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The Kokoda super 24 hour challenge could become the next thrill challenge of the millennium; perhaps may even be the next tourism icon for the Papua New Guinea?
The event, which started off as an initiative of the Kokoda Trekking Limited, has gauged a fair bit of interest from those around including people living at the Kokoda station.
Our KTL boys taken shortly before they took off:
IMG_1264.jpgToday, (August 27) the Kokoda Challenge officially kicked off at the expected time of 12.00 pm with more than 20 competitors which include 21 locals and and 5 confirmed participants from overseas.
The five participants flew into Kokoda this morning along with the media personnel, KTA representative, Warren Bartlett, Colin Taimbari of Tourism Promotion Authority, Gail Thomas, trek organizer for the Kokoda Trekking and who is also the main organiser of the Kokoda track Challenge.
Five Paritcipants from overseas, Andrew Rowan, Charles Chambers, Robert Drysdale, Brian and Sean O'Hara
IMG_1262.jpgThe group?s arrival was accompanied by a colourful traditional singsing and dance performed by the Orokaivas. The Saturday morning unfolded with a number of activities including speeches from the Council president, town mayor, Tourism Promotion Authority representative.
The traditional Orokaiva singsing group welcoming the participants…
IMG_1232.jpgThe day was also marked by a number of announcements which involves introduction new runners and acknowledgement of past record holders in the likes of Osborne Bogijiwai.who ran the whole length of the Kokoda Trail from Kokoda To Ower?s Corner in a recorded time of 28 hours.
All participants were expected to fill in the indemnity form before race, list down their official numbers plus get a tag fastened to their legs or wrists.
IMG_1246.jpgThe race then kicks off at the promised time of 12.00pm soon after the signing was completed and everyone had their numbers written down. The runners proceeded towards the starting line and took off as soon as they heard the sound of the gun.
The crowd of onlookers cheered and sent out their well wishes just as everyone was running.
IMG_1268.jpgThe event was witness by the several onlookers from the station including other tour operators along the renowned Kokoda Trail.
Tomorrow will be witnessed by the second and also the final part of the race ? the finish at Ower;?s Corner. Everyone is looking forward to the end of the race with different expectations.
We will update you on the latest.
Ends//
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