THE Kokoda Challenge

SYDNEY

Dates

19-20 SEPTEMBER 2026

Location

HEATHCOTE AND ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Starts From -

REX JACKSON OVAL - HELENSBURGH

DISTANCES

18KM/48KM/96KM

TAKE ON THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

Sydney, lace up! After last year's epic debut, Kokoda Challenge is back in 2026, and better than ever!

Setting off from Helensburgh, teams of 2-5 can choose to take on the 18km, 48km or the ultimate 96km course through the stunning Royal National Park and Heathcote National Park, approximately 1 hours drive from Sydney CBD.

This isn't your average fun run, but the resilience and teamwork demands makes every step worth it. From rugged bushland, clifftop coastlines to sweeping ocean views, Sydney's course will test your endurance, all with the ultimate reward of transforming young Aussie lives for the better, raising funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation.

get ready to take on the challenge

GATHER YOUR TEAM.

Fire up the group chat, lock in your crew and set your sights on the epic challenge ahead.

PICK YOUR DISTANCE & REGISTER.

Choose the challenge that suits your crew below - 18KM, 48KM or go all-in with the ultimate 96KM and hit REGISTER.

FUNDRAISE.

Every dollar you raise helps Kokoda Youth Foundation, empower young people through fully funded youth programs.

TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE.

Step up to the challenge, test your limits and make lifelong bonds along the way.

18KM SYDNEY KOKODA CHALLENGE

Calling all adventure seekers! The 18km Kokoda Challenge is the perfect entry into your Kokoda journey. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking to try something new, we welcome all fitness levels for a fun, feel-good day out in the
stunning Royal National Park with your mates.

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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2 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $170.00
Minimum Fundraising: $160.00

3 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $215.00
Minimum Fundraising: $240.00

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $235.00
Minimum Fundraising: $235.00

Start Time

9:00 AM

9 hours to complete

18km through HEATHCOTE NATIONAL PARK

Minimum age to register 18km kokoda challenge

9yrs old (or turning 9 the year of the event)

3 checkpoints

no support crew

Start Time

7:30 AM

9 hours to complete

48km through HEATHCOTE NATIONAL PARK

Minimum age to register 18km kokoda challenge

13yrs old (or turning 13 the year of the event)

3 checkpoints

no support crew

48KM SYDNEY KOKODA CHALLENGE

Ready to step outside your comfort zone? The 48km Kokoda Challenge will test you physically and mentally as you tackle steep climbs and hike for up to 12 hours, possibly even into the night. You don't need to be an athlete, anyone can prove to themselves they're capable of achieving incredible things.

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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3 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $300
Minimum Fundraising: $600

4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $400
Minimum Fundraising: $850

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $350.00
Minimum Fundraising: $450

96KM SYDNEY KOKODA CHALLENGE

Ready to take on the ULTIMATE challenge? The 96km Kokoda Challenge mirrors the actual length of the Kokoda Track and most me conquered in 39 hours cut off time to honour the 39th Battalion who served on the Kokoda Track. It is an experience that will completely change you. You'll sweat, cry, laugh, chafe and feel the greatest sense of accomplishment when you reach that finish line.

REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISING

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4 PERSON TEAM

Registration Fee: $500
Minimum Fundraising: $1500

SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)

Registration Fee: $500
Minimum Fundraising: $750

Start Time

7:30 AM

39 hours to complete

96km through HEATHCOTE NATIONAL PARK

Minimum age to register 96km kokoda challenge

15yrs old (or turning 15 the year of the event)

11 checkpoints

4 support crew checkpoint

Soldiers at the Lake Macquarie Kokoda Challenge start line

Tackle the Kokoda Challenge! Register Now

HIKE FOR A CAUSE

Every step supports a mission that goes far beyond the finish line: changing the lives of Australian youth, while honouring our Aussie diggers who fought along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in 1942, ensuring their extraordinary story lives on.

Your participation in The Kokoda Challenge, helps support Kokoda Youth Foundation's fully funded, transformative youth programs. These programs have helped equip over 1,300+ teens with the tools to develop self confidence and discover their full potential, since 2004.

At it's heart, the Challenge is inspired by the diggers values of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice, challenging participants to push their limits while carrying forward their resilience.

SYDNEY EVENT FAQ's

What is a support crew?

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Your are your teams saving grace throughout the challenge. You 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