30km sunshine coast

30km SUNSHINE COAST KOKODA CHALLENGE

Registrations for this event are now closed. Our Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge took place on Saturday 20th April, 2024. Click here for your teams finishing times. Click here to find your teams photos.

In 2023, the average finish time of the 30km Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge was 8 hours and 3 minutes with the winning running team completing the course in 4 hours and 45 minutes and the final team coming through the finish line in 12 hours and 59 minutes.

The difficulty of the 30 kilometre Sunshine Coast course is not to be underestimated. Described by past teams as “harder than childbirth”, “a challenge to test you both physically and mentally”, and an event that will “test your grit”, this track will be sure to push you well outside of your comfort zone.

At 9am you and your team will stand in silence as the MC reads The Ode, followed by the bugler playing The Last Post. With thoughts of the diggers' sacrifice still fresh in your mind, you will embark on one of the toughest 30 kilometre courses that the East Coast has to offer. The beauty of the Imbil State Forest will be sure to distract you as you face multiple false peaks throughout the 1,200 metres of total elevation gain. 

The climbs are steep and daunting from below, however once you reach the ridgeline you will experience jaw dropping views of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland not often seen by the public.
But what goes up, must come down so be prepared for many gruelling downhill descents that will put your knees and walking poles to the test! 

You may find yourself so lost in conversation or captivated by the beauty of the track that you hardly realise the sun has gone down. With the track being lit only by your head torches, you and your team will find yourselves walking closer together as the brisk night unfolds. This is where the real mental battle begins. 

As you walk through the evening, you will be sure to feel the spirit of Kokoda on the track. The four pillars of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice will be seen not only in your team's abilities, but also in the Kokoda community walking alongside you. 

By putting one foot in front of the other, you will find yourself at the 30km finish line! Surrounded by your team, you will walk under the Kokoda Challenge arch and receive your dog tags. Despite doubting yourself at times, you will push yourself and your team to achieve what you may have thought was unachievable; just like the diggers who fought along the Kokoda Track in 1942 did.

Regardless of the aches and pains you may feel afterwards, you will find yourself reminiscing with your team on the memories made out on the 30km course. By taking on the Kokoda Challenge, you have helped change the lives of young Australians while fighting to keep the Kokoda Spirit alive; and THAT is something to be proud of. 

Want to find out more?

Please fill out the form to register your interest in this event. Someone will be in touch soon to answer any questions you may have.