A record 45 teams and 175 students from St Andrew’s Anglican College participated in Saturday’s Kokoda Challenge, Australia’s ‘toughest team endurance event’, raising $5,590 for the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
The foundation runs life skills programs for Australian teens who come from all walks of life and every segment of society.
St Andrew’s Assistant Director of Sport and event coordinator Richard Beckett said this is the 11th year the school has participated in the Kokoda Challenge.
“More than 1,000 St Andrew’s students have now taken on the challenge over the years and it is such a special event, a fun yet grueling day in the sunshine,” he said.
“Congratulations to the 220 students, staff and families who competed in a field of more than 2,500 competitors across 15km, 30km and 48km events. It is an outstanding achievement to complete this challenge and what a way to grow and learn in a tough environment.”
Teacher Alex Austin and his team of four students – Harry, Luca, Will and Max – took out the overall win for the 48km event which they completed in just 6 hours and 50 minutes.
More impressively, this team also won the same event last year, and it is the third Kokoda win for Alex.
St Andrew’s picked up Second and Third placings in the 15km event, while College Principal Mr Chris Ivey and his team finished fourth in the 30km event.
“So many of our Primary students were incredible in the 15km race, and their smiles at the finish line showed they thought it had been worth it,” Richard said.
“Above all it was about personal goal setting and being part of a special team at a wonderful event. You learn a lot about yourself competing in this challenge.”
Chris Ivey thanked all who “got involved, participated, donated, were on team support crews and cheered for our teams.”
“Also, a big thank you to our staff and parents for the months of training and preparation in the lead up to this event. We also acknowledge the team at The Kokoda Challenge for putting on another outstanding event and the many volunteers who made it possible. Let’s do it all again in 2020.”
