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It would take five competitors from each team to turn up at the finish line to win the team event. The organizers of the event Kokoda Trekking Limited had their fourth competitor turned up at Ower's Corner within 29 hours 5 minutes and 22 seconds. Rod Ori was exhausted by the time he arrived at Ower's Corner.
Rod Ori….get's a helping hand from Gail Thomas – Kokoda Trekking trek Organizer. Gail and Russell Eroro were the main facilitators of the event.
IMG_1340___Gail___Rod_500_s.jpgThe three from the Anzac team are: brothers Sean and Ryan O'Hara and their mate Robert Drysdale who arrived in 31 hours 24 minutes and 50 seconds to the finish line with their arms around each others shoulder.
The brothers arrived late in the night with their mate to the warm welcome of loving mum and dad; Marrie and Michael who flew all the way from Sydney to witness the event and support their two sons who were also competitors in the event.
Sean, Brian and Robert – the last group to arrive at Ower's corner on Sunday. They all made their way to the finish line together.
Rusty__s_Kokoda_Challenge_090.jpgAnother Australian competitor Charles Chambers unfortunately could not make it to Ower's on Sunday and took his time to get there on Monday – a day after the race.
Charles Chambers seen here before the race with the rest of his Anzac team mates.
IMG_1258.jpgThe thrilling challenge has become a real test for endurance for the competitors. Most could not make it passed Nauro and towards Ower's Corner, many had given up halfway and had to remain there otherwise.
And all competitors who made it past the finish line in the gruelling challenge admitted that this would be the toughest thing anyone can do.
"This is a very, very tough and a gut-wrenching challenge. I see it not an easy task trying to accomplish the Kokoda Trail in 24 hours," Hunt, the event champion admitted.
John Hunt seen here with his supporters last Satruday…before the race
IMG_1251.jpgHe said it becomes even more harder when everyone's trying to cover the hazardous 96 km distance in less than a day.
"Everyone started out all right and halfway through the trek I've seen how a lot of the competitors had given up because the physical structure of the trail has become a complete switch-off for them both physically and mentally."
He said to be a part of the event needs a lot of preparation beforehand. And preparation he said would involve a lot of practise to test your physical and mental endurance.
John himself is not proffessional runner. He is just like every other ordinary village man living in remote areas of the country. He attributes his historic achievement to his Kerave village upbringing.
Rusty__s_Kokoda_Challenge_054.jpgHe again sincerely thanked Kokoda Trekking and especially Gail Thomas and Russell Eroro for making it possible through the Kokoda 24 hour challenge a chance to prove himself and achieve what he said he always dreamt of.
"It is such a successful event, everyone made an attempt to get to the finish line. I'm sorry some could not complete the race but there's always next year."
And the organizers of the event, Kokoda Trekking, is looking forward to make this an annual event.
And what was his thoughts on whether or not Papua New Guinea will still hold the record?
"I'm sure as long is this event is around the title will remain with the locals because they are the ones who endure such long and tortous hours, sometimes in rain, hot or humid weather, muddy walkways, steep, slippery and hazardous climbs, raging rivers, long dark nights. They are the ones to be able to stand the mosquitoes and the leeches of the jungle," Hunt said.
Ends//
JOHN HUNT – The man of the moment
Rusty__s_Kokoda_Challenge_020.jpgTHE WINNERS…….1st, 2nd and 3rd placing
John Hunt bagged a trophy, shield, a gold medal and K10,000 cash. The second man home, Osborne Bogijiwai (right) got himself a medal and fuzzy-wuzzy copper beating. And the third home – Tom Hango also got himself a medallion and a copper beating.
Rusty__s_Kokoda_Challenge_052.jpgFrom us at KTL:
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO COMPLETED & OTHERS WHO MADE AN ATTEMPT TO COMPETE IN THE RACE, EVERYONE's A WINNER!!!
What a great effort put in by everyone during the event. Thanks once again for making this event a successful one.
Once again a BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU:
To the Anzac Team: Sean O'Hara, Brian O'Hara, Robert Drysdale, Charles Chambers and Andrew Rowan. Congratulations..What a Great Effort! You guys did great!
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