This Saturday at 7 am, a determined group of 3,300 Gold Coast locals will embark on a momentous journey with their teams, taking on The Kokoda Challenge, otherwise known as Australia's toughest team endurance event. Participants will navigate the arduous 30km, 48km, or 96km course, aiming to complete it within an impressive 39-hour timeframe. The 18th annual Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge invites hikers to walk in the heroic footsteps of Australian Diggers from World War II.
Spanning the mountainous Gold Coast Hinterland, the challenging course with over 4,000 metres of elevation serves as a platform for teams to raise vital funds in support of Australian youth programs organised by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
Johllene Cooper, CEO, expresses her delight at witnessing the unwavering support from the community for yet another sell-out event. Since its inception in 2005, this event has transformed the lives of over 637 youths across Australia through self-discovery programs, while also fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging disengaged youth to remain in the education system.
"The Kokoda Challenge unites the community in the Spirit of Kokoda, and we are thrilled to return to the Gold Coast for the 18th year," said Johllene.
"Participants in The Kokoda Challenge sign up for more than just a physical and mental test. They also support the transformation of local kids through their team fundraising efforts."
"Our diverse range of youth programs, provided at no cost to young people in the community, aims to mentor and empower them through experiential learning, enabling them to reach their full potential. Each Kokoda Challenge participant becomes a catalyst for changing the life of a young person through this remarkable event."
The Kokoda Challenge holds a special place within the Gold Coast community, serving as a living memorial that honours the Australian Veterans who valiantly served along the Kokoda Track in 1942. It embodies the values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice that enabled our Diggers to triumph over a formidable enemy.
"Gold Coasters have a proud history of standing by their mates and banding together in times of adversity," said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“These qualities will help the brave 3300 competitors setting out to carry the spirit of Kokoda across a range of disciplines and events on July 15. Good luck!"
The challenging 96km trail, commencing in Mudgeeraba and concluding in Nerang via Hinze Dam, will continue from 7am Saturday to late Sunday evening until the last team crosses the finish line. Teams have 39 hours to conquer the relentless hills and navigate through the pitch-black night, all in support of the Kokoda Youth Foundation's mission to change the lives of Aussie kids within our community.
Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast
Event date: 15th - 16th July, 2023
Distances: 30km, 48km and 96km
Registration costs: team registrations fees start from $250
Start and location:
96km starting from 7:00 am at Mudgeeraba Bowls Club
48km starting from 10:00am at Raw Challenge Numinbah
30km starting from 2:00pm at Little Clagiraba Reserve
Website: kokodachallenge.com
ENDS