CONTENTS
INTRO
ABOUT US
The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a registered charity and non-profit organisation that operates Australia’s toughest team endurance event; The Kokoda Challenge. Our Kokoda Challenge events exist to raise funds for local youth who participate in our experiential programs that engage and inspire them to reach their full potential. Not only will this event change your life, it will also change the lives of kids in our community! Learn more about our free youth programs here.
KEEPING THE KOKODA SPIRIT ALIVE
Our mission is to also spread awareness of the heroic defense of Australia against imminent invasion during the 1942 Kokoda Campaign. The timeless Kokoda values of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice still have a profound impact on individuals and are the basis of a healthy community. Learn more about the 1942 Kokoda Campaign here.
EVENT OVERVIEW
DATE
The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge will start on Saturday the 13th of July and, unless you complete the event under 17 hours, you will cross the finish line on Sunday the 14th July.
TIME LIMIT
39 hours, to commemorate the 39th Battalion who played a crucial role in halting the Japaneese advance along the Kokoda Track in 1942.
CUT OFF DATES
Fundraising is due 1 week before the event.
All team changes must be finalised 4 weeks before the event. All team changes after this date will incur an admin fee.
MINIMUM AGE
Turning 13 the year of the event.
START TIME AND LOCATION
96km teams will start at 7:00am. The start line will be held at the Mudgeeraba Bowls Club located on Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba.
FINISH LINE LOCATION
Nerang Velodrome located at 8 Hope Street, Nerang.
TEAM SIZE
Teams must consist of 4 participants.
FUNDRAISING MINIMUM
$2,000 per team is required to participate in The Kokoda Challenge. These funds allow us to offer our experiential youth programs to kids in the local community free of charge.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR START/FINISH LINE
START LINE
Make sure you arrive early before setting off on your Kokoda Challenge adventure so you don't miss out on the official event proceedings, which will commence 30 minutes before your start time. This includes:
- Memorial service to honour all of our fallen ANZACs
- Speech from our Founder, Vietnam Veteran Doug Henderson OAM
- Safety briefing before you set off out into the bush!
FINISH LINE
You made it! You've just spent hours walking/running through some of the most challenging terrain in Australia alongside your team, you see bright lights up ahead and the Kokoda Challenge archway that marks the end of your journey! Our MC will call out your team's name and each team member will be presented with a finisher's dog tag medal.
At the finish line, we will have food and drink vendors at the event village, however please note that due to the nature of our events being long endurance events, some vendors maybe unable to stay for the entire duration and you may miss them when your team crosses the finish line.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
DROP-OUTS
If a team member needs to withdraw from the event, we ask that you do so at a checkpoint. If you are unable to make it to a checkpoint, you will need to call the number on the back of your race bib to reach our control centre and we will organise to have you extracted from the track. Please do not arrange your own transport. All team members must wait for the withdrawn team member to be extracted safely before continuing the event. Teams can continue one team member down to a team of three. In the event that there are only two team members left, you must either join another team or withdraw from the event. Teams of 2 are not permitted to continue.
TEAM EVENT
You must stay as a team throughout the entire event, you cannot substitue team members or hike/run alone, you are only as fast as your slowest team member. If at any point, your team is found to be walking separately or if you are found to have left a member behind at any point, your team will be idisqualified. We are a TEAM endurance event, our events are all about leaving no team member behind, racing ahead to achieve your own personal best does not align with the values of the Spirit of Kokoda.
ATTENDING EACH CHECKPOINT
Inside your race bib is a chip that tracks you as you enter each checkpoint. To successfully finish The Kokoda Challenge, you must pass through every checkpoint with your team and follow the designated course.
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Every team member must complete their online registration before participating in The Kokoda Challenge. Your team will be unable to collect your event pack until every team member has completed this.
PORTABLE SPEAKERS
We ask that teams please be mindful of others when playing music. While some people may enjoy listening to music, others may prefer taking in the sounds of nature during the trek, so please keep the volume down!
