How These Hikers Trained To Complete The Kokoda Track

12/17/2025

At Summit Strength, we’ve helped many hikers prepare for the Kokoda Track, building the fitness, strength, and mental resilience needed for a successful and enjoyable Kokoda hike.

Through structured online training programs, expert education, and personalised coaching for hikers, our clients consistently achieve outstanding results on this physically demanding and iconic trail.

Below, you’ll find a collection of real Kokoda Track success stories from hikers who trained with Summit Strength and went on to complete their Kokoda adventure with confidence, strength, and durability.

Training For Kokoda: Summit Strength Reviews

"It made such a difference to my ability to to finish the trek and not just finish but to come home with no injuries.

Thank you, Rowan, for being available, for getting me organised and having a programme that supported me in a way that let me be consistent with it and prepared me well.

It made such a difference. We did have someone, unfortunately, who didn't finish the trek on our trip, so you could see how important it was to be prepared"

- Marika

*Hear more of Marika's training for Kokoda experience here:

"I just wanted to say thank you to the amazing Summit Strength Team. 2 days ago I completed the Kokoda track for the second time...yeah, I know I'm crazy. But if it wasn't for the training and education I had received here, I would have found it even more difficult then what I did. I measured the distance on my watch, so while they say it's 96km, I did 127km. No wonder I'm exhausted.

It had rained solidly for a month before I trekked, so every step of the way was ankle deep mud. Nothing at all can prepare you for that. So yes, I felt stronger and my legs didn't fail me but unfortunately my energy was drained from the muddy steps of having to physically pull out every step along the way. But if I hadn't trained the way I did, I wouldn't have made it at all."

- Wendy

“A couple of years ago in Nepal, my knee pain was so bad I had to just about to be carried down the mountain. I was literally in agony every single step… but after following the program and advice from Rowan, not only did I conquer the Kokoda Trail - but I did it completely pain-free!

I got through all the elevation gains and loss fine was able to actually look around and take in the surroundings and got through every day quite comfortably. I would recommend the program to anyone who is preparing for Kokoda or any other trek."

- Ali

"I first hired Summit Strength to prepare to physically to be able to do the Kokoda Trail.

Initially, they assessed my current level (lack there of) fitness, then checked for physical limitations. I found the total experience excellent, the reward has been seeing a decrease in my weight & an increase in my fitness both in stamina & joint reduction/soreness. I would work with them again and recommend them to other trekkers."

- Robert

" I just want to express my huge gratitude to Rowan Smith and the Summit Strength team.

I’ve completed my 12 week individualised training program and am now continuing with my training to trek Kokoda.

My muscle strength has doubled and my strength and aerobic ability on the trail has improved more than I could have imagined. I’m stronger, fitter and far more confident. I’m certain that come April I’ll trek Kokoda with strength and confidence.

I look forward to the next months of working with you Rowan to get fitter, stronger and more confident.

Update: I have successfully completed the Kokoda Track. Massive challenge… but the training provided by Rowan meant that I made it… Just

- Sharon

How These Hikers Trained To Complete The Kokoda Track

At Summit Strength, we have many, many hikers train, prepare and conquer the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.

How do we do this?

We provide specialised and personalised workout plans (making sure you have the strength, fitness and resilience to stay comfortable and confident through day after day of relentless elevation change and tough terrain).

We educate you on the topics you need to survive and perform in this while hiking (such as nutrition and hydration tips, pain and injury prevention strategies, hot weather hiking advice, mental strength and mindset and much more)

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (though any challenges or roadblocks life throws at you).

If you are a hiker preparing to hike Kokoda and you want to give yourself the best chance of a safe, successful, and enjoyable adventure, we would love to chat with you.

To learn more about our Online Personal Training For Hikers, you can check it out here:

Online Personal Training For Hiking The Kokoda Track

Yours in trekking,

Rowan

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Summit Strength is a personal training for hiking service created specifically to help hikers have the best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure.