The Kokoda Challenge 2019 – Australia’s Toughest Team Endurance Event
The Kokoda Challenge 2019 – Australia’s Toughest Team Endurance Event
Team - K.U.S.H. in the Bush
96km / 21h12m / 4300elevation /
Considering hiking 96km up and over the many mountains that form the Gold Coast Hinterland ... Challenge accepted!!
Up before the birds on a fresh winters morning, we gathered at the Kokoda Challenge event precinct at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. To add to the excitement was an array of hot air balloons setting off to meet the sunrise, this was a welcomed distraction from the long haul that lay ahead of us.
The much-anticipated time had arrived for all teams to step into the grid as we march toward the start line. Paying respect to our WWII Soldiers, The Australian National Anthem sung loud and proud and the last post sounded on the bugle - a time to reflect. Four Soldiers were deployed to stage and a gun fire salute rang out to mark the commencement of the event. Team K.U.S.H embarked on the brutal 96km trek through the Gold Coast Hinterland, this would unite us and strengthen our friendships, a journey we will never forget.
Spirits were high amongst all groups as we ticked through the kilometres without any concerns, we took in the scenery, chatted with other participants, had some laughs but ultimately, we remained focused on the task at hand and our plan to execute it.
Before long we were faced with the first of five ridiculously steep, unbelievably long, rockiest and uneven terrain, that seemed somewhat unfair, this would test our stamina, mental & physical strength and most of all our perseverance, we worked together to conquer this beast, one step at a time and before too long it was done & dusted – literally.
As the day went by, we continued to jog and walk our way through the course, ticking off the checkpoints, surprisingly ahead of our scheduled time. With this in mind our motivation heightened as we aimed to stay ahead of time as much as possible. At the half way mark we felt our competitive natures kick in as we learned of our placing on course and the next team were only minutes behind us. We now have a target on our back which spurred us on even more.
Our focus had evolved to not only wanting to finish in 20-22 hours, but to do so and cross the line in first place. Aches and pains were becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly with 15kms to go and at this point the finish line could not come fast enough. With grit, determination and a never give up attitude we worked together to get the job done, displaying true spirit and mate-ship.
Personally, I am so proud of our team, there was never a doubt we would not finish, we were fortunate to avoid sleep deprivation issues, our nutrition was absolutely spot on, we were efficient through our checkpoints, never losing site of our goals.
With Captain Kath Grimmer at the helm, armed with her abundance of knowledge we were set for success. Uli Longhurst our checkpoint liaison person did a superb job keeping our support crews informed. I take my hat off to Holly Bertsos for enduring a number of painful issues from the about the 45km mark, this trooper is certainly a tough nut to crack. I was invited onto this team and I am so very glad I accepted the challenge. I knew these women were strong minded, committed and determined which is a deadly combination, how could I refuse. Thank you ladies, you were all absolute legends out there, you have all inspired me with your strength of character and attitudes, this experience is one of the best and the medal is going straight to the pool room (or maybe just a little plastic tub :)!!
Our support crew were instrumental in making the day/night such a success for team K.U.S.H. As we pulled into all four major checkpoints, our food would be heated and ready for serving, our packs were taken and refilled with water, we had coffee, coke, chocolate and lollies, our chairs and spares tubs were set ready to restock our supplies, feet were taped, legs were massaged, and the sip of port was on offer (Thanks Duncan). To our husbands, children and friends, thank you for making our dream yours and pushing us through the training and main event, we truly appreciate it.
A shout out also to the Red Army of volunteers who were always greeting us with a smile, words of encouragement and lollies. Such a supportive group of people who make the journey that bit more pleasurable.
The Kokoda challenge is a fundraising event for Australian youths and we are pleased to have been successful in raising $1751.92, a massive thank you to those that contributed to our fundraising page. Thank you also to our team sponsors Niche Finance, City to Surf Plumbing and Greg Beh Constructions.
A strong team of like-minded women set out to achieve a goal, I am pleased to say we smashed our goal and could not have been happier or prouder of each other as we crossed that finish line as the first All-Female Team, awarding us the Gold medal and top spot on the podium. WE DID IT!!
As always ladies
CHEERS!!