Brisbane is gearing up for a massive weekend as the Kokoda Challenge returns to Brookfield Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 13 June, with the event already sold out ahead of its highly anticipated arrival.
Read: New Playground on the Way for Brookfield Recreational Reserve
Teams of two to five will tackle courses of 18, 30, or 48 kilometres through the rugged bushland of D’Aguilar National Park, navigating creek crossings, challenging hills and bush trails, all just 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD.
This year’s Brisbane event has drawn hundreds of teams, including families, corporate groups and a record-breaking 440-plus school teams. That milestone reflects the remarkable growth of an event that has been part of the Queensland community for over 20 years.
More Than Just a Race
Funds raised go towards the Kokoda Youth Foundation’s experiential, outdoor adventure-based programs, which have been transforming the lives of young Australians for over 20 years. The programs are fully funded by the Challenge and delivered at no cost to the families involved.
The event also carries a deeper historical significance, honouring the legacy of Australian soldiers who served during the 1942 Kokoda Campaign in Papua New Guinea. It is this combination of purpose, personal growth and connection to the Kokoda Spirit that inspires participants to return year after year.
For Shane, who is taking on the 48km course for the fifth time, the motivation runs deep. “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.”
What’s Next for the Series
The Brisbane event will be the second leg of the 2026 Kokoda Challenge series, following the Sunshine Coast event in May. The series continues with the Gold Coast on 18 and 19 July, before wrapping up in Sydney on 19 and 20 September, following last year’s debut in that city.
Read: Brookfield Show: The Spotlight Shifts But the Spirit Stays
For families and teams in Kenmore and the surrounding suburbs, Brookfield Recreation Reserve is just a short drive away. Whether you are heading out to cheer on participants or considering signing up for a future event, the Kokoda Challenge is one worth getting behind.
Published 9-June-2026
