Kokoda Challenge 2009

Blake again took part in the Kokoda Challenge this year. After being part of the winning St Andrews school team for the last 2 years, it was a greater challenge this year having to compete as an adult. Blake joined the ANZ bank team this year and the guys, Simon, Warren and Geoff finished in an amazing time of 17hours and 7 minutes. This made them 1st Business Team finished and 3rd team overall, an amazing achievement. The team looking fresh and eager at the start. It is always very cold in Mudgeeraba at 7am when they start but it warmed up quite a bit during the day and many of the competitors had problems with cramps because it was so warm.

Is was freezing again when they finished just after midnight but not as cold as it has been on previous years. They were back on the Sunday afternoon for the presentation and there were many teams still coming through the finish.

The event was designed to reflect the key elements of the Spirit of Kokoda - ENDURANCE, SACRIFICE, COURAGE and MATESHIP - with 96km representing the actual distance of the Kokoda Track and the 39 hours they are given to complete the course symbolising the 39th Militia who were the first of our Australian troops to arrive at Kokoda on 15th July 1942.

The four person teams are required to advance through 14 checkpoints to the finish line. At designated checkpoints teams are able to take a break and regroup with the help of their support crew. All four team members much finish the challenge to be eligible for the awards.

Congratulations to Mr Ryan Martin and the St Andrews Lutheran College school team who took out the Stan Bissett Cup for the first school team home for the 3rd year running.