The Coastal Classic NSW 6 months post baby #2

"The Coastal Classic is a 30km trail run along one of the most stunning tracks in Australia, it has everything to offer from rocky terrain, sand running and beaches, to cliff-tops, bushland, rainforest and steep hill inclines. The scenery is spectacular with breathtaking coastal views on the beach and from the cliff tops. You literally feel like you are a million miles from anywhere" www.coastalclassic.com.au

The Coastal Classic Ottford, one of the most grueling trail runs I have EVER done and what better way to complete it but after baby #2!

The excitement levels were HIGH at Sutherland station with only one train able to get everyone to the start line on time...the track was packed...full of Garmin watches, Solomon trail shoes and GU supplements! I couldnt think of anywhere I would rather be!

The start village was well organised with bib pick up, coffee etc, sponsor tents with the anticipation of the start looming.

At the start line pictured above there was as there always is lots of banter about the race, I by choice, do not look at the course! Mainly because I dont have time, but secondly because I dont really care and enjoy the excitement of what the course has to offer.

The start was delayed by half an hour or so but than we were off! Starting a 1km ascent up to the Coastal track- tough start!

Once you ascend to the top of the track, you begin your journey into this amazing untouched rainforest where the ground is soft and made up of packed down palm leaves!

Its truly spectacular and just weaves in and around trees, under vines, over little creeks and up and over bends.  You dont get any views through here but you can hear the waves crashing to your right and smell the ocean!

Once you get through the Palm Jungle the track will open out to a headland with grassy cliffs where you ll find some small shacks that spread over the headland! There was actually people staying in this cute little cottages some of which were nestled right on the beach.

Once you ascend and descend passed Burning Palms Beach, South Era Beach and Little Garie Beach, all with soft sand and stairs but amazing views from the top you ll reach the first water and food station! Garie Beach is at the 9.5km mark...ok feeling pretty good not that long to go! By the other end of the beach I wasnt so sure! soft sand sure kills you! And if it doesnt you ve got a huge climb up a really steep hill at the end of it haha

Past the famous Eagle Rock and Curracurrong water crossings and your just past half way! It was at this intersection where the marshal (who was dressed up as death!) showed us the way.

More ups and downs, accross Little Marley Beach than Big Marley Beach and you find yourself at the 22km mark and the final aid station...

Just when you think your nearly there...your not! Another 3km of pure soft sand along the Sandy Track which nearly kills me again.

Only a little way to go along Jibbon Beach towards the Bundeena RSL club...literally dragging feet

34km Coastal Classic! My Strava calculated 34km not 30km so Im running with that!

I was so happy to have finished and be drinking my Four Pines Kolsh in the sun! Cheers!

  I would give this run a 7.5 out of 10 for difficulty not any higher as the views are a bonus! 

 Cheers!