on your journey.  Click here for a demo.

How to access the virtual spectator during the event:

• Download Google Earth ( free ) at http://earth.google.com/
  
• Go to Kokodachallenge.com, click on the link to the virtual spectator, follow the prompts to Google Earth
• You should now be able to see the map of the course, zoom in and out, right to left and see the icons representing the teams, checkpoints and track.
• To locate a specific team, use the sidebar on the left, marked ‘Places’ to open the Kokoda Challenge folder. Click on the small +to view the folders named – Checkpoints, Track or Team positions.
  

• If you click once  the team information box will appear or double click to zoom in to the track

• Friends and family can stay logged in (no need to refresh) the positions will update once a minute.

Common Questions:

• What does CP stand for? CP stands for Check Point, representing the 14 revival stops during the challenge

• Can my support crew view my team’s progress? Yes they can if they have internet access via phone or wireless modem. Advanced Town Hotel, will be displaying the Virtual Spectator on the big screen as will Telstra at the event finish line.

•  Will I be able to track our team’s progress while we are on the course? Yes, if you have a iphone (or similar) with internet access and strong coverage. Remember, these are remote locations, coverage is not guaranteed.

•  Should I tell our support crew to watch our progress and arrive when we are near the major checkpoints? Your support crew should use the virtual spectator as a guide only as to your position. You should also estimate your arrival times based on your training and communicate with your support crew via mobile phone.

• Where do I register my support crew contact number for (Syd Duncan) parking? You need to provide an appropriate support crew mobile phone number by updating your profile on the website NOW! Support Crew are to wait at Advancetown Hotel, until the receive an automatically generated test message, allowing them to progress to the CP.