Kokoda Challenge
SYDNEY
Dates
20TH SEPTEMBER 2025
Location
HEATHCOTE AND ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
Starts/Finishes From -
HELENSBURGH PARK / HEATHCOTE OVAL
Elevation -
2,455M
Kokoda Challenge
TEAM REGISTRATION FEE
4 Person Team
$500.00
School Team
$500.00 (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)
Kokoda Challenge
FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT
4 Person Team
$2,000.00
School Team
$850.00 (4 STUDENTS & 1 TEACHER)
96KM SYDNEY KOKODA CHALLENGE
Start Time
7:30 AM
39 hours to complete
96KM THROUGH HEATHCOTE AND ROYAL 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
Picture this; it’s pitch black and all you can see is the small space in front of you illuminated by your head torch. Your teammates are walking beside you, all you can hear is the crunch of their boots against the leaves and vegetation under foot. The temperature has dropped, but you’re still warm from climbing mountains all day and well into the night. You’re exhausted and start welling up with emotion as you see the lights from the finish line up ahead.
You’ve made it. You’ve been hiking since 7:30am the day before and after walking for 96 kilometres you have finally reached the end with your team. You are overwhelmed with achievement, relief, joy and physical depletion. You’ve pushed yourself far beyond what you thought you were capable of and you have never felt such an enormous over pouring of emotion.
The Kokoda Challenge is an adventure like no other. It’s not about personal achievement of getting your personal best time, it’s about making sure your team stays together at all times and that you make it to the end with all of your teammates.
This is what our Australian soldiers did back in 1942 along the Kokoda Track and this is what the event emulates. Our Diggers endured a hell like no other during WWII and every step you take will pay homage to the hardships they faced. It’s about paying respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Through this event, you’ll also raise critical funds for youth programs run in the local community, aimed at helping kids establish the life skills needed to reach their full potential. It is an extremely rewarding opportunity to make an impact on the lives of Australian youth.
Whether you intend to trail run or hike, you will require a support crew who are necessary in providing you with food and encouragement along the way. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to complete this event, all you need is the right people beside you and the right attitude as it largely is a mental battle. It will be hard, but it will be worth it when you’re being awarded your dog tag at the finish line and you feel as though there is no challenge too big.
Explore Sydney 96km map
Team handbook
Check out the team guide containing all the information about required gear, checkpoint information, event pack collection & much more!
SUPPORT CREW
96km teams are required to have a support crew to meet you at designated checkpoints to provide food, first aid and encouragement!
Training Routes
Browse suggested training routes in our blog to ensure your team are adequately prepared for this event, elevation training is key!
Fundraising Ideas
Your team will raise vital funds for youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation that change the lives of local kids.
Tackle the Kokoda Challenge! Register Now
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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.
96KM SYDNEY KOKODA CHALLENGE
The Kokoda Challenge is operated by the Kokoda Youth Foundation, we are a local charity that exists to mentor local youth in the community through our experiential youth programs. Through our events, your team will fundraise for our 'Kokoda Kids' and honour Australia's Veterans.