Looking for adventure, a different challenge or a new fitness goal? 
 

Then join other Canberrans and sign up to trek the Kokoda Track in PNG on 25 September - 7 October 2010 (or take up one of the two remaining spots on the July 22 - 31 Trek at a discounted price) and in doing so, know that you will be helping villagers in the mountains of Papua New Guinea with employment and access to school teachers and medical supplies.    
 

This trip is being offered specifically for exceedfitness athletes, gym members and friends.  Participants will have plenty of opportunity to meet before departure and train together if they wish. The trip will be delivered by Naoro Kokoda Treks Pty Ltd, a company established by local PNG men who live along the Track with voluntary assistance from Australians Lindy & Peter Dunn of Farrer.  They have worked with the men (who have years of experience guiding and portering for other companies), who now wish to be independent and see profits go directly to their villages. Neither of the two Naoro villages have a school teacher, although they have built beautiful bush school houses there is no money from government to pay for a teacher. Likewise, medical services are rudimentary and supplies extremely limited. Many of the village people, especially the children, continue to contract malaria and often supplies of medications are non existent. By trekking you can help these people and they look forward to welcoming you to their land. 

Two treks are offered, the first, a 10 day full Kokoda Track trek, starting at Owers' Corner and finishing in the town of Kokoda before flying back to Port Moresby.  The second would travel along the same route for the first 3 days, before leaving the track to trek through the Naoro villages and return on a slightly easier path to the start. Both trips allow an opportunity to experience the war time track and learn the history of the area as well as gain an understanding of the culture of PNG. The second allows more time for village stays and less trekking.  Cost ex Port Moresby is $3,300 (2nd option $3000 as there is no need for an internal flight). More details can be found on the company, the trek and the villages on the website www.naorokokodatreks.com.au or by emailing Lindy at lindy@NKTreks.com.au .  

So take your fitness to a new level - or start training now to ensure you build up to be ready to depart in September.  Training programs will be available for all trekkers. If you are already training with exceedfitness, then Mark Moerman will amend your program to suit the conditions you will encounter on the track. If new to exercise, you will be offered a program when booking for the trip and can either do it by yourself or speak to Mark about a specialised program.  Additionally, hikes will be organised for those who may wish to train together. Remember that cross training including cycling and swimming is invaluable!  

 Take the challenge - get ready to trek Kokoda and be part of the community development project!