CONTENTS
SUNSHINE COAST SCHOOLS
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. These timeless Kokoda values still have a profound impact on individuals and are the basis of a healthy community.
EVENT OVERVIEW
DATE
Saturday 9th May 2026
Each distance starts at different time, please click on your relevant distance for more information!
18KM
11:00am
START/FINISH LINE: Kenilworth State Community College, 3717 Maleny Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth.
TIME LIMIT: 9 hours
TEAM CHANGES: Teams must be finalised 4 weeks before the event
MINIMUM AGE: Turning 9 the year of the event
TEAM SIZE: 4 students + 1 teacher (or guardian)
18km teams must start with a minimum of 2 team members.
Teams must have a minimum of 2 members at all time during the event (one of which must be your teacher/guardian). In the event a team member withdraws, your team will be held at the next checkpoint and conjoined with another competing team. Teachers and guardians must remain with their students throughout the entire duration of the challenge.
Fundraising is due prior to event registration commencing, you are able to pay the difference at registration if your team has not met the minimum fundraising requirement.
Minimum fundraising: $235.00
30KM
9:00am
START/FINISH LINE: Kenilworth State Community College, 3717 Maleny Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth.
TIME LIMIT: 12 hours
TEAM CHANGES: Teams must be finalised 4 weeks before the event
MINIMUM AGE: Turning 10 the year of the event
TEAM SIZE: 4 students + 1 teacher (or guardian)
30km teams must start with a minimum of 2 team members.
Teams must have a minimum of 2 members (one of which must be the teacher or guardian) at all times during the event. In the event your teacher/guardian withdraws, your team will be held at the next checkpoint and conjoined with another competing team. Teachers and guardians must remain with their students throughout the entire duration of the challenge.
Fundraising is due prior to event registration commencing, you are able to pay the difference at registration if your team has not met the minimum fundraising requirement.
Minimum fundraising: $355.00
48KM
7:30am
START/FINISH LINE: Kenilworth State Community College, 3717 Maleny Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth.
TIME LIMIT: 20 hours
TEAM CHANGES: Teams must be finalised 4 weeks before the event
MINIMUM AGE: Turning 13 the year of the event
TEAM SIZE: 4 students + 1 teacher (or guardian)
48km teams must start with a minimum of 3 team members.
Teams must have a minimum of 3 members at all time during the event. In the event a team member withdraws, your team will be held at the next checkpoint and conjoined with another competing team. Teachers and guardians must remain with their students throughout the entire duration of the challenge.
Fundraising is due prior to event registration commencing, you are able to pay the difference at registration if your school has not met the minimum fundraising requirement.
Minimum fundraising: $450.00
START LINE
We recommend that you arrive at the start line a minimum of 30 minutes before your start time, or an hour if you haven't picked up your event pack from pre-registration. Allowing enough time to find a park, organise your gear and participate in the pre-race formalities.
FINISH LINE
You did it! As you cross the finish line, an announcer will call out your teams name and each team member will be presented with dog tags.
There is hot food and drinks available for purchase, so you will finally be able to kick back, relax and reflect on the journey that was the Kokoda Challenge.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
As this is Australia's toughest team endurance event, we do have to implement some rules and regulations to ensure everyone's safety and security. We also need to make sure our event can run smoothly, and this can only be achieved with your help! Please familiarise yourself with the following points:
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, 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. If the team no longer meets the minimum team number requirement, they must join another team or withdraw from the event.
WALKING AS A TEAM
You must walk as a team, you only walk 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 instantly disqualified. 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
You are tracked at every checkpoint to ensure you do not go missing or attempt to take any “shortcuts”. To successfully finish our event, you must go through every checkpoint with your team. You cannot leave the event and resume it at a later time. Any team found taking short cuts will be disqualified.
WAIVER FORMS AND PERSONAL DETAILS
Every team member must complete their online registration and waiver to be able to compete in The Kokoda Challenge.
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.
COURSE MAP AND ELEVATION
CHECKPOINT INFORMATION
18KM
CHECKPOINT INFORMATION
CP1- Top of Pullen Lane
Checkpoint 1 already! At this point, you will have tackled one of the big hills along the track already, how good is that! While we do have all possible facilities needed for you, we do suggest not stopping here unless you absolutely need to as this checkpoint gets a high amount of foot traffic. Onwards and upwards!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
CP4 - Bottom of Pullen Lane
The last checkpoint before you reach the finish line! At this point, you and your team will know exactly how close you are to finishing the Kokoda Challenge. This is usually where the last kick of adrenaline kicks in and you might even find your pace increasing (who would have thought!). If you are quiet enough, you will be able to hear the welcoming tunes of the finishline getting louder and louder. You are SO CLOSE!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
30KM
CHECKPOINT INFORMATION
CP1- Top of Pullen Lane
Checkpoint 1 already! At this point, you will have tackled one of the big hills along the track already, how good is that! While we do have all possible facilities needed for you, we do suggest not stopping here unless you absolutely need to as this checkpoint gets a high amount of foot traffic. Onwards and upwards!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
CP3 - Coonoongibber Creek Rd
Checkpoint 3 already! We recommend you take a second here and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You often spend a lot of time looking at your feet while walking, so be sure to check out your surroundings and see how far you and your team have come.
