Kokoda Challenge
SYDNEY
Dates
19 - 20 SEPTEMBER 2026
Location
HEATHCOTE & ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
STARTS FROM
HELENSBURGH PARK / HEATHCOTE OVAL
DISTANCES
30KM/48KM/96KM
TAKE ON THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE
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
stunning Royal National Park with your mates.
REGISTRATION FEE & FUNDRAISINGÂ
2 PERSON TEAM
Registration Fee: $170.00Minimum Fundraising: $160.00
3 PERSON TEAM
Registration Fee: $215.00Minimum Fundraising: $240.00
4 PERSON TEAM
Registration Fee: $240.00Minimum Fundraising: $320.00
SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)
Registration Fee: $235.00Minimum Fundraising: $235.00
Start Time
FROM 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
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 & FUNDRAISINGÂ
3 PERSON TEAM
Registration Fee: $300.00
Minimum Fundraising: $600.00
4 PERSON TEAM
Registration Fee: $400.00
Minimum Fundraising: $850.00
SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)
Registration Fee: $350.00
Minimum Fundraising: $450.00
Start Time
FROM 7:30 AM
9 hours to complete
48km through HEATHCOTE NATIONAL PARK
Minimum age to register 48km kokoda challenge
13yrs old (or turning 13 the year of the event)
3 checkpoints
no support crew
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 & FUNDRAISINGÂ
4 PERSON TEAM
Registration Fee: $500.00
Minimum Fundraising: $1500.00
SCHOOL TEAM (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)
Registration Fee: $500.00
Minimum Fundraising: $750.00
Start Time
FROM 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
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, Kokoda 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 FAQs
Where is the start and finish line for the event?
Start Line: Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh NSW
Finish Line: Heathcote Oval, Heathcote, NSW.
There will be vendors, music and the Kokoda Challenge team awarding every finisher with a dog tag waiting for you at the finish line!
Do we need a support crew?
Support crews are strongly recommended for the 48km event and particularly the 96km. These can be family or friends who meet you at select checkpoints to provide food, fresh gear, first aid, essential supplies - as well as plenty of encouragement to keep you going!
Support crew checkpoint locations and a dedicated handbook with all the event details will be available closer to the event date. For more information, click here.
Do we have to meet the minimum fundraising amount?
Unlike an events company, we’re a not-for-profit, and this fundraising requirement ensures we can continue operating and delivering our life-changing programs to young Australians. Every dollar raised from the Kokoda Challenge supports Kokoda Youth Foundation's fully funded programs, equipping young Australian's with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future. Read more about our programs here.
It is your participation in our events and the support of our donors that allows us to continue to change the lives of young Australians. Fundraising is a great way to get involved and engage your community. For ideas and guidance on fundraising, visit here.
How difficult is the Sydney course?
You don't need to be an elite athlete to take part, but if you're looking for a true challenge, this is the event for you! The Sydney Kokoda Challenge is a great way to test yourself, covering rugged bushland, steep climbs and uneven terrain. Though the course will push you, the Sydney event rewards with sweeping ocean views and stunning coastal scenery.
With preparation, training, and teamwork it’s more than achievable, whether you're tackling the 18km, 48km and even the 96km. It’s designed to be tough but rewarding, giving you a true sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line! With that being said, we strongly encourage proper preperation, training and teamwork, particuarly for the 96km course to complete the course safely.Â
Is parking available on event day?
Event parking will be available near the start and finish line. Further instructions and maps will be available closer to event day.
Parking is limited, we recommend arranging carpooling with your team or drop-off where possible.
Is a course map available for the Sydney event?
I don't have a team. Can I participate alone?
No solo entries, sorry! Each Kokoda Challenge event requires you to participate as part of a team. Our philosophy is built around mateship - supporting each other, sticking together, and crossing that finish line as one. It's all apart of the experience, and it just isn't the same without teammates!
Don't have a team? No worries! Complete our survey and we’ll do our best to match you with like-minded teammates, or join our Kokoda Challenge community page to connect with other Kokodians looking for teammates.
Can I volunteer instead of participating?
For more information on volunteering and to submit an enquiry, visit our Volunteer page.Â
still scratching your head?
Can't find your question? Head to our general FAQ page for more information or get in touch with our team via info@kokodachallenge.com or 07 5539 4141.
OUR PARTNERS
OUR EVENTS
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