Kokoda Challenge

The Kokoda Challenge, an annual charity event that honours the legacy of the Australian Diggers who fought in the Kokoda Campaign during 1942, is set to return to Kenilworth on ANZAC Day weekend, Saturday April 22, 2023.

Last year, the event saw over 1,800 participants hike distances of up to 48 kilometres on the 80th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign, raising over $380,000 for local youth programs in its first year on the Sunshine Coast.

Teams of 2-5 people traverse through Imbil State Forest from Kenilworth, some choosing to trail run the 18km, 30km and 48km course that consists of over 1,700 metres of elevation.

Organised by a local charity, the Kokoda Youth Foundation, teams participate in fundraising activities in the lead up to the event to support the charity's mentoring programs. One of these programs, a Digital Detox camp for 12-14 year-olds, will be held in Kenilworth later this year.

Chris Emert, manager of the youth program, said. "This fully-funded, 9-day adventure camp will combine challenging outdoor activities with mindfulness techniques, helping children understand the impact of technology on their mental health and develop skills to manage their relationship with devices.”

Registrations close on Friday, March 25, unless sold out prior. Team registration fees start from $250. Visit: kokodachallenge.com