COURSE MAP AND ELEVATION
While there will be signage and track marking along the course, however, we ask that all team members also download the offline AllTrails map:
If however, you prefer another app, you can also download the GPX map through the link above and upload to your preferred app.
CHECKPOINT INFORMATION
CP1 - START LINE TO BARAKA COURT - 91KMS TO FINISH
This is where your team will start to enter the Upper Mudgeeraba Conservation Area. There is no timing mat here so when your friends and family are tracking you through the tracking link we send through prior to the event, they will not see you until you have checked into CP2. Here there is only a few volunteers here, a marquee, a place to refill your water and some signs about the history of Kokoda, that’s it! When walking on the roads up to CP1, please make sure you are walking in single file on the side of the road so as to avoid blocking the roads for residents and to make sure your team make it safely to the end!
Water refill station
Medical
Timing mat
Toilets
Support crew
CP2 - MT NIMMEL LODGE - 84KMS TO FINISH
Mt Nimmel Lodge is a beautiful campground, please be mindful to keep your noise level down so as not to disturb those who are enjoying a weekend away. The volunteers at CP2 will instruct you to walk across the timing mat with your team, if you are not with your team, then you will be instructed to wait until all members of your team arrive before you cross the timing mat and proceed to the next checkpoint. Here you can read about the history of Kokoda, stop for a toilet break and stock up on water or receive medical attention if you are injured. If you're lucky, some of the lovely volunteers will be handing out lollies to participants before continuing up Mudgeeraba Hill, one of five big hills across the 96km course. Check out the elevation map to see the other hills!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP3 - AUSTINVILLE ROAD - 76KMS TO FINISH
Get ready to take on Mount Fairview, the second of the big five hills across the 96km course!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP4 - POLLY’S COUNTRY KITCHEN - 66KMS TO FINISH
This is a very exciting checkpoint because it will be the first time you see your support crew! They must have their support crew car pass to enter this area otherwise they will be turned away by the volunteers. The support crew car pass can be found in your event pack which you will collect from pre-registration. Please ensure your support crew don’t arrive any earlier than 20 minutes before your team is due to arrive as there is very limited parking available here and we don’t want anyone to miss out on seeing their team! There is also no phone reception in this area, so if your support crew arrive too early then they will be unable to contact you to locate your team, better for them to wait somewhere nearby where there's ample reception! Try not to stop here for longer than 20 minutes as you don’t want your muscles to start seizing. Stock up on some food, water, a massage from your support crew and then venture up the third big hill up to Page’s Pinnacle.
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
NOTE: $5 cash parking per support crew car applies at this checkpoint. Have your support crew bring along some cash as EFTPOS is not accepted, these funds will be donated to the community organisation running the support crew car park.
CP5/7 - CORNER OF PINE CREEK ROAD AND NERANG MURWILLUMBAH ROAD - 57KM/42KM TO FINISH
It’s very important that when you’re coming into this checkpoint to walk in single file and stay off the road, this is a busy intersection and we don’t want any wounded walkers! From here you will head into Springbrook and follow the Waterfall Creek Circuit, enjoy the stunning landscape and watch your footing while your crossing creeks, this is where havingwater shoes really come in handy! Check out the compulsory gear list for other equipment you will need. You will come back through here after going through checkpoint 6 and then be heading up, up and up some more through to army land for the fourth big hill!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP6 - START LINE, RAW CHALLENGE
This is where 48km teams start their journey! The atmosphere here is amazing, there's a food truck serving hot food and cold drinks, which will be there from 8am to late in the evening. There's an approx. 500m walk to the checkpoint from the car park. Support crew are welcome to stay here as long as they like before heading to Army Land support crew checkpoint where parking is much more limited.
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
Food & beverage
NOTE: $5 cash parking per car applies at the Raw Challenge. Have your support crew bring along some cash as EFTPOS is not accepted, these funds will be donated to the community organisation running the support crew car park.
