Gold Coast Ultra Marathon: The 96km Kokoda Challenge

The Toughest Ultra Marathon on The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge is the Gold Coast’s premier ultra marathon event, offering a gruelling 96km race that mirrors the length and spirit of the actual Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, as well as a 48km event. This team event is a profound journey through the heart of the Gold Coast Hinterland, challenging teams to embody the core values of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice—values that led our Aussie Diggers to victory in 1942.

The Essence of The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge

Our 96km and 48km ultra marathons on the Gold Coast are unique team challenges in that they demand more than just physical fitness; they require a strong will, mateship, and the determination to persevere through adversity. Teams from diverse backgrounds—whether work colleagues, classmates, friends, or family—come together to face steep hills, unpredictable weather, and the physical toll of the journey, all in honour of those who served and protected our country.

A Team Ultra Marathon Like No Other

Unlike typical ultra marathons focused on individual achievements, the Kokoda Challenge is about completing a unique challenge with your team. It's not about setting personal bests or achieving the fastest time; it's about pushing through perceived limits together. In 2023, only 76% of participants crossed the finish line of the 96km course, highlighting this ultra marathon on the Gold Coast’s rigorous nature. Teams, on average, needed 27 hours and 35 minutes to complete the 96km course, with the fastest coming in at 15 hours and 43 minutes, and the slowest team coming in at 38 hours and 20 minutes - just under the 39 hour cut off! The average time for the 48km course was 12 hours and 42 minutes.

Training, Preparation, and Perseverance

Successfully navigating the 96km challenge requires thorough preparation, from physical training to selecting the right equipment. But, above all, it demands an unwavering spirit to keep moving forward, especially when faced with moments of doubt and discomfort. This event is a mental game as much as it is a physical one, where reflecting on the resilience of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign can inspire teams to continue despite the challenges.

More Than a Physical Challenge

The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge transcends the physical dimensions of an ultra marathon. It's a deeply community-oriented event, with all proceeds supporting the Kokoda Youth Foundation's life-changing programs for local youth. These programs embody the Kokoda Spirit, guiding young individuals towards a positive path in life, free from the challenges of modern societal issues.

A Range of Distances For All

While the 96km course remains the pinnacle of the Kokoda Challenge, offering an unparalleled team endurance test, the event also welcomes those looking to build up to this ultimate challenge with 30km and 48km distances. All courses are set in the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland, concluding at the Nerang Velodrome, providing a scenic backdrop to this formidable test of endurance, teamwork, and spirit.

Are You Ready For This Gold Coast Ultra Marathon?

The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge is not just an ultra marathon; it's a journey of discovery, community contribution, and personal growth. It offers participants a unique opportunity to connect with the values that defined a pivotal moment in Australian history, all while testing their limits and forging lasting bonds with their teammates. Whether you're aiming for the 96km, 30km, or 48km course, this challenge is an invitation to prove to yourself and your team that you can go beyond your perceived limits. Are you prepared to take on the Gold Coast's toughest team endurance event and leave with a deeper understanding of the Kokoda Campaign and the legacy of our Aussie Diggers? The challenge awaits. Get your team together and sign up today.