INTRO

ABOUT US

The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a registered charity and non-profit organisation that runs Australia’s toughest team endurance event ‘The Kokoda Challenge’. The Kokoda Challenge raises funds for Aussie kids 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 Australian youth!

Learn more about how your participation changes lives by clicking HERE

KEEPING THE KOKODA SPIRIT ALIVE

We aim to spread awareness of the heroic defense of Australia against imminent invasion and the spirit of our young soldiers by instilling the Kokoda values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice into the community of today.

The structure of a Support Crew aligns strongly with our value of Mateship. Our belief is that together, we can go further and achieve more. This value is the reason why the Kokoda Challenge is solely a team event.

EVENT OVERVIEW

WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR START/FINISH LINE

START LINE

We recommend that your team arrives at the start line a minimum of 30 minutes before their start time, or an hour if they haven't picked up their event pack from pre-registration. 

FINISH LINE

Your team has crossed the finish line, your job has been a success and it's finally time for everyone to kick their feet up! There is hot food and drinks available for purchase, so kick back, relax and reflect on the journey with your entire crew!

Your role

WHAT IS A SUPPORT CREW?

Your are your teams saving grace throughout the 48km and 96km challenge. You will provide your team with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew!

SUPPORT CREW ARE VITAL TO A TEAM’S SUCCESS AND ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF ANY SUCCESSFUL TEAM.

Congratulations on being asked to be a part of the Kokoda Challenge as support crew! Ideally you give food, changes of clothes, medical attention and much needed encouragement to your team. The checkpoints you will be visiting to assist your team will be the bright points through their event experience. It is a big commitment, so it is important to make sure you not only have the time to be available on the weekend, but also the enthusiasm to keep your team motivated and will encourage them though the tough times

ALL SUPPORT CREWS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH US

At least one member from each support crew must register their details with us. If your details change (ie. the support car you are using is changed, or support crew members change), don't worry! All details will be reconfirmed on the morning of the event. Register your details via the link below! (scroll down the page until you reach the "register my details" section):

REGISTER SUPPORT CREW

RULES AND REGULATIONS

DROP-OUTS

If a team member needs to drop out at any time, this must be done at a checkpoint (if safe to do so). If a member cannot make it to a checkpoint, please call the emergency number on your race bib for a safe extraction from the track. All team members must wait for the removed member to be extracted safely before continuing the challenge. Teams can continue one man down to a team of three. In the event that there are only two members left, they must either join another team or withdraw from the event.Teams of 2 will not be allowed to continue.

FUNDRAISING

The minimum fundraising amount must be met by the cutoff date, or your team will not be able to participate in The Kokoda Challenge. The reason our events exist is to raise funds for our Kokoda Youth Programs, we would not be able to operate without the donations raised from this event. 

WAIVER FORMS AND PERSONAL DETAILS

Every team member must complete their online registration and waiver to be able to compete in The Kokoda Challenge. 

SUPPORT CREW REGULATIONS

Support crews are to meet their teams ONLY at support crew checkpoints. If teams are found meeting their support crews outside of designated areas, the team will be instantly disqualified.

PORTABLE SPEAKERS 

We ask that teams please be mindful of others when walking with a portable speaker. While some people may enjoy listening to music, others may prefer taking in the sounds of nature during the trek. 

Preparation

Preparation is the key to success when it comes to support crews! 
Before the event weekend, you should know the in's and out's of how your support crew checkpoint will run. 

Please familiarise yourself with the following points for guidance: 

• Be sure you have met with your team and created a support crew plan PRIOR to the event weekend! 
• Only competitors in the 48km and 96km distances require a support crew
• Use the meeting agenda on the next page to ensure you’ve covered all topics to ensure you know where to meet, approximately what time to meet, what food to bring and more
• Look into apps such as Find My Friends or Life360 to track your team as they are walking, being mindful that they will be in and out of reception. We will also provide you with a link where you can track when they check into checkpoints
• You will need to get each competitors belongings before event day or at the start line if you’re droping them off. We recommend having a tub for each team member.
• Please note there is no limit to how many people are in your support crew but you are only allowed one car per support crew at the checkpoints. Some checkpoints have limited parking, we don't want teams to miss their support crew!
• When your team pick up their event pack at pre-registration, there will be a support crew car parking pass in this pack which will give you access into the support crew checkpoints.
• Plan to have at least one support crew member at the start line to attend the briefing after competitors have set off on their adventure

WHAT IS A SUPPORT CREW?

A support crew is the saving grace for teams throughout the 48km and 96km challenge. They provide teams with support at designated support crew checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge. Behind every great team is a phenomenal support crew!

