WHAT A RACE DAY!!
The weather gods were not kind to runners for the 13th annual Coastal Classic held last month.
The day started with near torrential conditions at race registration. The usual pre-race nerves felt dampened as runners were keen to get started along the coastal track and warm up their cold legs. Runners battled scattered heavy showers and high winds on the cliff tops while on course. The out and back track due to a land slip at Garie Beach shortened the usual 30 km Coastal Classic to 28 km; though I think all runners would agree the testing conditions more than made up for the extra KMs!
WILD, WILD, WILD! The photos on course really tell the story of just how epic of a race it was! The waves lashed the coastline creating a spectacular backdrop for our photographers Outer Image, check out their photos via the button below.
Doug Goulding was the fastest on the day and the overall winner in 1:56:18, less than a minute clear of Zeb Woodpower, and young gun Ryan Malecki claiming third place. In the female category, the overall winner was Lily Logan in 2:10:19, in front of Katie Mahoney who improved one spot from last year and in third place was Jamie Delaney.
The atmosphere at the finish line in Bundeena was phenomenal with finishers cheering their fellow runners home throughout the afternoon. Every runner had a story to tell from the most epic Coastal Classic adventure yet. Everyone should be proud of their achievements in conquering the conditions.
Special mention to our Coastal Classic Course Conquerors – many of whom who returned to add to their total. Joining the 10 x finishers list this year were Samantha Evans, D Lynn Williams and Dion Russell; congratulations all!
We are already looking forward to next year’s instalment of Coastal Classic come September 2023.
