18th Annual Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge

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Australia’s toughest team endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge, is calling on Gold Coast locals to participate in the 18^th annual Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge, encouraging hikers to walk in the footsteps of Australian Diggers during World War II. Held on the 16^th - 17^th 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 18^th year was an easy one, following 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 be back on the Gold Coast for an 18^th year this year,” said Johllene. “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 637 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 39-hours.” 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: 16^th - 17^th 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