The Kokoda Challenge is Back!
Australia's Toughest Team Endurance Event
Posted on 11.03.2022
Australia’s toughest team endurance event is calling on Queenslanders to participate in the 2022 The Kokoda Challenge and to walk in the footsteps of Australian Diggers during World War II.
The Kokoda Challenge will be held in three locations in 2022: , Brisbane (May 28-29), the Sunshine Coast (June 18-19) and the Gold Coast (July 16-17). All three events will feature 18km, 48km and 96km courses, with the registered teams raising much-needed funds for Australian youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation. (see below for more detail on each event)
The Kokoda Challenge CEO, Johllene Elson said “The Kokoda Challenge is a great way to bring the community together … In 2021, we had more than 5,700 people register and participate in our events, and we broke our fundraising record, raising more than $1.2 million for The Kokoda Youth Foundation.
“This was such an incredible show of support from the community and a welcomed relief for our charity, especially given all of our events were cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19.
“Following the success of our events last year and the incredible support we’ve received from the community over the last 18 years, we’ve decided to broaden the event and introduce the Challenge to the Sunshine Coast for the first time this year.
“The Kokoda Challenge is an integral component to facilitating the programs and services we provide to youth in the community, through the Kokoda Youth Foundation,” Johllene said.
Since the event’s inception in 2004, the funds raised as part of The Kokoda Challenge have helped to change the lives of more than 602 youth across Australia through self-discovery programs, while also encouraging disengaged youth to remain in the education system.
Kokoda Youth Foundation Founder and Vietnam Veteran, Doug Henderson said the Kokoda Youth Programs are about providing disadvantaged and disengaged youth with the appropriate tools to realise their full potential by instilling the values of the Kokoda Spirit; Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice.
“With one in ten Australian youth at risk of disengagement from education and employment, programs like this are vital in continuing to safeguard the future of Australian children,” said Doug.
“Being involved in something like The Kokoda Challenge gives ordinary Australians the chance to make a life-changing difference in a young person’s life.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid hiker, new in your fitness journey, or someone who just enjoys the occasional walk—the event is open to all levels of experience and we encourage you to register, donate and join us for an unforgettable 20-hours.”
The Kokoda Challenge in 2022
The Kokoda Challenge
Brisbane (May 28-29)
Australia’s toughest team endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge, is calling on Brisbane locals to participate in the 10th annual Brisbane Kokoda Challenge, encouraging hikers to walk in the footsteps of Australian Diggers during World War II.
Held on the 28th – 29th of May, the 18km, 30km and 48km courses will traverse through the D’Aguilar National Park, with the registered teams raising much-needed funds for Australian youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
The Kokoda Challenge CEO, Johllene Elson said the decision to bring The Kokoda Challenge back to Brisbane for its 10th year was an easy one, following the success of last year’s Brisbane and Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge events.
The event will commence with a commemorative service at the start line to honour Kokoda veterans along with other men and women in service.
Starting and finishing in the Brookfield Reserve, the 48km trail includes over 2,000 metres in elevation, which competitors have 20 hours to complete. Hikers battle relentless hills and walk through the pitch-black night all to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation on their mission to change the lives of kids in our community.
Team registrations open online at kokodachallenge.com on Friday, 14 January at 8:00 am AEST, and school team registrations open on Wednesday, 2 February at 7:00 am.
Kokoda Challenge Brisbane
Event date: 28th – 29th of May, 2022
Distances: 18km, 30km and 48km
Registration costs: team registrations fees start from $250
Start time: from 7:00 am
Location: Brookfield Reserve, D’Aguilar National Park
For more information and to register your team in the Kokoda Challenge, visit: kokodachallenge.com
The Kokoda Challenge
The Sunshine Coast (June 18-19)
Australia’s toughest team endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge, is calling on Sunshine Coast locals to participate in the very first Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge, encouraging hikers to walk in the footsteps of Australian Diggers during World War II.
Held on June 18-19, the 18km, 30km and 48km courses will traverse through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with the registered teams raising much-needed funds for Australian youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
The Kokoda Challenge CEO, Johllene Elson said the decision to bring The Kokoda Challenge to the Sunshine Coast for the first time comes following the success of last year’s Brisbane and Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge events.
The event will commence with a commemorative service to honour Kokoda veterans along with other men and women in service.
Starting and finishing in Kenilworth, the 48km trail includes over 2,000 metres in elevation, which competitors have 20 hours to complete. Hikers battle relentless hills and walk through the pitch-black night all to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation on their mission to change the lives of kids in our community.
Team registrations open online at kokodachallenge.com on Friday, 14 January at 8:00 am AEST, and school team registrations open on Wednesday, 2 February at 7:00 am.
Kokoda Challenge Sunshine Coast
Event date: 18th – 19th June, 2022
Distances: 18km, 30km and 48km
Registration costs: team registrations fees start from $250
Start time: from 7:00 am
Location: Kenilworth, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
For more information and to register your team in the Kokoda Challenge, visit: kokodachallenge.com
The Kokoda Challenge
Gold Coast (July 16-17)
Australia’s toughest team endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge, is calling on Gold Coast locals to participate in the 18th annual Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge, encouraging hikers to walk in the footsteps of Australian Diggers during World War II.
Held on the 16th – 17th of July, the 18km, 48km and 96km courses will traverse through the Gold Coast Hinterland, with the registered teams raising much-needed funds for Australian youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
The Kokoda Challenge CEO, Johllene Elson said the decision to bring The Kokoda Challenge back to the Gold Coast for its 18th year was an easy one, following the success of last year’s Brisbane and Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge events.
Starting in Mudgeeraba and finishing in Nerang via Hinze Dam, the 96km trail includes over 5,000 metres in elevation, which competitors have 39 hours to complete. Hikers battle relentless hills and walk through the pitch-black night all to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation on their mission to change the lives of kids in our community.
Team registrations open online at kokodachallenge.com on Friday, 14 January at 8:00 am AEST, and school team registrations open on Wednesday, 2 February at 7:00 am.
Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast
Event date: 16th – 17th July, 2022
Distances: 18km, 48km and 96km
Registration costs: team registrations fees start from $250
Start time: from 7:00 am
Location: Mudgeeraba Bowls club (96km course), Raw Challenge Nerang (48km course), and Nerang Velodrome (18km course)
For more information and to register your team in the Kokoda Challenge, visit: kokodachallenge.com
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