2010 Kokoda Challenge
When is it?
The 6th Annual Kokoda Challenge will be held on the weekend of July 17 & 18, 2010. Registration for the event will open on February 1, 2010 via the home page of this website. For the 2010 event there will be a limit of 300 teams, and with team places filling within 5 weeks of registrations opening in 2009 we recommend you register early to secure your team a place.
The Kokoda Challenge commences at the Village Green in Mudgeeraba, and follows selected fire trails and paths through Mudgeeraba, Austinville, Springbrook, Numbin Valley, Beechmont and Clagiraba to reach the finish line in the Nerang Velodrome on Hope Street.
What are the rules?
To compete in the Kokoda Challenge you must be 18 years or over, unless prior approval is sought from the organisers. This is not a relay event - all 4 teams members must advance through the checkpoints together to the finish line. The 4 team members who start the event MUST be the SAME 4 team members who FINISH the event and no more or less than 4 people per team is permitted.
A team member may withdraw during the event at any of the checkpoints. The remaining team members can continue to complete the Challenge, however, the team will not be eligible for the final event rankings.
Should a team member withdraw they WILL NOT be permitted to re-start the event at a later time. If a team sets a time goal and one team member is injured and it slows progress the team should call on the Spirit of Kokoda to continue as a complete team. The finishing time is irrelevant, this event is about getting every team member across the finish line together. Therefore, if a team leaves a team member behind and they somehow re-join the event then the team risks being disqualified.
How does it work?
The Kokoda Challenge is NOT a navigational exercise - the course is clearly marked out and signposted on the weekend of the event.
Along the route each team will advance through 14 manned checkpoints; every checkpoint will have officials with limited water and toilet facilities available at selected checkpoints.
It is strongly recommended that each team have its own support crew who will have access to their team(s) at 5 major checkpoints along the route.
Sleeping and rest breaks of over 1 hour are not recommended as this can allow for cramping and tiredness to set in and reduce your chance of successfully completing the event.
The Kokoda Challenge requires an appropriate and committed training program. Much of the trek covers difficult terrain (fire trails, etc) and you will be in open country for many hours. It is recommended that you plan and train for the event well in advance.
How much does it cost?
In 2010 each team is required to pay a $330 non refundable registration fee and a further $1,000 (minimum) fundraising contribution which is fully tax deductible. However, with the increase demand to take additional Kokoda Kids into the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program each year we would encourage teams to set a minimum target of $2,500 in total donations. This increase will directly benefit the 52 young Australians that will be participating in the 2010 Kokoda Challenge Youth Program across four groups in the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Tweed branches.
Three of our Brisbane Kokoda Kids were able to raise $950 in a one day event at their school last year, which went towards paying for a trainee teacher in PNG. So, come on teams lets really pump up the fundraising efforts in 2010 to beat our target!
Once registered, teams are given access to the tools which will help you raise money effectively and quickly which includes lots of great fundraising suggestions in the competitors area of the website. You will be able to keep track of your teams progress tally and compare it against other teams registered to compete.
Each team member will receive a coffee table Kokoda Challenge Magazine, due out late March, which will assist you in your fundraising efforts.
Where does the money go?
Funds raised contribute to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP).
The KCYP is program that has been developed to help young Australians who are at a crossroad and require an opportunity to realise their full potential.
It is a 14 month expriential learning program. The first 20 weeks consist of weekly training activities and camps which develop physical fitness and prepare participants for the Challenge of a lifetime - walking the actual Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
This life changing experience is followed by a further 6 months of community support activities where the young people volunteer their time towards local not for profit organisation and events.
The KCYP is about providing the opportunity for young people to learn the skills and qualities that matter in life; including discipline, tolerance, self worth, team work, purpose and leadership.
To read more about the KCYP click here or go to the Youth Program page of this website.
The program uses the Spirit of Kokoda to teach the younger generation the value of ENDURANCE, COURAGE, SACRIFICE and MATESHIP.
More Information
Upon registration each team will have access to comprehensive training information and schedules which include map routes - you can register from February 1, 2010.
