The Kokoda Challenge returns to Melbourne

The extraordinary Kokoda Memorial Challenge is returning to Melbourne this year - taking place on the 27th October from 7am

The course can be completed over a 30km or 15km stretch and is predominately a team cross-country and bushwalking exercise. The experience is designed to reflect the Spirit of Kokoda: courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.

The demanding challenge begins in the Dandenong Ranges, commencing at Ferntree Gully, continuing to the Kalorama Park, taking in the Kokoda Memorial Walk and testing competitors' stamina with the 1000 steps, before looping back down The Ranges again.

Incredibly, veterans of the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion Association based in Melbourne, who were amongst the first Australian Troops to set foot on the Kokoda Track, will be present on the day to watch the challenge unfold.

Almost 300 competitors took part in the trail last year, and this year it is hoped that over 600 people will take up both the 30km and the 15km stretches.

According to Kokoda Challenge founder and Vietnam Veteran Doug Henderson, people from all walks of life sign up to the Challenge as it sets personal task for the individual while at the same time offering the chance to help young people grow into contributing members of society.
'It's such a great event as it brings an opportunity for ordinary people, such as myself, to achieve extraordinary things," said Henderson.

The Melbourne course is modeled on the Brisbane Kokoda Challenge held in Brisbane State Forest Park this year on the 2nd June 2013. The Melbourne leg will raise funds for the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) in Melbourne.

The Challenge is organised and managed by the Kokoda Challenge Association with the support of Boost Juice Bars who will be providing a dedicated group of volunteers and core staff at the event.

Monies raised from the event are used to fund the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) - a 12-month program for young people aged 15-18 with the main goal to build resilience, self-esteem and life-skills that support young people into adulthood.