WHEN DO I GET MY SUPPORT CREW CAR PASS AND WHAT IS A SUPPORT CREW CAR PASS?

Each support crew will be provided with a support crew car pass to put on their car dashboard. Only one car per checkpoint is allowed. This will allow your car access into support crew checkpoints. On this pass, you will write your cars registration number. Each support crew is allowed ONE pass. If you are using different cars in different checkpoints, simply cross out the registration number once you are done with vehicle A and then write the registration number of vehicle B. 

Passes are received during kit collection and are packaged with the participants race bibs. 

WHAT DOES A SUPPORT CREW DO?

Everyone’s support crew is different, but most provide the following at major checkpoints: a hot meal if you have a portable gas stove (warm soup or curry is very popular) or sandwiches, strapping and medical attention, refill water packs and re-pack backpack with essentials, provide a change in equipment (fresh socks, different clothes, walking poles, etc) and most importantly they encourage you to keep going!

DO ALL TEAMS HAVE TO HAVE A SUPPORT CREW?

Having a support crew is not a requirement, but highly reccomended. If you are doing the 96km, it will be a very difficult task to walk across the finish line without having a support crew.  

HOW BIG OR SMALL CAN A SUPPORT CREW BE?

A support crew can be as big or small as you like! Please be mindful that at each support crew checkpoint, only ONE car will be allowed into the designated support crew area as we have limited space available. We suggest a support crew of 4 or 5 people!

WHEN IS THE SUPPORT CREW BRIEFING?

The support crew briefing will be available online. This will be released with the event briefing video 1-2 weeks out from the event. It is compulsory for all support crews to watch this video. Support crews will also have the ability to ask questions to our event staff at the start line of each event if needed. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• If you meet your support crew outside of the designated support crew checkpoints, your team will be disqualified unless permission is granted by event organisers.
• Support Crews are discouraged to arrive at checkpoints more than 20 minutes before their team is due to arrive. Work out a plan with your team to communicate their ETA.
• Support Crews must bring their own toilet paper at checkpoints as none will be provided.
• Kokoda Challenge is an environmentally friendly event. Support Crews MUST remove and dispose of all rubbish. There will be no rubbish bins provided.
• Strap your team’s feet and sensitive areas BEFORE blisters and chafing 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 keep your driving speed down to 5km/h. 
• 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, not the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
• Support Crews are encouraged to visit local attractions and cafes in between meeting their teams to support the local communities.

checkpoint information

You are only allowed to meet your team at support crew checkpoints. Please do not try and meet them at other points of the course or other checkpoints. Those points of the course are not equipped to accomodate extra cars and people. Please expand your relevant location to see your support crew checkpoints- be mindful that there are two different distances at the Gold Coast and Sydney events.

COMPULSORY GEAR

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

The courses trek across various landscapes. The weather can also change at the blink of an eye, so you need to make sure your teams are prepared for all possible changes in weather or personal circumstance. The items on the compulsory list are to be always carried. Those on the recommended list are to be carried at your own choice.

Please ensure your teams 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 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 
• 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 
• Water shoes (or waterproof hiking boots) for safely crossing flowing creeks 
• Roll of toilet paper and a shovel (in case you're stuck between checkpoint toilets) (one per team) 
• Chapstick 
• Sunglasses 

TEAM MEMBER TUBS

We suggest that every team member prepare a labelled box, tub or bag with the necessary supplies they may need upon reaching the support crew. To ensure that they have everything they need, they may want to consider including the following items in the tub:

• Spare socks
• Spare clothes
• Warm clothes: beanie, gloves etc for when it gets cold at night
• Hi-vis vest
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Stock up on snacks
• 10L of water
• Hydrolytes/electrolyes
• Sunscreen
• Anti-inflammatory, paracetamol or any other medication

KOKODA CHALLENGE PARTNERS

THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS:

          

And to our other valued partners:

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:

Spring Waterman: who donated ALL of the water and has been doing so for 20 years
Sok Images: who donate all his time to take photos at all of our Kokoda Challenge Events and some Youth Foundations program events.
Pixel Fury Productions:  produces our post event videos and fulfills all of our videography needs. 

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. 

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 ↓

APPLY NOW

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 ↓

APPLY NOW

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.

LEARN MORE

KOKODA PATHWAYS PROGRAM

This school-based program is for senior students who feel they are at a crossroads with their education and future employment. Often they may be at risk of disengaging from school or family life, or experiencing a lack of direction and motivation.

The students will be mentored in the skills needed for workplace readiness in a range of careers, while also learning a range of social and personal development skills through adventure-based learning and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

LEARN MORE

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:

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