Traditionally trekking the coastlines of Australia, landlocked Canberra welcomes its first Coastrek in March, raising funds for heart health research and awareness of the health benefits of being in nature.
Founded by Canberra native and self-confessed ‘wild woman’ Di Westaway OAM, the iconic hiking event – Coastrek – is coming to her hometown this year for the first time.
In its 15-year history, the event has raised nearly $50 million for charity and encouraged over 70,000 trekkers to get moving in nature. Ms Westaway says she’s excited to bring Coastrek’s winning combination of fun, fitness, friends and fundraising inland to Canberra’s lakeside setting, and highlight the health and wellbeing benefits of walking in nature.
“Canberra gave me the best ever childhood with Sunday barbies and paddle boating on the Lake, climbing trees at Commonwealth Park, cartwheeling across the green grass of Regatta Point, lilo-ing on the Cotter River and bushwalking around Black Mountain – and as a result, I’ve been active all my life,” she says.
“So I’m really excited we’re showcasing the heart of Canberra, circumnavigating Lake Burley Griffin as it comes to life through the spectacular colours of autumn, and we invite all Canberrans to come and experience the magic of a Coastrek event.”
Coastrek Canberra will take place on Friday 15 March, inviting trekkers to take on a 20km or 30km hiking challenge supported by a 12-week training program.
The route explores the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Kingston Foreshore, Yarralumla Bay, Weston Park and Scrivener Dam, passing the capital’s famous landmarks along the way in the glow of Canberra’s brilliant autumn show.
Canberra ultra-adventurer and Coastrek Ambassador who is hiking the 30km distance, Cath Wallis, is passionate about smashing stereotypes and aims to inspire others who have never considered themselves athletes to also choose big adventures and experience the joy of taking part.
She says, “Hiking and trekking has changed my life. It’s taken me around the world, but it all started right here in Canberra when I decided to train and sign up for a long distance challenge and used Canberra’s scenic trails to build up my fitness. Coastrek provides everyone with an opportunity to get started on a lifetime of adventure.”
Ms Wallis will be joined by fellow Canberra-based Coastrek Ambassadors: Alone Australia competitor, environmentalist and avid hiker, Kate Grarock, and country music star, Sam McClymont.
While Coastrek’s mantra of being ‘a challenge, not a race’ has appealed to its largely female following, Ms Westaway says everyone is welcome to take part.
“We’ll always ensure that we hold an event that appeals to women, but Coastrek is open to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and be proactive about their health – that includes workplaces, government sectors and politicians!” she says.
Coastrek is in partnership with the Heart Foundation and funds raised by trekkers will support research to help end heart disease and close the gender gap in heart health research for women in Australia.
Clare Sullivan, General Manager Heart Foundation ACT, will be hiking Coastrek in Canberra with colleagues.
“Coastrek provides a unique and exciting opportunity for people in Canberra and surrounding regions to improve their own heart health through hiking while also raising money for vital heart disease research that will help many more people in Australia avoid the burden of heart disease,” Ms Sullivan says.
Coastrek’s 2023 event series raised $4.1 million for the Heart Foundation and saw over 8,000 trekkers hiking for healthy hearts in events across Australia.
Registrations close 4 February; visit www.coastrek.com.au to register a team and get training.
