Join Coastrek for a day of fitness, friendship and fundraising
For Sally Whitehead, Coastrek is more than a physical challenge – it’s the perfect excuse to catch up with her friends and have a good old chat.
The Manly Vale local completed the 50 kilometre course 11 years ago, and is returning once again for Coastrek Sydney on 3 May, this time walking the 30 kilometre coastline course with team-mates and Northern Beaches locals Sally Gibson, Nicky Brennan and Wendy Hawke.
She relishes the opportunity to catch up with these friends on their regular training walks in preparation for the trek. “You can nut out a lot on a 15 kilometre walk,” Sally says of the chat. “We never run out of things to say.”
“It’s good exercise, it’s nice to be outside and doing something for a good cause, but it’s really about being with friends.”
Coastrek is a hiking challenge for women created by Wild Women on Top. Sydney participants in teams of four can choose a 50-kilometre trek, starting at Palm Beach and ending at Balgowlah Heights, taking in the sights of Barrenjoey Headland, Newport, Long Reef and Manly on the way.
There’s also a 35 kilometre or 30 kilometre full-day hiking challenge, and a 20 kilometre twilight trek starting in the early afternoon and finishing at sunset.
Participating teams pledge to raise $2,000, money which will go to the Heart Foundation to assist in valuable research focusing on specific risk factors for heart disease in women.
Sally encourages people to donate to the cause. “Times are a bit tough at the moment, but even if people can give a little bit, that’s the main thing,” she says, adding that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.
Since the first event in 2009, Coastrek has raised more than $49 million, firstly through a nine-year partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation, then a five-year partnership with Beyond Blue. Organisers hope to reach the cumulative $50 million fundraising target this year.
Participants are fully supported with a 12-week training program. Sally was grateful to have completed the training prior to her last Coastrek. “Even though you can be physically very fit, walking is different to the other activites you do,” she explains. “Especially on the soft sand.”
She and her ‘hippy chick’ team mates will sure their footwear and bags are well worn so they are comfortable on the day. Sally also advises being prepared for all types of weather as well.
On the day, family and friends can meet participants at various check points to provide extra food, water and support.
“I highly encourage anyone to do it,” Sally says. “It’s just a fun event and it’s very well organised. They’ve been doing it for many years so there’s plenty of people along the way telling you which way to go and lots of support.”
Registrations for the event close on 24 March to enable participants to complete the 12-week training program. For more information, visit Coastrek’s website here.
