Australia’s toughest team endurance event, The Kokoda Challenge, is calling on the region’s residents to participate in the very first Central Coast Kokoda Challenge, encouraging trail runners and hikers to walk in the footsteps of Australian Diggers during World War II.
To be held on October 14-15, the 18km, 30km and 48km courses will traverse the hills of Cooranbong, the host region for the event, with registered teams raising much-needed funds for local youth programs run by the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
CEO Johllene Elson said the decision to bring The Kokoda Challenge to the Central Coast for the first time followed the success of last year’s Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine 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 Central Coast,” Elson said.
“In 2022, we had more than 7,000 people register and participate in the Challenge, and we broke our fundraising record, raising more than $1.7M 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.”
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 652 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 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 and 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,” he 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.”
The event will start with a commemorative service to honour Kokoda veterans along with all other men and women in service.
Starting and finishing at Cooranbong, the 48km trail includes more than 1,500m in elevation, which competitors have 20 hours to complete.
Hikers and trail runners will battle relentless hills and walk through the pitch-black night on their mission to change the lives of kids in our community.
School and open team registrations are now open online at kokodachallenge.com
Source:
Media release, Mar 29
Kokoda Youth Foundation