Coffs Harbour runners will be strongly represented when the 16th annual Washpool World Heritage Trails returns to Washpool National Park on March 21–22, with several local athletes expected to feature prominently across the weekend’s races.
Hosted by Coffs Trail Runners, the event attracts participants from across NSW and Queensland, but a large contingent from Coffs Harbour will again be among those tackling the rugged rainforest courses.
Local runners are expected to play a major role in the flagship 50km ultra. Course record holder Dan Stein will line up alongside 2023 champion Tait Hearps and defending winner Benjamin Lambert, giving Coffs Harbour a strong presence in the race.
They will face tough competition from the Northern Tablelands, including Armidale runners Trent Irwin and Nathan Hewitt, both previous runners-up, along with three-time champion David Waugh in what has become a long-running tablelands-versus-coast rivalry.
Coffs Harbour will also be represented in the women’s 50km ultra, with Emma Packer among the contenders. She will line up against a strong field including Teagan Porter from Queensland, Clem Eaton from Grafton and Ray Firth from the Central Coast.
Across the weekend, runners will tackle 50km, 25km and 9km courses winding through World Heritage-listed rainforest, granite outcrops and rugged trails in Washpool National Park.
The 25km race will feature men’s record holder Kayden Elliott, while Meg Dougherty, Annabelle Swainston and Olivia Hulbert are among the leading runners in the women’s field. The 9km event offers a shorter and more accessible option for newcomers and those looking for a faster run.
While the elite match-ups will draw attention, organisers say Washpool’s true strength lies in its community spirit.
“Volunteers staff remote checkpoints, families camp together under the rainforest canopy and runners of all abilities encourage each other through the toughest climbs.” said organisers.
Now in its 16th year, the Washpool World Heritage Trails has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated trail running weekends, showcasing both the natural beauty of Washpool and the strong community spirit of the sport.
More information: https://coffstrailrunners.com/
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