“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself” – Henry Ford.
It’s no secret that we pride ourselves on being Australia’s toughest TEAM endurance event, and for that very reason, in the lead up the Kokoda Challenge events we encourage you, your team and your support crew to get organised, complete your training all together and make it a fun process in the lead up to the big event!
We are big believers that teamwork makes the dream work and you’re only as good as your team. With the main objective of the Kokoda Challenge event being to cross the finish line with your whole team together, we believe that having a fantastic support crew is integral to making your adventure a fun, safe and enjoyable time for everyone. Here are some of the commonly asked questions we get asked about having a support crew;
1. Do I really need a support crew?
If you are hiking or trail running the 48km or 96km Kokoda Challenge event then yes, absolutely you will! If you are completing the 15km or 3km Kokoda Challenge then you will not need a support crew but you are still welcome to have your friends and family come and see you cross the finish line!
2. Why do you need a support crew?
It’s super important to make sure you’re properly fuelled throughout the event with delicious and nutritious food. While we encourage you to carry snacks with you throughout the entirety of the hike/run, we don’t recommend carrying big lunches as it will a) probably get squished in your backpack and b) you don’t want to be lugging around gear (e.g. spare socks, shoes etc – all this weight will add up and fill your backpack very quickly!) that’s going to slow you down while you are competing.
Also, trust us, there is nothing nicer than strolling into a checkpoint after a long stint and seeing some familiar faces welcoming you with a nice meal! Especially when you are competing in the 96km Kokoda Challenge, you might find that you will get to a point where you’re mentally and physically struggling to keep going and the support of the people you love can mean the difference between giving up and crossing the finish line!
3. Why do I need to meet with my support crew before the event?
Firstly, you want to make sure that you’re all on the same page about the event location, dates, how long you expect to get to each checkpoint etc. You’ll also want to meet with them before event day so you can give them a pack of all the things you want them to bring to you like spare socks, change of clothes, different shoes and more. Pencil a date into your calendar to meet with your team and support crew to make sure you’re all on the same page!
4. What do competitors pack for their support crew to give them?
Anything you like! But most people will ask their support crew will pack things like extra food, spare clothes (cosk, jumpers, gloves and even spare shoes), power banks to charge mobile phones, spare batteries for head torches and anything else you might like!
More than anything, your support crew will be there to provide you with some much-needed moral support while you undertake the toughest team endurance event in Australia! Make sure you show them your appreciation for helping you/your team and make them feel included when you cross the finish line as you wouldn’t have made it there without them!
We also have an abundance of resources for your support crew to ensure that they are also well equipped before the big day rolls around. Here they will find exactly what they need to do and where they need to be.
If you are support crew for the Brisbane or Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge events then please click on the button below to access the relevant Support Crew Handbook.
DOWNLOAD SUPPORT CREW HANDBOOK
If you are support crew for the Melbourne Kokoda Challenge then please click on the button below to access the relevant Support Crew Handbook.
DOWNLOAD SUPPORT CREW HANDBOOK
Please ensure that all members of the support crew read the handbook prior to events day as there is a lot of critical information included. Some of the tips you will find in there include
- Strapping your team’s feet prior to blisters forming
- The importance of minimising your environmental impact on the day
- Staying up to date with Kokoda Challenge event updates on our social media pages
If you have any questions or queries regarding support crews then please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
