More than 750 runners and their friends and families joined us for a spectacular day on the shores of Lake Macquarie for the long-awaited return of the Raffertys Coastal Run!
36km runners took on the sand and sunshine for their journey from the lake over to the coast, down to Catherine Hill Bay and the stunning Snapper Point, with views over Frazer Beach. The high tide diversion didn’t appear to concern anyone, with many runners taking the opportunity to pick up extra water at the surf club or even have a quick shower to cool down. Special shout out to the runners who were sighted at the Catho Pub for a quick beer, and those that decided a cold drink at the cafe was on order – these are the stories we love to hear!
In the 22km event runners made short work of the course with the top 14 all finishing with tidy sub 2 hour times. The wind kept it cool for the lake-side sections of the course and the blue skies over the ocean really set the backdrop for the coastline trails.
The 12km runners were divided with some looking sharp and serious in the start shoot, prepped for a <5 min pace race, others sported matching run club shirts ready to take on the course as a team, while other first time trail runners looked a little green, unsure of what the next 12km would hold. All crossed the finish line with relief and smiles to a crowd of supporters sitting on the shady hill vantage point, cheering on their efforts and accomplishments.
Speedy Max Adventure trail regulars took out many of the podium places. Josef Mcgrath and Lilian Molesworth were first across the line in the 36km; Justin Lucas and Sophie Brown overall winners in the 22km; and Vlad Shatrov and Eloise Knights in the 12km event. Big congratulations to these runners and all other category winners and finishers – full results are available online HERE.
The stunning photos from out on course from the team at Outer Image are now available, check them out HERE.
Congratulations to all Triple Trail Challenge finishers. We know many of you have been training and preparing for this event for quite some time!
Also thanks to our event sponsors Raffertys Resort, Lake Macquarie City Council, Tarkine and Tailwind Nutrition Australia; and our hardworking team of volunteers – we couldn’t do it without your continued support.
Thank you to all runners for patiently waiting for this event and for running with us. For those super keen to do it all again good news! Entries are now open for the 2023 July edition of the Raffertys Coastal Run. Are you up for round 2 on the 15th of July.
