CONTENTS
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. These timeless Kokoda values still have a profound impact on individuals and are the basis of a healthy community.
EVENT OVERVIEW
DATE
Saturday 20th September 2025. You will start on Saturday and have 39 hours from your start time to get to the finish line, which may mean you are walking through to the evening hours of Sunday Night.
TIME LIMIT
39 hours
CUT OFF DATE
FUNDRAISING: Fundraising is due 1 week before the event
TEAM CHANGES: Teams must be finalised 4 weeks before the event
MINIMUM AGE
Turning 15 the year of the event
START TIME AND LOCATION
96km teams will start at 7:30am. The start line will be at Helensburgh Park.
FINISH LINE LOCATION
TEAM SIZE
Teams can consist of 4 people
FUNDRAISING MINIMUM
4 person - $2000 per team
WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR START/FINISH LINE
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. This will allow you enough time to park, take some photos, take part in the ANZAC memorial service and hear from Vietnam Veteran and Founder of the Kokoda Youth Foundation Doug Henderson.
FINISH LINE
Location: Heathcote Oval
YOU DID IT! You've just spent hours walking or running through Heathcote and Royal National Parks. You see bright lights up ahead and the Kokoda Challenge archway that marks the end of your journey! 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:
TEAM SIZE
All 96km teams MUST start with 4 people.
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.
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.
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.
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
Your maps are now ready and can be viewed and downloaded through AllTrails via the link below:
CHECKPOINT INFORMATION
CP1 - PRINCES HIGHWAY CROSSING - 6.2KM
Wowee! That was a bit of a hike! Take a second here to stretch out the legs and prepare for the next part of your journey! 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
CP2/3 - GOANNA TRACK - 14.5KM/18.5KM
When arriving at checkpoint 2, make sure to take a deep breath and grab some water before commencing the upcoming 4km loop. Once you complete this loop you will arrive back at the same checkpoint (now checkpoint 3) before continuing on your journey. You will see your support crew at the next checkpoint so keep pushing ahead!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP4 - CAMP COUTTS - 25.2KM (MAJOR CHECKPOINT)
Checkpoint 4 already! You made it to your first support crew checkpoint! Make sure to soak it all up and fill up on motivation and support from your loved ones. They may even give you a quick massage before sending you on your way! Try not to spend too long at this one, you are still in the early parts of the journey so keep the good vibes rolling!
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.
CP5 - ECKERSLEY RD - 30.5KM
Well done, you have made it to checkpoint 5! You are well and truly in the thick of it now. Quickly breeze through this checkpoint as you will get to see your support crew at the next one. The good news is it is downhill for the first few kms after leaving this checkpoint!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP6 - HEATHCOTE EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL - 37.5KM (MAJOR CHECKPOINT)
Second support crew check point, tick! Make sure to keep your head up while walking into this checkpoint as this is the last time you will be seeing the 48km teams on the track with you. After this checkpoint, the 48km teams will go on a different course, and you won't see them until you reach the finish line!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP7 - ROYAL NATIONAL PARK ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION CENTRE - 44.2KM
Checkpoint 7! You are almost at the halfway mark! Once you venture on from this checkpoint, you will complete a 5.5km loop and then return back to the same checkpoint to meet your support crew for the halfway dance! Try not to stay at this checkpont too long so you can get the loop completed and enjoy the company of your support crew while refuelling and rehydrating!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP8 - ROYAL NATIONAL PARK ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION CENTRE - 50KM (MAJOR CHECKPOINT)
Halfway! Amazing job, you have made it halfway through your incredible Kokoda Challenge journey. Now is the time to grab some food and drinks from your support crew. Indulge in a massage, grab a change of socks and shoes to help your feet freshen up a little bit. Take in all of the enjoyment of reaching the halfway mark and then take the good vibes out onto the trail with you for the second half.
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.
CP9/11 - SIR BERTRAM STEVENS DRIVE - 68KM/79KM
This checkpoint is both checkpoint 9 and checkpoint 11 as you will be going out and back along the same track to and from checkpoint 10. Get to know the volunteers at this checkpoint so when you return from checkpoint 10 you have a friendly face. They will help you forget about the aches and pains in your feet by filling your tummys with lollies and team with good vibes.
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
CP10 - GARIE SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB - 75.5KM (MAJOR CHECKPOINT)
This checkpoint is your last support crew checkpoint before the finish line! As you are sitting at this checkpoint feeling all of the Kokoda Challenge feels, try and take in all of the breathtaking scenery around you! There will be a beautiful beach and maybe even an incredible sunrise or sunset to enjoy looking at while getting a massage from your loved ones! Once you have taken it all in, continue on towards the finish line!
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.
CP12 - ULOOLA FIRE TRAIL - 87.2KM
You made it to your last checkpoint! Its almost time to celebrate. By now you will be feeling exhausted, sore, and maybe even a little delusional. Quickly grab a refill of water and lollies before smashing out the home stretch of this huge challenge! If you are quiet enough, you may even be able to hear the party going on at the finish line as you approach!
Water refill station
Medical
Toilets
Timing mat
Support crew
SUPPORT CREW
WHAT IS A SUPPORT CREW?
Your support crew is your saving grace throughout the 96km challenge. They provide you 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
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?
Support crews can only be accessed at our major checkpoints, which there are 3 of.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A SUPPORT CREW?
YES. All 96km teams must have a support crew.
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.
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
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 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
WHAT IS MY FUNDRAISING MINIMUM?
4 person - $2000 per team
WHY DO WE FUNDRAISE?
As a non-profit organization and registered charity, the Kokoda Youth Foundation depends on the generosity of our sponsors and the success of your fundraising efforts to provide life-changing youth programs. 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 in the local community.
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.
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 Kokoda Spirit
TRAINING GUIDE, TIPS AND TRICKS
YOUR 96KM TRAINING GUIDE
The below training guide is sent to our 96km Gold Coast participants to be used as a guide only. The distances for each week can be replicated for the 96km Sydney hike, although the locations of the hikes will differ. We will get a Sydney based training guide sent out to you as soon as possible. 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:
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
RECOMMENDED GEAR
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
The 96km course treks across many different types of landscapes. Being based on the coast, the weather can also change at the blink of an eye, so you need to make sure 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.
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 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
- 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)
- 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
DISCOUNTED GEAR AT ANACONDA STORES
We're excited to have Anaconda on board as our equipment partner again in 2025! 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 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 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:
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
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 ↓
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:
