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The Kokoda Challenge race for 2008 got underway at Owers' Corner today at 7am. Competitors are made up as follows:
1. Brendan Buka – originally from Goroka who now calls Kokoda home – sponsored by KTL – trek champion in both directions – can he do it again? Time 17:49 set in August 2006
2. Wayne Urina – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL – 2nd fastest man on the track – Time 18:51
3. Tom Hango – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL – 4th fastest man on the track – Time 19:09
4. Horace Yauga – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL – 5th fastest man on the track – Time 20:39
5. Jennen Barai – Kokoda – KTL Sponsored
6. Lancelot Geroia – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL – Time 22:21
7. Luana Nagas – Kokoa – KTL sponsored – Time 20:27
8. Cyprian Aire – Kokoda – sponsored by Rohan George – Time 20:32
9. Cliff Taimbari – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL – Time 20:36
10. Slimmy Sairo – Sairope – sponsored by KTL – Time 21:44
11. Siron Overari – Sairope – sponsored by KTL – Time 22:16
12. Andrew Yauga – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL – Time 25:10
13. Cancellation – not competing
14. Lawrance Umbu – Kokoda – KTL sponsored – Time 29:13
15. Lulu Pehara – Kumusi – sponsored by KTL – 1st woman home – Time 30:29 – 9th overall
16. Cyprian Haera – Kokoda – KTL sponsored
17. Mathias Geroia – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
18. Chris Orimba – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
19. Emmanuel Awai Konehe – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
20. Andrew Mukawa – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
21. Christopher Lahai – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
22. Charles Mambia – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
23. Bill Harike – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
24. Oswald Isoro – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
25. Hohone Kovowa – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
26. Wilson Sevesi – Kokoda – sponsored by KTL
27. Guyford Suma – Kokoda – KTL sponsored
28. Jessie Aire – Kokoda – KTL sponsored
29. Ben Arvo – Kokoda – KTL sponsored
30. Marshel Havu – KTL sponsored
31. John Korove – Kokoda – KTL sponsored
32. Sam Koga Dama – Kokoda – KTL sponsored
33. Grant Jephcott – Australian – living in Goroka – self sponsored
34. Nick Watson – Australian living in Goroka – self sponsored
35. James Gurimi – Goroka living in Port Moresby – PNG marathon runner
36. Swans Pinampio – PNG marathon runner – sponsored by Theodist
37. Geoff Honey – Australian
38. Larry Lawson – Australian
39. Michael Le Roux – Australian – Time 23:37
40. Don Wallace – Australian – (Team winner Nike Hammer KOKODA CHALLENGE Gold Coast July'08)
41. Peter Hall – Australian – (Team winner Nike Hammer KOKODA CHALLENGE Gold Coast July'08)
42. Simon Pehara – Kokoda – sponsor Nicolas Scharm
43. Gerry Gipine – Kokoda – PNG Trekking sponsored
44. John Periawa – Kokoda – PNG Trekking sponsored
45. Thimeas Kagena – Self sponsored
46. Nesta Gipine – PNG Trekking sponsor
47. Gibson Kemori – Kagi – sponsored by No Roads Expeditions
48. Javith Lola – sponsored by No Roads Expeditions
49. Liesi Sega – sponsored by Kokoda Spirit
50. Jeffrey Boropi – Kokoda – sponsored by Kevin Mann
51. Augustine Waine – Goroka – sponsored by OXFAM
52. Ellen Joe – Gorokoa – sponsored by OXFAM
53. Joey Duhube – sponsored by Kokoda Spirit
54. Danny Melai – sponsored by (GMS) Niugini Adventure Tours)
55. Monty Gewa – sponsored by (GMS) Niugini Adventure Tours)
56. Kelly Amos – sponsored by Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions
57. Justin – Eora Block – KTL sponsoredPhotographs:
Aussie competitors Don Wallace and Peter Hall as seen here at Bomana War Cemetery today 29th August. Tomorrow they will have to be ready for a 4am pick up from the Gateway Hotel for the drive up to Owers' Corner along with the two No Road Expedition guys. All other competitors are already at Owers' Corner where they enjoyed a meal and a sleep over before the big race!
IMGP5503__Small_.JPGIn this years race we have three PNG women running against each other. They are:
Lulu Pehara – Kumusi; Nesta Gipine and Ellen Joe
Lulu was in last years race so knows what it takes to complete the 96km in record time. Lulu comes from the Kokoda area along with Nesta Gipine. The surprise comes from Goroka by the name of Ellen who has been sponsored by OxFam.
Last weekend a group of male competitors held a local race to see who they would sponsor in our race expecting a 'male' to win. However, Ellen showed them all and came home in first place earning her a place in our Kokoda Challenge race for 2008.
In our race in 2007, Lulu arrived in Kokoda in 9th position overall….does she have what it takes to beat Nester and Ellen….we will just have to wait and see. For the first female to reach Kokoda they will win K1000.00.
Editors Note: Ellen did not sleep well last night so has pulled out of the race. So now two women challenging each other to the finish line at Kokoda! GO GIRLS !!!
1st update: The race got away right on time at 7am from Owers' Corner. A total of 51 headed out for this years Kokoda Challenge 2008 race including competitors from various different trekking companies.
IMGP5520__Small_.JPG
IMGP5522__Small_.JPGNaoro Village Update: The first person to arrive in Naoro was Brendan Buka the trek champion who is ahead of his time in 2006. Brendan arrived in Naoro at ten to eleven which is the fastest time ever. If he keeps this up he is out to break his own record!
- Brendan Buka – Time – 10:50
- Michael Le Roux – Time 11:04
- Don Wallace – Time 11:07
- Javith Lola – Time 11:15
- Jennen Barai – Time 11:17
- Wayne Urina – Time 11:19
- Andrew Yauga – Time 11:24
- Charles Mambia – Time 11:25
- Jessie Aire – Time 11:26
- Cyprian Aire – Time 11:27
- Justin Koneha – Time 11:35
- Luana Nagas – Time 11:36
- Cliff Taimbari – Time 11:36
- Lancelot Geroia – Time 11:40
- John Korove – Time 11:40
- Kelly Amos – Time 11:44
- Bill Harike – Time 11:45
- Monty Gewa – Time 11:45
- Emmanuel Awai Konehe – Time 11:51
- Lawrance Umbu – Time 11:52
- Horace Yauga – Time 11:55
- James Gurimi – Time 12:00
- Augustine Waine – Time 12:00
- Joey Duhube – Time 12:01
- Gibson Kemori – Time 12:03
- Tom Hango – Time 12:08
- Nesta Gipine – Time 12:11
- Lulu Pehara – Time 12:13
- Wilson Sevesi – Time 12:30
- Swans Pinampio – Time 12:35
- Jeffrey Boropi – Time 12:38
- Oswald Isoro – Time 12:45
- Slimmy Sairo – Time 12:51
- Mathias Geroia – Time 12:54
- Andrew Mukawa – Time 12:56
- John Periawa – Time 12:56
- Geoff Honey – Time 2:45
Editors Note: At this point the following people have withdrawn:
16. Cyprian Haera – pulled out at Ioribaiwa Village
21. Christopher Lahai – pulled out at Ioribaiwa Village
33. Grant Jephcott – pulled out at Ioribaiwa Village
45. Thimeas Kagena – pulled out at Owers' Corner
52. Ellen Joe – pulled out at Owers' Corner
41. Peter Hall – pulled out at Ioribaiwa Village
42. Simon Pehara – pulled out at Ioribaiwa Village3. Tom Hango – twisted his ankle moving slowly towards Menari Village
Update Menari Village Checkpoint:
- Brendan Buka – Time 12:30
- Michael Le Roux – Time 12:51
- Don Wallace – Time 12:51
- Wayne Urina – Time 1:06
- Jessie Aire – Time 1:11
- Cyprian Aire – Time 1:28
- Andrew Yauga – Time 1:28
- John Korove – Time 1:33
- Kelly Amos – Time 1:48
- Lancelot Geroia – Time 1:46
- Javith Lola – Time 1:47
- Liesi Sega – Time 1:47
- Emmanuel Awai Konehe – Time 1:55
- Bill Harike – Time 1:56
- Horace Yauga – Time 2:02
- Monty Gewa – Time 2:02
- James Gurimi – Time 2:12
- Nesta Gipine – Time 2:15
- Gerry Gipine – Time 2:16
- Joey Duhube – Time 2:18
- Lulu Pehara – Time 2:22
- Lawrance Umbu – Time 2:25
- Charles Mambia – Time 2:26
- Hohone Kovowa – Time 2:31
- Cliff Taimbari – Time 2:35
- Wilson Sevesi – Time 2:43
- Augustine Waine – Time 2:47
- Chris Orimba – Time 3:07
- Nick Watson – Time 3:12
- Larry Lawson – Time 3:19
- Mathias Geroia – Time 3:08
- Andrew Mukawa – Time 3:09
- Oswald Isoro – Time 3:10
- Slimmy Sairo – Time 3:37
Update Efogi Check Point: Brendan Buka is still way out in front having arrived at Efogi in a time of 2:10
- Brendan Buka – Time 2:10
- Don Wallace – Time 2:42
- Wayne Urina – Time 2:55
- Michael Le Roux – Time 3:01
- Jessie Aire – Time 3:06
- Horace Yauga – Time 3:40
Update 6:30pm: Sorry we lost radio contact and have not been able to update as we would have liked. However, just received a sat phone call from Soc Kienzle and BRENDAN BUKA has passed through TEMPLETON'S at 6:06.
Soc asked him if he wanted a cuppa and he said no he was not stopping!!!!!
Brendan it seems is out to break his own RECORD….GO BRENDAN GO!!!!
According to Soc Kienzle he says the track around that area right up to Alola is really bad and he doubts the aussies will be able to keep the pace and we both suspect locals will start to pass them unless they too are mountain goats in this kind of wet slippery terrain!
Soc has promised to phone me as the next runners arrive at Templeton's providing the signal remains good. Soc also mentioned that its freezing at Templeton's so the track has not only thrown the mud at them but also the cold!
In the meantime BRENDAN IS HEADING FOR H O M E and KOKODA is waiting for their champion as I just spoke to Ori Kenia at the Kokoda Memorial Hospital where they are waiting for the runners all through the night and he said Kokoda Station is starting to fill up. Families are starting to arrive with pillows and bedding for a long night.
Photograph below – Brendan Buka after his 17 hours 49 minutes record set in August 2006. Brendan also holds the record in the opposite direction Kokoda to Owers' Corner in a time of 17 hours 20 minutes.
Winner_2006_Brendan_Buka.jpgWho is Brendan Buka? Brendan Buka was born in Goroka in the Eastern Highlands of PNG. His brother was adopted out to a family from Kokoda and later in life Brendan went to visit him in Kokoda and did not return to Goroka. He now calls Kokoda home!
Brendan works for Kokoda Trekking Ltd (KTL) as a personal porter and two years in a row has set records in both directions.
In 2006 he went the same direction as now from Owers' Corner to Kokoda and set a new record of 17 hours 49 minutes.
In 2007 he chased John Hunt Hiviki's record of 22 hours + and smashed it reducing the record to 17 hours 20 minutes.
Only time will tell what he will do this year if he can only keep up this PACE !!!
Just imagine for one moment leaving Owers' Corner at 7am and being at Templeton's Crossing at 6pm that night!!!
We are all proud of Brendan and right now are very anxious he does not hurt himself as he pushes on towards KOKODA and a HUGE welcome……why…..coz all going well a PNG boy will win this year's Kokoda Challenge Race for 2008……
where are the aussies who were not too far behind at Efogi, Don Wallace and Michael Le Roux? Soc promises not to sleep until he provides updates. Its now 7pm and no more phone calls so Brendan is at least an hour ahead of the rest of the field.
D7_Brendan_Headshot__Small_.JPGUpdate 7:14pm: Brendan Buka has now reached Eora Creek and is presently sipping a cup of tea. We have just spoken to Brendan by sat phone and he is aiming for 14 hours!!! unbelievable……is this possible…..we will just have to wait and see.
Brendan_Buka.jpgUpdate 9pm: No 2 Wayne Urina reached Eora Creek at 8:57pm with another runner hot on his heels. We could hear the loud yells of ORO ORO ORO as we tried to hear more.
