KOKODA CHALLENGERS PREPARE TO WALK IN OUR VETERAN'S FOOTSTEPS

Kokoda Youth Foundation

The Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge is coming up on Saturday, 9 May, and kicks off the renowned Kokoda Challenge event series for 2026! Taking place on Mother's Day weekend, this event is the perfect opportunity for participants to spend quality time with their mum or family, as they journey through the Imbil State Forest for on an unforgettable hiking challenge together. The highly-anticipated event attracts over 1,200 participants to the picturesque rural town of Kenilworth and offers 18, 30 or 48km courses.

The Kokoda Challenge is Australia’s largest team endurance event, renowned for its important dual purpose:

• Honouring the legacy of our Australian Diggers who fought in the 1942 Kokoda Campaign, instilling the traits of Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice.
• Raising valuable funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation, who provide fully-funded, adventure-based programs that have been changing the lives of hundreds of young people since 2004.

The Kokoda Challenge is now in its 21st year, and promises to be bigger and better than ever before with forecast sellout events in Brisbane (13 June) and Gold Coast (18-19 July), and the second year in Sydney (19-20 September). Each event begins with a commemorative service where the Last Post is played, honouring our past and present service personnel. Every participant receives a free Kokoda Challenge t-shirt and commemorative dog tag for completing the event, representing the values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice.

As Australia’s toughest team endurance event, the Challenge continues to grow in popularity and now attracts over 8,800 participant each year who complete 18km, 30km, 48km or 96km hikes as a team. Staying together in their group of 2-5, Challengers must navigate challenging hills, creek crossings and bush trails together. Challengers are rewarded with greater resilience, self-confidence and teamwork, and the satisfaction of knowing they have made a real difference.

Among the 2025 teams, 880 were from schools across Queensland. Many schools now incorporate the Challenge into their curriculum as part of their commitment to physical and personal development. Notre Dame College on the Sunshine Coast joined the challenge with their entire Year 7 cohort in 2025 and are returning this year with all of their Year 7 and 8 students.

Principal, Mr Dan McShea, shared: "When students and teachers step outside the classroom and into a shared challenge, something shifts. Conversations deepen, encouragement flows, and real connections are built. It’s in these moments — muddy, tough, and unforgettable — that young people learn they’re capable of more than they thought possible."

Join the Kokoda Challenge on the Sunshine Coast this May and be part of an event that not only provides a physical and mental challenge, but also honours our history and supports a great cause.

Teams are encouraged to register now, as spots are filling fast.

• Register as a participant: www.kokodachallenge.com
• Register as an event volunteer: www.kokodachallenge.com/volunteer
• Find out about our Foundation: www.kokodayouthfoundation.com

For media enquiries or additional information, please contact:

Andy Haynes, Kokoda Challenge Event Manager: [email protected]