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
CP4 - Bottom of Pullen Lane
At this point along the track, you and your team may be doing it tough! Now is a good time to make sure you are checking in on your team mates. Make sure that everyone is feeling okay and reassure them that you are nearing that finish line, one step at a time!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
48KM
CHECKPOINT INFORMATION
CP1- Top of Pullen Lane
Checkpoint 1 already! At this point, you will have tackled one of the big hills along the track already, how good is that! While we do have all possible facilities needed for you, we do suggest not stopping here unless you absolutely need to as this checkpoint gets a high amount of foot traffic. Onwards and upwards!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP2- Stirling Crossing
You are halfway there! At Stirling Crossing, you will meet your support crews. At this point, you will be starting to feel the Kokoda Challenge taking a toll on the mind and body, but we can guarantee that after a meal and some supportive words of encouragement from your support crews, you will be ready to take on the second half of the challenge! We recommend that you don't spend too long resting up, or you will struggle to get back on your feet!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing Mat
Support Crew
NOTE: $5 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 and not the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
CP3 - Coonongibber Creek Road
At this point along the track, you and your team may be doing it tough! Now is a good time to make sure you are checking in on your team mates. Make sure that everyone is feeling okay and reassure them that you are nearing that finish line, one step at a time!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP4 - Bottom of Pullen Lane
The last checkpoint before you reach the finish line! At this point, you and your team will know exactly how close you are to finishing the Kokoda Challenge. This is usually where the last kick of adrenaline kicks in and you might even find your pace increasing (who would have thought!). If you are quiet enough, you will be able to hear the welcoming tunes of the finishline getting louder and louder. You are SO CLOSE!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
SUPPORT CREW
FOR 48KM ONLY
WHAT IS A SUPPORT CREW?
Your support crew is your saving grace throughout the 48km challenge. They provide you with support at designated checkpoints along the track and are the key to finishing the challenge.
WHAT DO THEY DO
Everyone’s support crew is different, but most provide the following at major checkpoints: a hot meal, strapping and medical attention, refill water packs and re-pack backpack with essentials, provide a change in equipment (different clothes, walking aids etc) and most importantly they encourage you to keep going!
WHAT CHECKPOINTS DO WE ACCESS THEM?
Your support crew checkpoint is at Checkpoint 2: Stirling's crossing equestrian complex There is parking available for Support Crews for $5 cash per car, this money goes back into the local communities running the checkpoint. There will be a water refill station, medical tent and timing mat at this checkpoint.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A SUPPORT CREW?
No- however it is highly recommended to do so.
HOW BIG OR SMALL CAN MY SUPPORT CREW BE?
Your support crew can be as big or small as you like! However please note that at each support crew checkpoint, only ONE car will be allowed into the designated support crew area. We suggest a support crew of 4 or 5!
WHEN IS THE SUPPORT CREW BRIEFING?
There is a compulsory Support Crew briefing at the start line on event day after all teams have started the event. Important and essential information will be provided. This is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended.
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 2 hours 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.
- The 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 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 keep your driving speed down. A register will be taken on entry to checkpoints.
- 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 visitor attractions
IS THERE MORE INFORMATION FOR OUR SUPPORT CREWS?
Absolutely! The being support crew is a big task and it should not be taken lightly. Please find all essential information for your support crew HERE
TEAM TRACKING LINK
On the day of the event, your support crew will be able to follow your team’s progress in real time using our live tracking link. This allows them to see when you have reached each checkpoint and stay updated on your journey throughout the challenge.
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.
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE
You can help us reduce our carbon footprint by putting all 10 cent containers in the bins marked CONTAINER 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?
Kokoda Challenge originated as a fundraising event for the Kokoda Youth Foundation and grew into Australia's toughest team endurance event. The event has evolved over time, but the heart of it remains the same. All profits made go toward providing free youth programs for Australian youth.
WHERE DO DONATIONS GO?
Every dollar raised goes towards our life-changing youth programs that mentor local kids in the community to reach their pull potential. You can learn more about out our youth programs here.
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 Kokoda Spirit.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
The course treks across many different types of landscapes. Considering Queenslands climate, the weather is unpredictable, so ensure you 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.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Compulsory gear list:
- Ability to carry at least 2 litres of water at all times via water bladder or bottles. Please arrive with full water containers!
- Mobile phone
- All competitors MUST download the Emergency Plus app
- Race bib
- Day backpack
- Hat and sunscreen
- Pealess whistle in case of emergencies
- Snacks
- Personal first aid kit. Everyone needs their own! Be sure this carries all essential needs in case you are to get separated from your team at any time)
- Reflective safety vest that MUST be worn at night and when crossing roads
- Head torch and spare batteries
The following items are not compulsory, but are HIGHLY recommended:
- Walking poles
- Roll of toilet paper and a shovel as you may find yourself stuck in between checkpoints! One per team is enough.
- Water shoes (or waterproof hiking boots) for safely crossing flowing creeks
- 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
We're proud to partner with Anaconda for all your challenge gear and essentials! Use code KOKODA26 online to recieve $20 off when you spend $100 or more. Need some more advice? We have Anaconda offering some great tips on your gear list for your Kokoda journey!
Thank you Anaconda, for supporting our events and helping us change lives through the Kokoda Youth Foundation!
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) and your free participant shirt!
You can collect your event pack at pre-registration the day before the event or you can collect the morning of the event. We highly recommend collecting your event packs the day 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 crew know at pre-registration when they arrive that they are collecting on your behalf. We will release a booking link 2 weeks prior to the event commencing.
KOKODA YOUTH PROGRAMS
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 8-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 15-17 year olds hike the 96km Kokoda Challenge, adventure to Papua New Guinea to trek the Kokoda Trail 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:
