Training

The Kokoda Challenge is a tough event and training is essential if you wish to successfully compete. 

This webpage provides you with general training guidelines which your team can adapt to their liking.

General Training Recommendations for the Kokoda Challenge:

• Make sure you are familiar with the route by walking it during practice, particularly those sections you will be walking in darkness.
• Wear a good pair of hiking boots or running shoes. Make sure they are well broken in before the event by wearing them on practice walks. A spare pair is also recommended.
• Start training walks 3 or 4 months prior to the event. Walk at least one day a week for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours (about 15 to 25 kms). Plan a schedule with your team mates and stick to it.
• Each weekend you should slightly increase the distance and/or time of your walks. All walks should include some hilly and rough cross-country sections. Remember that very hilly routes will obviously take more time and energy than comparatively flat ones. By the end of the training period, you should feel able to walk about 10 to 11 hours without difficulty.
• Remember to drink sufficient water or sports drinks. Dehydration is a real risk and can result in death or serious injury.
• Always take maps and make sure you know how to use them, together with a torch, compass and/or a hand held GPS.
• As part of your training, choose a weekend to practice night walking. Distances, terrain and direction are all very different in the dark and walking rough ground by torchlight is a skill that needs to be practiced. Where possible, estimate which areas of the trail you will be walking at night and practice on them.
• Two or three weekends before the event try to walk about 8 to 10 hours on both Saturday and Sunday. This will help accustom you to walking when stiff and tired. Allow your muscles to relax during the following two weeks.
• For those who really want to complete the course with as little discomfort as possible, a short run every day in the lead up to the event will give additional strength and fitness.
• Tired Muscles start to stiffen during long rests. More frequent stops may be more advisable during the event.
• You are strongly advised to take out insurance to cover injury or death and any damage to personal property.