FAQs

Q.  If a team member withdraws, can they re-start the event later?

A.  No.  You are only as fast as your slowest team member.  The aim is to get all four team members across the finish line - this event is not about speed.  If a team member is injured or considerably slower and consequently left behind at a checkpoint they must withdraw with a checkpoint official before the rest of the team members are permitted to proceed.  If the withddrawn team member tries to re-enter the event, the whole team will be at risk of disqualification.

Q.  Do we need a support crew and what do they need?

A.  Yes, it is strongly recommended that you have a support crew with one vehicle and two people to share the driving.  The support crew members are the ones that will carry all your spare clothing, footwear, food, water, toilet paper etc - they are crucial to your success.  You travel as lightly as possible through the trail and your support team meets you with food, a change of clothes, night gear, etc. It is unreasonable to expect to carry all that you need for the entire walk.

Q.  How far is it between checkpoints?

A. The distance between each checkpoint varies and the time it will take you between them is largely dependant on your fitness and the terrain.  It is best to train on as many sections of the track that are available (please note some areas won't be available for training due to being on private property) - this will give you an idea of how quickly you will be moving.

You can download training maps in the competitors area of the website.

Q.  Is it compulsory for support crews to call into the transit point at the Advancetown Hotel-Motel before going to Checkpoint 10?

A.  Yes, every support crew MUST pass through the Advancetown Hotel-Motel.  Any Support Crews that do not book in and out will cause their team to have two hours added to their overall finish time.

Q.  Can we camp at Checkpoints?

A.  No, not under any circumstances.  Major checkpoints have very limited space and we therefore ask that support crews spend the a maximum of 2 hours at each.  This is extremely important for Checkpoint 10, Syd Duncan Park and why the Advancetown Hotel-Motel transit centre was introduced in 2009. 

Q.  Will there be toilet paper at the checkpoints?

A.  Toilet paper will only be provided at minor checkpoints and therefore support crew need to carry sufficient for their team members for every major checkpoint.  If you think this is hard, remember the Kokoda Kids have to carry all their own toilet paper for 8 days on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

Q.  Will there be rubbish bins at the Checkpoints?

A.  No.  Support Crews and team members are required to remove and dispose of all their rubbish throughout the event.  This is an environmentally friendly event and we expect all competitors and their support crews to be responsible for treading lightly e.g. check any band aids haven't fallen off when you cross rivers/creeks, if they come off please don't leave them in the water!

Q.  Do we have to park in designated car parks at Checkpoints 2 & 5?

A.  Yes.  Parking space is limited, however at CP2 the support crews can drive in and drop off any items and support crew but then must proceed to their designated area where a shuttle bus can collect the vehicle driver and take them to the Checkpoint.

Q.  Will there be food available at any of the checkpoints?

A.  Yes at some.

Checkpoint 2 - there will be a coffee van and you can purchase breakfast from the Mudgeeraba Rotary Club.

Checkpoint 5 - you can either purchase something from Polly's Creekside Cafe or from a sausage sizzle.

Checkpoint 7 - the Numinbah Community hold a sausage sizzle at the Numinbah Hall.

Finish - the Nerang Scout Group hold a sausage sizzle on the Sunday.

Q:  Will there be water and toilets at the checkpoints?

A.  There is limited water supply and availability of toilets, so we recommend that each team (with the help of their support crew) carry at least 20 Litres of water per team member and enough rolls of toilet paper for use at every major checkpoint.

Q. Do we sleep during the event?

A. Some teams do and some do not. You design your own strategy. We would advise you not to sleep during the Kokoda Challenge as it affects team motivation and causes muscles to stiffen. In the past 3 years we are not aware of any team that has stopped to sleep and then gone on to successfully complete the Challenge. Shoud you beleive sleeping is required for your team there are private camping and sleeping facilities available at Checkpoints 3, and 6&8. 

Q. What should we wear? 

A. Non-chafing training clothes. Make sure they are light and comfortable. Be prepared for the cold, particularly at night. 

Q. Are trainers or hiking boots better for this event? 

A. It is up to you. Experienced bushwalkers are divided on this point so the best thing to do is get some training on the trail and find out what is best for you. Some also prefer to have spare shoes so they can switch back and forth during the event. 

Q. Can we have more than 4 people per team? 

A. No. The rule is strictly teams of four. 

Q. Can our support team walk with us for part of the trail? 

A. No. 

Q. Does my team have to stick together the entire length of the trail? 

A. Yes, teams must check-in and check-out of each CP as a team. 

Q. Will my mobile phone work? 

A. There are some areas of the trek where mobile phones do not work. We advise that you carry phones on two different networks to extend the coverage. 

Q. Can my team complete the event like a relay? 

A. No, all four team members must travel the full 96 kms. 

Q. Must all teams start at the allocated start time? 

A. Yes. 

Q. Must we meet the minimum fundraising pledge? 

A. Yes, you must raise a minimum of $1,000 per team by July 4th. Failure to do will disqualify your team from competing in the Kokoda Challenge and restrict entry into future events.