The Kokoda Challenge, an annual charity event that honours the legacy of the Australian Diggers who fought in the Kokoda campaign during 1942, is returning to Lake Macquarie on Saturday, October 12.
Last year the event saw 500 people hike distances of up to 48kms, raising more than $90,000 for local youth programs.
Teams of two to five people will traverse through Olney State Forest and Watagan National Park, some choosing to trail run the 18km, 30km, and 48km course that consists of more than 1,400m of elevation.
Organised by Australian charity the Kokoda Youth Foundation, the event is set to attract even more teams this year to take on the trails in support of its mission to change the lives of Australian youth through mentoring programs.
Since the event’s inception in 2004, the funds raised as part of the Kokoda Challenge have helped to change the lives of hundreds of youths 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, 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,” Henderson 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,” he said.
Building on the success of last year’s event in Lake Macquarie, the youth program will host a Digital Detox Program in Coffs Harbour on October 6-13 for NSW teens aged 14-16.
“This fully funded, eight-day adventure camp will combine challenging outdoor activities with mindfulness techniques such as breathing and meditation, helping children understand the impact of technology on their mental health and develop skills to manage their relationship with devices,” youth program manager Chris Emert said.
The Kokoda Challenge event will see hikers and trail runners 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 children in the community.
It will start with a commemorative service to honour Kokoda veterans along with all other men and women in service.
School and open team registrations are now open online at kokodachallenge.com.
Team registrations fees start from $170 and start time is from 7.30am at the Cooranbong Equestrian Park.
For more information and to register your team in the Kokoda Challenge, visit: kokodachallenge.com