A four-time Olympic gold medallist will join a determined group on a Sunshine Coast hike, for a good cause.
Libby Trickett and about 2000 women will take part in Coastrek, an annual walk for mental health, on Friday, July 15.
They will walk either 60km or 30km, in teams of four, along spectacular coastline from Currimundi to Noosa.
All trekkers are well prepared, with a 6 to 12-week training program that ensures they get the most out of the life-changing experience that raises funds for Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service.
Coastrek Founder and CEO, Di Westaway, said the event helped many women adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“Our Sunshine Coast event is such a spectacular route and we always have a fantastic turn-out from trekkers looking to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of walking in nature,” she said.
“Our goal is to get more women to fall in love with fitness and continue trekking and enjoying the outdoors long after event day.”
There will be kilometres of walking on a beach-hugging trail and leg-toning sand.
Highlights will include a scenic walk around Maroochy River and the canal estate of Twin Waters, coastal trails through Coolum and Peregian Beach, and a shuttle boat ride across the Mooloolah River, with a finish in the Noosa Woods bushland setting.
Libby is looking forward to her fifth Coastrek as Ambassador.
“When I was racing, I was a sprinter, but Coastrek has taught me about endurance and how strong my mindset can be,” she said.
“I think that’s what keeps bringing me back to this event.
“On event day, it teaches you so much about yourself and your friends and it’s an awesome opportunity to get out, see amazing locations and get exercising and chatting and support each other.”
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Community Ambassador, Peta O’Brien will return for her second Coastrek and tackle the 60km distance.
After experiencing the loss of her sister in a tragic accident in 2020, she found training and participating in Coastrek helped recover from the sudden loss of a family member.
“Training for Coastrek was a huge help in managing my grief as it gave me a focus and a goal to work towards while supporting a cause I was passionate about,” she said.
“I leaned on Beyond Blue for support when I really needed it so I know the benefits that the 24/7 support service provides.”
The event aims to raise $1 million for the support service, part of an overall fundraising goal of $6 million for the year across Coastrek’s five events in Australia, including a new event in Margaret River in October.
All Coastrek routes are planned in coordination with local councils and national parks to ensure all trekkers tread lightly on treasured land.
Coastrek was first run in 2009, by long-running women’s health movement Wild Women on Top.
The event has attracted more than 40,000 trekkers and raised almost $40 million, through a partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation and then Beyond Blue.
Registration closes on June 3, visit Coastrek for team registration and further information.
