SAVE THE 2026 DATES:
SUNSHINE COAST | MAY 9
IMBIL STATE FOREST
BRISBANE | JUNE 13
D'AGUILAR NATIONAL PARK
GOLD COAST | JULY 18-19
GOLD COAST HINTERLAND
SYDNEY | SEPTEMBER 19-20
HEATHCOTE AND ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
About
The Kokoda Challenge
The Kokoda Challenge is not your average trail run or charity walk. It’s about getting a glimpse of what our Aussie soldiers endured on the Kokoda Track in 1942.
You'll experience the Kokoda values firsthand as you show courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice every step of the way. You'll prove to yourself that you're capable of far more than you ever thought, and you'll make a difference to many young lives as you fundraise for the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
It's a team event, not a relay.
It's a journey, not a race.
It's tough, but it's worth it!
The Kokoda Challenge is Australia’s toughest team endurance event. Are you ready for the challenge?
Not Your Average Event
- The Kokoda Challenge is a team event. You have to remain with your team throughout the event, just as our Kokoda soldiers did (if you're struggling to find a team, register for our team matching service and we'll help you).
- This is an endurance event. You'll be challenged as you’ll trudge through rivers, climb gruelling hills and battle blisters. The terrain is designed to emulate the real Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea so you can gain a real understanding of what our Diggers faced.
Don't let the elevation or distance deter you. You'll be ecstatic when you cross that finish line, realising you're capable of more than they ever dreamed possible, with your team by your side.
3. We are a charity, not an events company. Your registration fee helps cover event costs, while the money you fundraise goes directly to Kokoda Youth Foundation's youth programs. This ensures we can continue delivering our life-changing programs free of charge, and means that you will have a direct impact on the lives of teens in need.
Kokoda Challenge: 2026 Registrations Opening Soon
$1,870,088
Money Raised
20+
Years Running
1.5K
Kids Helped
SAVE THE 2026 DATES:
SUNSHINE COAST
9 MAY 2026
18KM / 30KM / 48KM
IMBIL STATE FOREST
The Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge kicks off in the quaint country town of Kenilworth where teams set off into the Imbil State Forest to climb rugged mountains and wade through rivers.
BRISBANE
13 JUNE 2026
18KM / 30KM / 48KM
D’AGUILAR NATIONAL PARK
Just 30 minutes west of Brisbane, you'll face steep trails, dense bush, mateship and moments you'll never forget. Are you in?
Gold Coast
18 - 19 July 2026
30KM/48KM/96KM
GOLD COAST HINTERLAND
The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge needs little introduction. Since 2004, this legendary course has drawn thousands of determined teams, all ready to take on the infamous 'Big 5 mountains' and conquer over 4,000 metres of elevation through the scenic Gold Coast Hinterland.
Sydney
19 - 20 SEPTEMBER 2026
18KM/48KM/96KM
HEATHCOTE AND ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
After an unforgettable debut in 2025, Sydney showed us what they’re made of. So we’re coming back bigger and better in 2026!
Kokoda Challenge Pinnacle
Sunshine Coast 30km + Brisbane 48km + Gold Coast 96km
Experience all three of our Southeast Queensland event locations by tackling The Kokoda Challenge PINNACLE, which will see you work your way up to the Gold Coast 96km by first completing the Sunshine Coast 30km and Brisbane 48km.
Peak to Peak
Gold Coast 96km + Sydney 96km
Peak to Peak returns in 2026! Take on the ultimate challenge and experience both the iconic Gold Coast 96km and our newest challenge, Sydney's 96km.
Our Process
01.
Gather Your Team
You must have a team to enter The Kokoda Challenge, the number of team members required depends on the distance you’re tackling. Register for our team matching service if you’re having trouble finding a team!
02.
Register
Click register now and follow the prompts to register your team. Your team members will be emailed a link for them to follow the same process so everyone has a profile.
2026 REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON. STAY TUNED!
03.
Fundraise
Through this event, you will be raising funds for life-changing youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Fundraising is required!
04.
Train
Head out onto the trails with your team to get ready for the big event! You will need to train as this is not just a walk in the park.
05.
Take on The Kokoda Challenge
You’re only as fast as your slowest team member and the goal is to cross the finish line as a whole team, leave no one behind!
Volunteer
Partner With Us
Our Youth Programs
OUR PARTNERS
Testimonials
The most challenging and rewarding experience that I have ever undertaken. It gave me a strength I didn’t know I had, and I finished it with teammates who became my trusted and cherished friends for life.
Stacy
I had an incredible journey with my team. There was so much teamwork and mateship on the track that inspired me and pushed me across the finish line. While we were walking we all said we would never do it again, and within 24 hours we were planning for next year!
Amanda
It’s an experience like no other. If you want to find the limit to which you can push your mind and your body then this is the challenge for you. With amazing scenery to do it in too, even if you are staring at the ground for what seems like most of the event.
Graham
AS FEATURED IN
Why?
1 in 4 young people
will experience
mental health problems
in any one year
Fundraise for our life-changing youth programs through The Kokoda Challenge