Another phone call just now and its two brothers Cyprian and Jessie Aire. They have reached Eora Creek at 9:02. They are sons of our driver based in Kokoda, Richard Aire. No doubt he will be very proud if his two sons come home in 3rd and 4th position. Cyprian is the older brother and Jessie is the younger of the two.
Photographs:
Pic 1: Wayne Urina as he arrived in Efogi in 2006. In 2006 Wayne finished in second position.
Pic 2: Touching moment in 2007 when Richard welcomed to Owers' Corner his son Cyprian
Wayne_arrives_in_Efogi.jpg
DSCF0142__Small_.JPGUpdate 10:00 pm: The two aussies have just arrived at Eora Creek.
Don Wallace clocked in at 9:50 and Michael Le Roux at 9:57
Don has departed and Michael is still there enjoying a cuppa as I type this.
They are in 5th & 6th position at this point in time.
Update 10:23pm: Andrew Yauga and Kelly Amos have just arrived at Eora Creek at 10:15pm
Photograph:
Andrew Yauga one of KTL's most popular guides singing on one of our treks.
KTL_Boys___camp_singalong.jpgUpdate 10:40pm: Jenen Barai has just reached Eora Creek at 10:28
Check Point Eora Creek times are as follows:
- Brendan Buka – Time 7:14pm
- Wayne Urina – Time 8:57pm
- Cyprian Aire – Time 9:02
- Jessie Aire – Time 9:02
- Don Wallace – Time 9:50pm
- Michael Le Roux – Time 9:57pm
- Andrew Yauga – Time 10:15pm
- Kelly (Samson) Amos – Time 10:15pm
- Jennen Barai – Time 10:28pm
- John Korove – Time 10:56pm
- Horace Yauga – Time 10:58pm
- Siron Overari – Time 11:28
- Joey Duhube – Time 11:30pm
- Liesi Sega – Time 11:32pm
- Luana Nagas – Time 11:44pm
- Gerry Gipine – Time 11:44pm
- Nesta Gipine – Time 11:44pm
- Lulu Pehara – Time 12:00
- Cliff Taimbari – Time 12:25am
- Emmanuel Awai Konehe – Time 12:25am
- Wilson Sevesi – Time 12:24am
- Ben Arvo – Time 12:47am
Announcing the top placings of the Kokoda Trekking – KOKODA CHALLENGE RACE 2008 – our TREK CHAMPION again this year is BRENDAN BUKA –
- 1st – BRENDAN BUKA (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time 16:34:05
- 2nd – WAYNE URINA (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time 18:34:06
- 3rd – CYPRIAN AIRE (Sponsored by Rohan George) – Time 19:11:40
- 4th – JESSIE AIRE (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time of 19:14:15
- 5th – KELLY AMOS (SAMSON) (Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions- CARDNO – ACIL) – Time 20:21:38
- 6th – MICHAEL LE ROUX (South African now an Australian) – Time 20:26:03
- 7th – HORACE YAUGA (Kokoda Trekking KTL) Time 20:35:27
- 8th – ANDREW YAUGA (Kokoda Trekking KTL) Time 20:38:35
- 9th – JOEY DUHUBE (Kokoda Spirit) Time 21:44:12
- 10th – DON WALLACE (Australia) Time 21:45:35
- 11th – JENNEN BARAI (Kokoda Trekking KTL) Time 21:45:35
- 12th – LIESI SEGA (Kokoda Spirit) Time 21:56:10
- 13th – SIRON OVERARI (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time 22:04:10
- 14th – NESTA GIPINE (PNG Trekking) – 1st FEMALE home – Time of 22:08:38
- 15th – LULU PEHARA (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – 2nd FEMALE home – Time 22:32:11
- 16th – GERRY GIPINE (PNG Trekking) Time 22:35:36
- 17th – CLIFF TAIMBARI (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time 23:09:31
- 18th – WILSON SEVESI (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time 23:09:35
- 19th – LUANA NAGAS (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time 23:09:35
- 20th – EMMANUEL AWAI KONEHE (Kokoda Trekking KTL) – Time 23:14:10
Big congratulations to Brendan. Well done, you are a real hero.
Must of been those extra aussie boys we sent over that made you run faster.
Pull those socks up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gary (Kokoda Kids Leader 2007)Editors Note: To continue reading this posting, please click on (page 2) below left hand side of this page.
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