About
The Kokoda Challenge
The Kokoda Challenge is not your average event. It’s not just a standard trail run or charity walk, it’s about experiencing a glimpse of what our Aussie heroes endured while defending our country in 1942 on the Kokoda Track. It’s about giving back to the locals and connecting with one another in the community. It’s about proving to yourself that you are capable of far more than what you think you are when you have your mates beside you.
The Kokoda Challenge is Australia’s toughest team endurance event. Are you ready for the challenge?
Not Your Average Event
Before you get started, there’s a few things you need to know. Firstly, The Kokoda Challenge is a team event, meaning you have to walk with a team, you cannot walk as an individual. However, if you are struggling to find a team, register for our team matching service and we can set you up with others who are on the hunt for team members too!
Secondly, this is an endurance event, it’s not a gentle stroll through the forest. You’ll trudge through rivers, climb relentless hills and battle brutal blisters. The terrain is supposed to best emulate what you would find on the real Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea so you can gain a better understanding of what our Diggers faced while defending Australia against the Japanese in 1942.
We urge you to not let the elevation or distance deter you, as many of our competitors say that they wouldn’t have signed up if they knew just how tough it was going to be, but are ecstatic that they did because they proved to themselves they are capable of so much more than what they think.
Lastly, we are a charity, not an event organisation. This means that there is a fundraising component, which allows us to run life-changing youth programs that mentors kids in the local community. This is an opportunity for you to help make an impact on the lives of local teens and help out in your community.
Tackle the Kokoda Challenge! Register Now
$1,624,350
Money Raised
19+
Years Running
2K
Kids Helped
Sunshine Coast
10 May 2025
18KM/30KM/48KM
After the enormous success that was the 2023 Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge, we are back in Kenilworth for another year of 18, 30 and 48km endurance events. Last year saw almost 2,000 competitors make their…
Brisbane
7 June 2025
18KM/30KM/48KM
After driving 30 minutes west from Brisbane CBD, you’ll find yourself in the leafy suburb of Brookfield aka your Kokoda Challenge start line.You’ll step foot into Brookfield Recreation Reserve where you’ll meet the thousands…
Gold Coast
19 - 20 July 2025
30KM/48KM/96KM
The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge needs little introduction. Since 2004, the 96km course has attracted thousands of teams all eager to go face to face with the ‘big 5’ mountains that accumulate over 4,000 metres of elevation…
Lake Macquarie
12 October 2024
18KM/30KM/48KM
The Kokoda Challenge is returning to Lake Macquarie for another year after the success of our first event in 2023! Setting off in the hills of the quaint town of Cooranbong, your team can choose to traverse the 18, 30 or 48km course through the…
Kokoda Challenge Pinnacle
Sunshine Coast 30km + Brisbane 48km + Gold Coast 96km
Experience all three of our Southeast Queensland event locations by tackling The Kokoda Challenge PINNACLE, which will see you work your way up to the Gold Coast 96km by first completing the Sunshine Coast 30km and Brisbane 48km.
Life Changing Team Events
Pushing Boundaries
19+ Years of Experience
Fostering Community
Our Process
01.
Gather Your Team
You must have a team to enter The Kokoda Challenge, the number of team members required depends on the distance you’re tackling. Register for our team matching service if you’re having trouble finding a team!
02.
Register
Click register now and follow the prompts to register your team. Your team members will be emailed a link for them to follow the same process so everyone has a profile.
03.
Fundraise
Through this event, you will be raising funds for life-changing youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Fundraising is required!
04.
Train
Head out onto the trails with your team to get ready for the big event! You will need to train as this is not just a walk in the park.
05.
Take on The Kokoda Challenge
You’re only as fast as your slowest team member and the goal is to cross the finish line as a whole team, leave no one behind!
Testimonials
The most challenging and rewarding experience that I have ever undertaken. It gave me a strength I didn’t know I had, and I finished it with teammates who became my trusted and cherished friends for life.
Stacy
I had an incredible journey with my team. There was so much teamwork and mateship on the track that inspired me and pushed me across the finish line. While we were walking we all said we would never do it again, and within 24 hours we were planning for next year!
Amanda
It’s an experience like no other. If you want to find the limit to which you can push your mind and your body then this is the challenge for you. With amazing scenery to do it in too, even if you are staring at the ground for what seems like most of the event.
Graham
Why?
1 in 4 young people
will experience
mental health problems
in any one year
Fundraise for our life-changing youth programs through The Kokoda Challenge