More than 2,800 trekkers will showcase the mental health benefits of walking in nature when Sydney Coastrek strides out for the annual walk for mental health on Friday, 25 March 2022 in support of Beyond Blue.
Research shows that spending as little as 10 to 20 minutes walking in nature has significant benefits for people’s mental wellbeing and can reduce stress, anger and anxiety. [1]
Participants of Sydney Coastrek – 90% of which are women – will more than meet this quota with a choice of tackling full day 30km, 45km or 60km routes along the stunning coastline of Sydney’s Eastern Beaches from La Perouse through Maroubra, Bondi, Vaucluse, Barangaroo and over the Harbour Bridge into the finish line at Kirribilli. Respected women in the media will be walking as Coastrek Ambassadors including Jennifer Byrne, Angela Mollard and Jacinta Tynan.
Sydney Coastrek teams are aiming to raise $1.65 million for the Beyond Blue Support Service, which offers 24/7 support, advice and care options for all Australians. Coastrek is the largest community fundraising partner of Beyond Blue and Sydney is the first in a series of five Coastrek events around Australia throughout 2022, which last year saw a total of $6.4 million raised.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman thanked Coastrekkers for demonstrating the mental health benefits of walking in nature.
“We know that getting moving outdoors regularly does great things for our physical and mental wellbeing and Coastrek really highlights this connection,” Ms Harman said.
“Thanks to the efforts of trekkers, the Beyond Blue Support Service can be there for thousands of people when they need it most and I thank the trekkers and everyone who has donated for their continued support.”
Participants trek in teams of four and are provided with a 12 week training program to establish daily exercise routines in preparation for the big event, helping them build and maintain their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Coastrek Founder & CEO Di Westaway OAM said: “Coastrek was created to encourage more women to fall in love with fitness and enjoy the benefits of shared outdoor challenges on physical and mental health. Training, fundraising and trekking all combine a to ensure a positive community impact well beyond Coastrek event day.”
To support an individual or team, visit coastrek.com.au/trekkers or check out other Coastrek events around Australia throughout 2022 including the inaugural Margaret River event in October, visit coastrek.com.au/events
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
- Images of Coastrek Ambassadors, Jennifer Byrne, Angela Mollard and Jacinta Tynan together with event images of participants in action available here
- Photo opportunities available on the day of the event from 7.30am at the 30km event start line at Christison Park, Old South Head Road, Vaucluse
Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au/get-support
For more information:
Yvette Peverell – Coastrek
M: 0403 834 11
[1] Chomley F, Nature for Health and Wellbeing: A Review of the Evidence (2021), Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, p. 29.