CP8 - ARMY LAND - 36KM TO FINISH
You will share this support crew area with 48km school teams so your support crew will need to wait at Raw Challenge until 20 minutes before you’re due to arrive at army land as there’s really not a lot of car parking space! This would be a good spot for your support crew to help you with your strapping if you struggle with knee issues or ITB, the next downhill section can be pretty brutal.
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
NOTE: $5 cash parking per support crew car applies at this checkpoint. Have your support crew bring along some cash as EFTPOS is not accepted, these funds will be donated to the community organisation running the support crew car park.
CP9 - ARMY LAND - 31KM TO FINISH
You’re about to go up again for the fifth and final big hill to Freeman’s Road, well done! It’s not flat for the rest of the way, but the inclines and declines are a lot smaller.
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP10 - FREEMAN’S ROAD - 27KM TO FINISH
You've arrived at the artist's house! If you're here in the wee hours of the night/morning, be sure to look up and do some star gazing as Beechmont is a beauitful area. It can get quite windy up here, so it might be handy having an extra layer or windbreaker in your pack, just in case!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP11 - LITTLE CLAGIRABA RESERVE - 18KM TO FINISH
This is the last checkpoint where you will see your support crew! First you will wander over the timing mat, then walk down to find your support crew. There will also be a coffee van and BBQ here where you can buy sausages and bacon and egg rolls - YUM! Don't forget to ask your support crew to bring your keep cup to help us limit our footprint!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
Food and coffee vendors
NOTE: $5 cash parking per support crew car applies at this checkpoint. Have your support crew bring along some cash as EFTPOS is not accepted, these funds will be donated to the community organisation running the support crew car park.
CP12 - NATHAN VALLEY ROAD- 12KM TO FINISH
You are getting so close to the finish line! This checkpoint can be a bit noisy as it's located right next to the road, but you'll be happy to see the smiling faces of our wonderful volunteers before you continue on to the final checkpoint! One foot in front of the other!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP13 - NERANG STATE FOREST- 6KM TO FINISH
If you’re finishing on the Saturday night then you may come across some of the 30km teams who start from Little Clagiraba Reserve. This is your final leg to the finish line, you've got this!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
NOTE: Have your support crew bring along some spare change to support our amazing coffee and food vendors that are open night and day for our Kokodians at the finish line! Any friends and family are welcome to be waiting for you at the finish line.
SUPPORT CREW
WHAT IS A SUPPORT CREW?
Your support crew is your saving grace throughout the The Kokoda Challenge. They provide you with food, first aid, additional supplies and encouragement at designated checkpoints along the track. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew!
WHAT DO THEY DO
Everyone’s support crew is different, but most provide the following at major checkpoints: a hot meal, strapping,first aid and blister prevention, refill water packs and re-pack backpack with essentials, provide a change in equipment (different clothes, head torches, socks etc) and most importantly they encourage you to keep going!
WHAT CHECKPOINTS DO WE ACCESS THEM?
Support crews can only be accessed at our major checkpoints, checkpoints 4, 6, 8 and 11. Location and address as per below:
- CHECKPOINT 4 - Polly's Country Kitchen: 1024 Gold Coast Springbrook Rd, Austinville
- CHECKPOINT 6 - Raw Challenge: 2201 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Numinbah Valley
- CHECKPOINT 8 - Army Land: 1263 Beechmont Rd, Lower Beechmont
- CHECKPOINT 11 - Little Clagiraba Reserve: Clagiraba Road, Clagiraba
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A SUPPORT CREW?
Yes, all 96km teams must have a support crew. Please ask your support crew to register here so they can receive important event updates.
HOW BIG OR SMALL CAN MY SUPPORT CREW BE?
Your support crew can be as big or small as you like, although we recommend having one support crew member per team member. Please note that at each support crew checkpoint, only one support crew car per team is permitted. It's important that you have more than one support crew team member so they can share the driving, it's a tiring weekend for them too!
WHEN IS THE SUPPORT CREW BRIEFING?
