Coastrek – Australia’s premier charity hiking challenge – is going coast to coast in 2022, with a brand new event in Margaret River, WA on 28 October. The inaugural event is the fifth in a series of treks around Australia this year, including Sydney’s eastern beaches, the Mornington Peninsula, the Sunshine Coast, and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Around 1,200 trekkers are expected to take on the 35km hike from Hamlin Bay to Prevelly, incorporating part of the iconic Cape to Cape track, with a goal of raising $500,000 for the Beyond Blue 24/7 support service.
“Coastrek is continually evolving and growing so it’s with great excitement that we announce our Margaret River Coastrek event – one of our most challenging and wildest treks yet!” said Di Westaway, Coastrek Founder & CEO.
Margaret River based ultra-runner Katie Lovis will be on the trail as Coastrek Ambassador having recently completed the entire Cape to Cape Trail in Western Australia in a single day, breaking the Female Record for the 129km in 17 hours 23 minutes. While Coastrekkers won’t be setting the same blistering pace, Katie says the walk will still provide some challenges along the way:
“There will be some rock scrambling and some challenging terrain but for the most part this will be a memorable trek for all participants because of the unique environment and spectacular coastal views that we are blessed with in Margaret River.”
Coastrek Margaret River will take place on Friday, 28 October and offers a stunning route that takes in a section of the famous Cape to Cape Track and encompasses all the highlights of the region – waves, whales and wildflowers.
This unique event starts by the bright white sand and turquoise waters of Hamelin Bay, taking trekkers on a remote, rugged and rocky 35 kilometre trail that includes a journey through the iconic Boranup Karri Forest where the towering 60 metre high karri trees shade a forest floor of wildflowers, orchids and funghi.
Other highlights include two river crossings at Redgate Beach and Boodijup Creek – a refreshing boost for the feet and a picturesque coastal feast for the eyes; and Gnarapub Beach where limestone cliffs offer spectacular views over the beach to Surfers Point and the Rivermouth in the distance before the approach to the finish line in Prevelly.
Whale watching season is also in full swing with vantage points throughout the route for possible sightings of Humpbacks heading north with their young.
To register a team of four visit www.coastrek.com.au/events-margaret-river-wa. Registrations close 16 September 2022.
Coastrek Margaret River will mark the culmination of Coastrek’s 2022 national series, taking place during Mental Health Awareness Month highlighting the importance of walking for mental health. The Margaret River event is final event of five in the 2022 series and will contribute to an overall fundraising goal of $7million for the year.
Coastrek is a fantastic fitness goal that includes a dedicated 6-12week training program ensuring all trekkers are well prepared and get the most out of this life-changing experience. The event attracts mostly women with an increasing number of men taking part each year who trek in teams of four with friends, family and work colleagues in support of mental health awareness.
All Coastrek routes are meticulously planned in coordination with local councils and national parks to ensure all trekkers tread lightly on our treasured land.
About Wild Women on Top and Coastrek
Established in 2004, Wild Women on Top is one of Australia’s largest and longest running women’s health movements. Their mission is to connect, coach and champion women in the outdoors through community hiking adventures and their flagship Coastrek program of events around Australia.
Since the first event in 2009, Coastrek has transformed millions of lives globally with over 40,000 trekkers in its 13-year history raising nearly $40 million, firstly through an 11-year partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation and since 2020 with Beyond Blue. To date, nearly 2 million kilometres have been trekked by women and men who have trained and completed a Coastrek challenge – that’s 40 times around the world!
In 2020, Founder & CEO Di Westaway was awarded an OAM for services to women’s health, fitness and charity services. She is an authority on lifestyle health and wellness and trek training and has authored two books: ‘Natural Exhilaration’ and ‘How to Prepare for World Class Treks’. She also holds the world record for the highest handstand at 6,982m above sea level on Mt Ama Dablam, Nepal.
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