About the Challenge
What is the Kosi Challenge?
The Kosi Challenge is Rare Cancers Australia’s (RCA) major fundraising event, held in March each year since 2013.
It sees people unite from across Australia, including patients and families, to climb to our country's highest point, the summit of Mount Kosciuszko to raise much needed funds and awareness for people in Australia affected by rare and less common cancers.
No one in Australia should have to go through their cancer journey alone. That is why we walk side by side with those impacted.
How to get involved
There are two ways to participate in the Kosi Challenge:
In-person: Join us on Friday 13 or Saturday 14 March 2026 to climb the iconic Mount Kosciuszko.
Virtually: Walk or run 21km on those same dates (all at once or spread over the two days) to join in with the Kosi Challenge from wherever you are.
All participants can unlock special RARE-branded gear as they hit fundraising milestones. The more you raise, the more rewards you earn!
All funds raised from the Kosi Challenge will go towards the limitless support our Patient Support Team offers. From helping patients to access specialists and treatments, through to delivering support groups, connecting people with services and providing financial assistance particularly in times of crisis, our Patient Support team is at the heart of what we do.
About Us
About Rare Cancers Australia (RCA)
RCA works to improve the lives and health outcomes of people affected by rare and less common cancers in Australia. We redefine cancer support so no one is left behind. No one feels alone. Everyone is given the best possible chance to survive cancer.
Patient support
The patient guides all that we do. We believe that no person should have to go through their cancer journey alone. We do this by:
- equipping people living with rare and less common cancers to effectively navigate their healthcare journeys
- helping people raise funds to pay for access to the treatments they need and provide support to access clinical trials
- developing programs that directly meet the unmet needs of people diagnosed with rare and less common cancers and support them to access treatment and care
- connecting people living with rare and less common cancers to tackle isolation, mobilise communities and improve experience.
Advocacy
We believe in equity in experience and outcomes for every person diagnosed with cancer in Australia. That they are deserving of timely, affordable, and equitable access to the best care, treatments, and technologies available.
We equip our patients with courage, knowledge and motivation to advocate for themselves and demand to be heard. We stand side by side with them, to amplify the voices of the rare community and call out inequity in healthcare.
Why people with rare cancer need our support
Rare cancers are typically diagnosed late, limiting treatment options.
Patients need to navigate our complex health system quickly for the best chance of extending their lives.
High costs
- Fewer subsidised medicines
- Huge out of pocket costs
- Fundraise to afford treatment
Less treatment options
- Typically diagnosed late
- Delayed access to medications
- Limited treatments in Australia
Limited information
- Little investment
- Less research
- Limited expert knowledge
