Record Participation Supports Youth Initiatives
The Kokoda Challenge, Australia's largest team endurance event, eagerly returns on Saturday, 13th June. All spots have sold out, with participants starting at Brookfield Recreation Reserve.n
Thousands of participants will tackle the 18, 30, or 48km courses through D'Aguilar National Park. These rugged trails and challenging terrains lie just 30 minutes from Brisbane's city centre.n
This annual event has attracted hundreds of teams, including a record-breaking 440+ school groups. They aim to support youth programmes through the Kokoda Youth Foundation.n
Participants will help raise funds for outdoor adventure-based initiatives that have positively impacted young Australians for over two decades. The programmes are fully funded by the event proceeds.n
Shane, a participant in the 48km challenge, shared his motivation: "I'm taking on the Kokoda Challenge for the fifth year because it's far more than a physical event. With five 48km events and two 96km events behind me, I'm driven by the chance to test my limits while modelling resilience, perseverance, and teamwork."n
Event Details and Legacyn
Following the Sunshine Coast event in May, the Brisbane challenge is part two of the 2026 series. The Gold Coast event is scheduled for 18th-19th July, followed by a return to Sydney on 19th-20th September.n
Honouring the memory of Australian soldiers in the 1942 Kokoda Campaign, this event further inspires participants to embody the Kokoda Spirit.n
Starting with the 48km race at 7:30 AM, followed by the 30km at 9:00 AM, and the 18km at 11:00 AM, the Brisbane challenge will commence at the event village located at Brookfield Recreation Reserve.n
The Kokoda Challenge not only tests physical endurance but also fosters community spirit and personal growth. As a result, it is a unique event on the sporting calendar. Meanwhile, the event raises vital funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation's mission, impacting young lives significantly.n
Following last year's successful debut, the Kokoda Challenge series continues to grow. This year, it unites families, friends, and corporate groups in a shared mission to support youth programmes. These programmes have transformed young lives by providing experiential, outdoor adventures at no cost to families involved.
Last updated: 10 June 2026, 9:15 am
