BDC Shines at the Kokoda Challenge
By Christabel Martin
11 Teams, $15,000+ Raised, and a New Course Record!
On 18 July, 11 Bishop Druitt College teams took on the rugged hills of the Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge. Eight teams tackled the 30km event, while three pushed through the demanding 48km course.
Highlights at a Glance
- 100% Completion Rate: Every single student and team leader finished the course.
- 30km Champions & Record Holders: Team BDC 2 (Harrison Jordan, Archer Jordan, Kalani Brown, Jago Hart and Acland Hart) won the John Metson Kokoda School Cup, setting a new course record of 4 hours 25 minutes.
- Ultimate Recovery: The squad stayed at the Runaway Bay High Performance Centre and treated their legs to a morning-after recovery session featuring ice baths and a swim.
- Community Impact: BDC raised over $15,000 for disadvantaged youth through the Kokoda Youth Foundation.
- Parent Power: A massive thank you to our first-ever parent team leaders, Acland Hart and Hywel James, for their incredible leadership. It was fantastic to see so many parents cheering on the teams throughout the event.
Driven by Kaizen, History and Smart Fueling
Training on Wedds Road during sport time and tackling weekend hikes instilled deep perseverance in all our older students. Meanwhile, our Year 6–8 students made the most of their Kaizen classes to lay the foundation for race day.
They didn't just train physically—they studied the history and true spirit of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign, learning what it takes to push past mental barriers. On top of that, students learned the science of race nutrition, discovering how to fuel their bodies with the right snacks, hydration and electrolytes needed to power through hours on the trail.
Applying this Kaizen mindset, every team pushed through the physical challenge, crossing the finish line together in the twilight with head torches burning bright.
"I learnt that I can achieve a lot more than I thought I would be able to when I put my mind to it."
— Year 9 Student
Voices from the BDC Community
The gruelling terrain tested everyone's limits, but the mental endurance developed during months of preparation carried our hikers through the toughest moments. The impact of the event resonated deeply with students, parents and teachers alike.
"That pain doesn't last forever. Just keep going, because you're so capable of doing so much more."
— Molly Crichton
"Never give up, keep going, because the end result is the best feeling you will ever feel!"
— BDC Student
"My children have all loved this event. This was an incredible event to be a part of, and they will remember it for their whole schooling career."
— BDC Parent
"This is such an awesome and inspiring event!"
— BDC Teacher
Thank You to Our Leaders and Crew
This event would not have been possible without our dedicated team leaders: Mr Bartlett, Ms Ecford, Mr Close, Rev. Lisa, Mr Galvin, Ms Horspool, Ms Winton, Mrs Popov, Mrs Martin, Acland Hart and Hywel James.
A special shout-out to Nat Titcume for providing invaluable support to our 48km teams throughout the event.
With students already planning their teams for next year, the Kokoda spirit is stronger than ever at Bishop Druitt College.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.