The Kokoda Challenge

Participants trek a 96 km course that leads along fire trails, crosses 12 creeks and summits 5,000m of vertical elevation. The goal is to finish as a complete team of four in honour of the spirit forged on the in 1942: mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice.

96 km is the actual distance of the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. The 39-hour time limit is in honour of the 39th Militia, the first Australian Troops to set foot on the Kokoda Track.

There are 13 Major Checkpoints along the 96 km course. Starting in the Gold Coast Hinterland suburb of Mudgeeraba, the track follows selected fire trails and paths through Austinville, Springbrook, Numinbah Valley, Lower Beechmont and Clagiraba to the finish line at the Nerang Velodrome.

The Kokoda Youth Foundation is a registered charity, providing funds for Youth Program (KCYP),[1] teaching young people the fundamental philosophy of the Spirit of Kokoda, and how their achievements in life are directly related to the effort they contribute. The program for The Kokoda Kids is a 14-month commitment - the first 20 weeks consisting of training and team building activities to develop physical fitness and prepare them for the challenge of a lifetime – walking The Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

Established by Doug Henderson and his wife Anna, the initial goal was to raise awareness of the World War II Kokoda Campaign in New Guinea in 1942; and use the 'Spirit of Kokoda' to help young Australian's reach their full potential.

Teaming up with a handful of members from the Bushwalking Club, the foundation held the first walk in the Hinterland in July 2005. This event was the sole fundraiser for the first Youth Program, which trained and supported 12 young people to walk the Kokoda Track that year in Papua New Guinea.

The mission of the foundation is to promote and raise public awareness of the importance of the 1942 Kokoda Track campaign and the 'Kokoda Spirit' to the Australian people. By identify young Australians at a crossroads in their life, the foundation provides support to help them reach their potential through Youth Program.

The Kokoda Values include:

• Endurance: To stay the course, commit to the journey, and never give up.

• Courage: To step outside your comfort zone and stand up for what's important.

• Sacrifice: To serve a greater cause greater than yourself.

• Mateship: To act with integrity, embrace diversity and have each other's back.

• Official website
• 96 km Kokoda Challenge Race is held in Papua New Guinea last weekend of August across the infamous Kokoda Trail. It is not a team event but an individual event. The record holder in both directions is Brendan Buka. *Official website

In August 2012 checkpoints were as follows: Isurava Village; Eora Creek; 1900/Myola Junction; Kagi; Efogi; Menari; Maguli Range; Ioribaiwa; finish at Owers' Corner