Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge

Australia’s toughest team endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge, is calling on Sunshine Coast locals to participate in the Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge, to raise much-needed funds for Australian youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.

The event will commence with a commemorative service to honour Kokoda veterans and all of the other men and women in service.

Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge, 2024 Dates, Map, Entry Prices

There will be an 18km, 30km and 48km course for Kokoda participants to choose from. Traditionally the shorter distance for the Kokoda Challenge courses is 15km, however this year we have decided to change it to 18km for both the Brisbane and Gold Coast locations. Why, we hear you ask? Well, 18 + 30 + 48km = 96km, the distance of the real Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea!

The 18k, 30k and 48k courses will wind through Imbil State Forest. Given that you are hiking through a working forest, training is not permitted in this area before the event. They have acquired special permission to hold our Kokoda Challenge event here, and ask that you respect the area and do not train here; there are plenty of other nearby training locations! THe organisers will release your course map closer to the event weekend, and those registered will receive a notification when the maps become available.

The 18km distance will have one checkpoint, the 30km distance will have three checkpoints and the big 48km distance will have four checkpoints.

Through this event, you will raise funds for Australian kids participating in Youth Programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation. They are a local charity with a mission to change the lives of Aussie teens in the community by providing experiential programs that engage and inspire them to reach their full potential.

The Kokoda Youth Programs provide disadvantaged and disengaged youth with the appropriate tools to realise their full potential by instilling the values of the Kokoda Spirit; Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice.

They also aim to educate all Australians about the history of the Kokoda Campaign in 1942 and offer a life-changing experience for all Kokoda Challenge competitors in the amazing team events!

Held around ANZAC Day, the 18km, 30km and 48km courses will traverse through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, encouraging hikers to walk in the footsteps of Australian Diggers during World War II, while they walk to raise funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation.