Four Cromwell College students (Victoria Richards, Xavia Oloman, Elangi Cuttance, Jasmine Hollonds) recently completed the gruelling 96km Kokoda Challenge - an unforgettable test of endurance, resilience, and teamwork. Through steep climbs, sleepless hours, and moments of doubt, their journey was powered by determination, community spirit, and the unwavering support of each other and their crew. This is their story.
Our Kokoda Challenge Experience
Taking on the Kokoda Challenge was more than just a physical test. It was a journey of determination, resilience, and teamwork. As a team, we signed up to challenge ourselves and to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation, which empowers young Australians through mentoring and outdoor education. In the lead-up, we trained together with parkruns, long weekend hikes, strength training and participation in various Cromwell sport. We spent hours building not just fitness, but trust in one another.
We set out on the 96km trail at 7am excited, nervous, and determined. The course was incredibly demanding. At around the 25km mark, one of our teammates, Elangi, was forced to make the tough decision to stop due to severe cramps in both of her legs. As a team we supported her to the major checkpoint at 30km. Elangi demonstrated her incredible determination and strength in pushing through to meet our support crew at about 2:30pm, after over 7 hours of hiking the gruelling terrain.
Despite the disappointment, Elangi stayed with the support crew throughout the entire challenge. She was with her team to cheer us up in the middle of the night and provide reassurance when we felt dejected. She made sure we had enough food, camel packs full of water and plasters over our blisters before we set off again. She reminded us we were supported every step of the way, even when the path ahead felt overwhelming.
The challenge entailed over 4400 meters of elevation and the hours spent on our feet were relentless, especially through the night. Jasmine, Xavia and I kept going, relying on each other through the highs and lows. We took turns lifting each other’s energy, keeping the pace, and calling out encouragement when it was needed most. This sense of unity carried us through the darkest hours of the night and into the early morning, when everything hurt and the end still felt far away. We took time to appreciate the good moments and laugh together. We saw a koala, nearly got lost in a dark field late at night, jumped over a fence with sore legs before realising the path deviated right, had to jump back over the fence, appreciated in the 180 degree view of the gold coast city lights, stared up at the stars, shared snacks, told bad jokes and counted steps as the last few kilometres dragged on.
Crossing the finish line was a mix of exhaustion, relief, and pride. We completed the 96km around 10am in 26 hours and 45 minutes. The team was completely spent, but beyond proud of what we’d accomplished. Elangi was cheering as we crossed the finish line. We felt incredible pride of not just the distance, but the way we had done it together.
We couldn’t have made it through without our incredible support crew. They kept us fed, hydrated, and in one piece. Always ready with a hot meal, fresh water, or a quick fix for blisters and sore muscles. They barely slept and were up before us still supporting us late into the night. Their energy, encouragement, and care made all the difference, and we’re so grateful for everything they did behind the scenes to keep us going.
We are beyond thankful for Cromwell College’s sponsorship and support in the lead up to the Kokoda Challenge. As a team we raised $2688 for the Kokoda Youth foundation thanks to the generous contributions of Cromwell College and the wider community. We are incredibly appreciative of everyone who donated, encouraged us, or followed our journey. It was a challenge we’ll never forget. We are proud of what we achieved together and so grateful to have shared it with such a strong and generous community.