There is a mandatory support crew briefing at the start line on event day after all teams have set off on their adventure. Important and essential information will be provided and it's an opportunity for you to ask asny questions you may have.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- If your team meet your support crew outside of the designated support crew checkpoints, your team will be disqualified.
- Support crews are discouraged to arrive at support crew checkpoints more than 20 minutes before their team is due to arrive. Work out a plan with your team to communicate their ETA.
- Strap your team’s feet and sensitive areas BEFORE blisters and chaffing occur.
- Only one support crew vehicle of standard size is permitted per team (NO Trailers or campervans allowed). Vehicles are to park in the designated parking area. Please drive slowly and follow the directive of volunteers.
- A $5 cash donation will be required at all the support crew checkpoints. All donations are provided to the volunteering local organisation or community group.
- Support Crews are encouraged to visit local visitor attractions
IS THERE MORE INFORMATION FOR OUR SUPPORT CREWS?
Absolutely! Being support crew is a big task and it should not be taken lightly. Please find all essential information for your support crew here.
OUR ECO POLICY
LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS, TAKE ONLY PHOTOS
We are all so incredibly lucky to be living in such a naturally beautiful country; let's keep it beautiful! Much of The Kokoda Challenge course will wind through national parks or state forests where it's very important to respect the the flora and fauna by being considerate of the following:
LITTERING
Yep, even your banana peels and mandarin skins count as littering, don't be a tosser! These food scraps only decompose unless composted properly and can also negatively impact the native wildlife and plants, take ALL rubbish with you.
If you don't want to carry around rubbish with you then consider unwrapping your muesli or protein bars before you get to the event and store these instead in reusable containers.
REUSABLE CONTAINERS
Our food and drink vendors will be offering discounts for those who BYO keep cups, tell your support crew to bring theirs and yours as well to help reduce the impact on the environment and your wallet!
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE
You can help us reduce our carbon footprint by putting all 10 cent containers in the bins marked CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE. Not only will this stop all your recyclables from going into landfill, but all the money from your bottles will be donated to the Kokoda Youth Foundation to help us help more young people.
FUNDRAISING
WHY DO WE FUNDRAISE?
As a non-profit organisation and registered charity, the Kokoda Youth Foundation relies on the generosity of our sponsors and the success of your fundraising efforts to provide life-changing youth programs to kids in our community. Without your support, these programs simply wouldn't exist, and we would be unable to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Thanks to your fundraising, we offer all of our youth programs free of charge. You can learn more about our youth programs here.
HOW DO I FUNDRAISE?
Here is a list of fundraising ideas to get you started:
- Share your fundraising page to social media
- Fundraising boxes; try these unique sock boxes from Jolly Soles!
- Bunnings sausage sizzle
- Ask your workplace to match donations dollar for dollar (donations over $1 are tax-deductible!)
- Auction your bosses car parking space for a week
- Dress up day at work/school
- Donation tin in local coffee shop
- Raffle (ask local businesses to donate prizes)
- Bake sale
- DIY paint & sip night
- Car wash
- Bingo night
- High tea
- Containers for Change
FUNDRAISING PRIZES
Log into your dashboard to view The Kokoda Challenge merchandise your team will receive when you reach certain fundraising milestones. The team who raises the highest amount across all Kokoda Challenge events (open and school teams) will also win an unforgettable trekking adventure, kindly donated by Getaway Trekking.
TRAINING GUIDE, TIPS AND TRICKS
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO PARKING AT NUMINBAH HALL AND MT NIMMEL LODGE IF YOU ARE TRAINING IN THIS AREA.
YOUR 96KM TRAINING GUIDE
The below training guide is to be used as a guide only. It is up to you and your team to create your own custom guide based on how quickly you want to complete The Kokoda Challenge. This guide will, however, provide you with some ideas on great places to train. We highly recommend training on the actual event course to help you get to know the route as well as exploring nearby areas. Make sure you're getting in lots of elevation training and tagging us on social media in all your adventures:
TRAINING ROUTES AND GUIDES
Check out our blog for some in depth training routes. Be sure to download the AllTrails maps linked before you tackle the hills!
