Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge: A Test of Spirit and Endurance

The Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge once again proved to be one of Australia’s most gruelling endurance events, pushing teams to their physical and mental limits across a 96km course through the rugged Gold Coast Hinterland. This year marked a historic milestone for OLSCC, as it was the first time our school has ever entered teams into the Kokoda Challenge, a proud moment for our community. It also marked the 20th anniversary of the Kokoda Challenge, making this year’s event even more special.

Mrs Geldard’s team consisted of walking students Baillie Cook, Hannah Taylor, Charlie Johansen, and Caleb Weiland, supported by Mr Stam and support students Amy Cartwright and Mickayla Meacle-Lyell. Mrs Patterson’s team included walking students Jack Cave, Jack Hall, Gabby Banks, and Mark Joab Jocson, joined by Mr Jaimes, who walked with the team, and supported by Mr Fraser.

The challenge began with a dramatic gunfire start at sunrise on Saturday at 7am, setting the tone for the journey ahead. As the walkers made their way toward the first checkpoint, the support teams were busy preparing supplies and gear for the 30km mark, the first major stop in the 96km trek. During this stretch, walkers faced two of the five major hills, testing their stamina early in the event.

Mrs Geldard’s team was the first to reach the 30km checkpoint, arriving at 3pm after 8 hours of walking, followed closely by Mrs Patterson’s team an hour later. However, the challenge took a toll. At this checkpoint, both teams faced significant setbacks, with Baillie, Hannah, and Mr Jaimes' having to withdraw due to injury. Despite these losses, the remaining team members pressed on, demonstrating true Kokoda spirit.

As the teams continued trekking, Mr Stam received a call from a local school team, DSHS, who were facing a serious issue. A teacher from DSHS had to withdraw as the event medic pulled her from the challenge. In a remarkable act of kindness and solidarity, Mrs Patterson’s team adopted the DSHS students, allowing them to continue. Without this support, the DSHS team would have had to end their journey at Checkpoint 5.

It became clear that this event was no longer just about individual school groups, it was about a shared goal, a collective spirit, and the unwavering support that defines the Kokoda Challenge.

As the teams went through the motions of completing the challenge, Kokoda’s next victim was Mark Joab, who had to withdraw due to injury at the Raw Challenge checkpoint, marking the 48km milestone. Despite the growing fatigue and further setbacks, the remaining team members pressed on with unwavering determination.

As night fell, the teams continued their journey through the darkness. The quiet of the bush was broken only by the crunch of boots on gravel and the occasional rustle in the trees. Noises and shapes began to play tricks on tired minds, adding a surreal layer to the already intense experience. Yet, the teams pushed forward, driven by purpose and camaraderie.

Two more major checkpoints were reached during the night, one for dinner, and another at 2 - 4am, offering brief moments of rest and nourishment.

At each major checkpoint, teams stayed for a maximum of 20 minutes. Any longer, and muscles would begin to seize, and the temptation to stop would grow stronger. Support crews, while offering love and encouragement, were often forced to give some tough love, urging students out of their chairs and back onto the track.

After passing the night checkpoints, students arrived at their fourth and final major checkpoint. Teams arrived at different times Mrs Geldard’s team at 8am, and Mrs Patterson’s team at 10am, along with the adopted DSHS students, for a brief stop for breakfast.

Both teams found the last 20km to be the longest and most mentally challenging leg of the event. By then, even a small contour bank or slight change in elevation could bring a tear to the eye. As the teams got closer to the finish, they began to hear the distant sound of music, signalling the end of this gruelling journey.

It was quite emotional to see parents and students waiting together, not just family from and members associated with OLSCC but support from the general Dalby community, all gathered to cheer our teams across the finish line. It was a powerful reminder that this challenge had become more than just a school event, it was a community effort.

Mrs Geldard, along with Charlie and Caleb were the first to cross the finish line in 29 hours and 39 minutes.  With the first team across the line, we all waited patiently for the second team.  It was a moment that truly put the saying “no man left behind” into action. The commitment to each other, the shared struggle, and the emotional finish highlighted the deep bonds formed throughout the challenge.

Mrs Patterson’s team and the adopted DSHS students crossed the line at 32 hours and 46 minutes. With our teams across the line, members embraced each other with hugs, tears, and the beginning of the war stories that will be told for years to come.

Among the most heartfelt moments was seeing 11 teams and support members from DSHS, standing proudly alongside OLSCC families to cheer both our teams across the line. Their encouragement and presence was one of the highlights of the weekend, reinforcing the Kokoda values of mateship and unity.

A big thank you to the parents who came to the finish line to support and help clean the accommodation facilities. A personal thanks must also go to our community, who generously donated to the teams. Without your support, this event wouldn’t have been possible. As a combined effort, our teams raised just under $4,500 for the event and the Kokoda Youth Foundation.

Needless to say, I have never been prouder of our students.

Jon Stam

Teacher