W I L D WO M E N O N T O P
BEACHES ON SHOW FOR
Coastrek
Magical. That’s the word that continually pops up when Freshwater local, Ann Jenkins, talks about Australia’s most iconic hiking challenge, Coastrek, which is returning to the Northern Beaches in May 2024. And with 20 events under her well-worn walking boots, no one knows more about the joy Coastrek delivers.
Striding out on Friday, 3 May 2024 with three distances – 50km, 30km or the Twilight 20km – Coastrek stretches from Palm Beach to Balgowlah Heights and traverses wild rocky headlands, meandering nature trails and golden arcs of sand. Freshwater local, Ann Jenkins, has participated in 20 events and is already looking forward to 2024! “It really is a magical experience – and you don’t need to be a top athlete to take part,” says Ann.
PAGE 24 | BEACHES COVERED.
DI WESTAWAY, COASTREK FOUNDER
“It’s just a matter of committing to the training with your teammates. Then it’s one foot in front of the other and before you know it, you’re carried along by the beautiful concept that is Coastrek, the people you meet along the way and the spectacular views. It truly is an inspiring thing to do.” As part of a team experience, Coastrek has also been a huge source of selfdiscovery for Ann. “It’s taught me to be gutsy when I’m uncertain; that I can do things I never dreamed I could do; that I’m not a middle-aged, average woman, and that I’m strong and make a difference to so many people.”
INTO THE WILD
Since its inception, Coastrek has raised more than $48 million dollars for Australian charities including The Fred Hollows Foundation (2009-2018) and Beyond Blue (2018-2022), and in 2024 the event will continue to support the Heart Foundation – raising funds for life-saving research in the fight against heart disease. Over 70,000 trekkers have trained and completed Coastrek with friends, and Ann emphasises the importance of empowering your teammates (there’s four to a team) and the wider Coastrek community, who walk together on event days. “I always get a bit competitive in the last 10km or so,” she laughs. “I want to run as fast as I can to the finish and burst over the timing strip with an improved time. But it really is
Words: Yvette Peverell | Photography: Wild Women on Top
C
reated by Wild Women On Top, one of Australia’s largest and longest running women’s health movements, Coastrek is an uplifting event that invites participants to trek scenic coastal trails around Australia, while championing wellness, community and fundraising to help end heart disease.