- Waterfall Creek Circuit
- Page's Pinnacle
- Hellfire Pass
- Mt Greville
- Purlingbrook Falls
- Tooloona Creek Circuit
HOW TO PREPARE
To complete The Kokoda Challenge, you need to make sure you are training often and including elevation training, getting out on the actual event course, fueling your body with the correct foods and nutrients, prioritising proper recovery, understanding the importance of hydration, know the ins and outs of strapping, blisters and chafing, and most importantly you need to know how to effectively walk with your team! Check out some of our amazing resources below to help you prepare to take on the challenge.
Nutrition guide
COMPULSORY GEAR
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
The Kokoda Challenge course winds through various types of landscapes, the weather can also change at the blink of an eye, so you need to make sure you are well equipped. The items on the compulsory list are to be always carried. Those on the recommended list are optional.
Please ensure you are prepared with ALL of the following compulsory gear:
- Head torch and spare batteries
- Ability to carry at least 2 litres of water at all times - either a water bladder or water bottles (please arrive to th start line with full water containers!)
- Mobile phone
- All competitors MUST download the Emergency Plus app
- Race bib
- Day backpack
- Reflective safety vest that MUST be worn at night and when crossing roads
- Hat and sunscreen
- Pealess whistle in case of emergencies
- Snacks
- Water shoes (or waterproof shoes) for safely crossing flowing creeks
- Roll of toilet paper and a shovel (in case you're stuck between checkpoint toilets) (one per team)
- Personal first aid kit (yes, everyone needs their own! Be sure this carries all essential needs in case you are to get separated from your team at any time)
The following items are not compulsory, but are HIGHLY recommended:
- Walking poles
- Gloves, beanie and thermals (it can drop as low as ZERO degrees on the track, plus wind chill!)
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Portable phone charger
- Back up head torch
- Spare pair of socks
- Small lightweight microfiber towel to dry your feet after creek crossings or before re-strapping
- Blister packs
- Instant heat pads
- Chapstick
- Sunglasses
- Chafing cream
DISCOUNTED GEAR AT ANACONDA STORES
We're excited to have Anaconda on board as our equipment partner again! To celebrate, Anaconda are offering all Kokoda Challenge teams exclusive discounts on the best outdoor equipment. Download your discount flyer below and redeem at your local Anaconda store to ensure you have all the right gear to get you to the Kokoda Challenge finish line!
EVENT PACK COLLECTION
Before you can take on The Kokoda Challenge, you will need to collect your team's event pack. This pack contains your race bibs (you can't start without these!), your official event t-shirts, plus some goodies from our partners!
You can either collect your event pack at pre-registration before the event or you can collect the morning of The Kokoda Challenge. We highly recommend collecting your event packs before the event to avoid rushing around on event day. You can have someone collect your event packs on your behalf, all they will need to do is let the volunteers know at pre-registration when they arrive that they are collecting on your behalf. For all the details regarding pre-registration and collecting your event pack on the day of the event, please book below:
KOKODA CHALLENGE PARTNERS
THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS:
And to our other valued partners:
FIRST AID ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY
Scotty Whimpey and the team at FAAE have been involved with the Kokoda Challenge events for over 14 years! If you’re after the best in first aid training and equipment, defibrillators and first aid kits, check out this amazing family owned, local first aid business for your next training session or simply upgrading your kits or AED's.
RIGS RECOVERY
Rigs Recovery are back on board this year offering all teams FREE contrast water therapy sessions after you've conquered The Kokoda Challenge! Plus they'll be bringing compression boots, massage guns and an ice bath to The Kokoda Challenge finish line so your team can begin your recovery as soon as you finish! Make sure you heard into Rigs Recovery in Bundall & Palm Beach in the lead up to the event to ensure your body is well prepared for the long challenge ahead!
