Australia’s toughest team endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge, is calling on Sunshine Coast locals to participate in the first Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge, encouraging hikers to walk in the footsteps of World War II Australian Diggers.
Held on Anzac Day weekend (23 – 24 April), the 18km, 30km and 48km courses will traverse through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with registered teams raising much-needed funds for Australian youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
The Kokoda Challenge chief executive officer Johllene Elson said the decision to bring The Kokoda Challenge to the Sunshine Coast for the first time followed the success of last year’s Brisbane and Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge events.
“The Kokoda Challenge is a great way to bring the community together so we’re very delighted to, this year, introduce the Challenge to the Sunshine Coast,” Johllene said.
“In 2021, we had more than 5700 people register and participate in the Challenge, 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.
“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 programs were 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 10 Australian youth at risk of disengagement from education and employment, programs like this are vital in continuing to safeguard the future of Australian children,” Doug said.
“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.”
Held on Anzac Day weekend, the event will start 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 2000 metres in elevation which competitors have 20 hours to complete. Hikers battle relentless hills and walk through the pitch black night.
Team registrations open online at kokodachallenge.com on Friday 14 January at 8am AEST, and school team registrations open on Wednesday 2 February at 7am.
Team registrations fees start from $250.
For more information and to register your team, visit kokodachallenge.com