AUSTRALIA'S GOLD COAST
Extend your stay and take a well-earned break after conquering The Kokoda Challenge! Splash in the Gold Coast’s surf, wander ancient rainforests, and give our koalas a cuddle. Grab a deal on accommodation, tours, and attractions here and make it a trip to remember.
TRAIL GAITERS AUSTRALIA
Use code TGKOKODA10 to get 10% off all funky and functional full priced gaiters. Trail Gaiters are fun, stylish and groovy lightweight stretch lycra gaiter that covers the top of your shoes when out trail running, walking or any outdoor activity.
A SPECIAL MENTION ALSO TO:
Kokoda Spirit: who have kindly donated a free trip to our highest fundraising team
SOK Images: who you'll spot on the course & finish line photographing your adventure
Spring Waterman: who donated ALL of your water and has been doing so for over 15 years
KOKODA YOUTH PROGRAMS
The Kokoda Challenge events exist not only to provide your team with a mental and physical challenge, but also to raise funds for our life-changing youth programs that mentor kids in our local community. Here are the programs we offer:
DIGITAL DETOX PROGRAM
Our Digital Detox camp is fully funded by the donations raised through The Kokoda Challenge events, meaning we can provide the experience to kids completely free of charge so any 12-14 year old can take part, no matter their background.
This is an opportunity for kids to disconnect from technology and become more conscious of their relationship with their devices. Run onsite at our outdoor education facility Kokoda Park, this 7-day camp includes a series of adventure-based activities such as the high ropes course, rock climbing wall and giant swing, combined with educational workshops that teach mindfulness, breathing, yoga, journalling and more.
Submit an application to join the program or learn more ↓
KOKODA CHALLENGE YOUTH PROGRAM
Also fully funded by the donations raised through The Kokoda Challenge, the KCYP is a 9-month journey that will see 14-16 year olds hike the 96km Kokoda Challenge, adventure to Borneo to trek the Sandakan Memorial March and give back to local organisations through community service.
This program delivers increased social connections, a deeper understanding of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign and Australia's involvement in WWII, fostering connections in the local community and the opportunity to learn resilience and realise their full potential.
This program delivers a range of benefits, including strengthened social connections, a deeper understanding of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign and Australia's involvement in WWII, fostering connections in the local community and the chance to develop resilience and reach their full potential.
Submit an application to join the program or learn more ↓
ON THE RIGHT TRACK
This six month, regional school-based program is for students in Grades 8 and 9 who are losing interest in their ongoing education and at risk of exiting the schooling system.
The program operates one day a week and combines three months of physical training for the 48km Kokoda Challenge, whilst challenging kids to break through their pre-set beliefs and personal limits.
This is followed by three months of community service providing students with the opportunity to make a difference in their local area through positive contributions and connections.
1942 KOKODA campaign HISTORY
The Kokoda Campaign was a significant military operation that took place during World War II in 1942, between the Japanese and Allied forces, mainly Australian and Papua New Guinean troops. The campaign aimed to secure the Kokoda Track, a vital route connecting the northern and southern coasts of Papua New Guinea, which the Japanese intended to use to invade Australia.
The campaign began in July 1942 when the Japanese landed at Buna, Gona, and Sanananda on the north coast of Papua. The Australian forces, who were vastly outnumbered, were pushed back along the Kokoda Track towards Port Moresby, suffering from disease, starvation, and exhaustion. However, they managed to hold off the Japanese advance, and after several months of intense fighting, they were able to push the Japanese back to the north coast.
The campaign was fought in some of the most challenging terrain in the world, with the troops facing dense jungle, steep mountains, and treacherous rivers. The Australian and Papua New Guinean troops showed remarkable resilience, bravery, and resourcefulness throughout the campaign, which was a turning point in the Pacific War.
The Kokoda Campaign was a significant victory for the Allied forces, as it prevented the Japanese from establishing a foothold in Papua New Guinea and ultimately thwarted their plans to invade Australia. It also highlighted the importance of the Australian and Papua New Guinean partnership and the critical role that indigenous troops played in the campaign.
Read more about Kokoda Veterans who our school cups are named after:
