HIKERS of all ages and from all walks of life enjoyed the spectacular coastal scenery of Mornington Peninsula last Friday (24 May) as they took part in Coastrek in support of the Heart Foundation.
More than 2400 trekkers in various locations around the country participated in the 50km, 30km or 20km challenge to highlight the benefits of walking for heart health, while aiming to raise $800,000 in support of the Heart Foundation’s research into heart disease. Money raised will also support the foundation’s initiatives to end rheumatic heart disease in Australia – a preventable disease that is particularly prevalent in remote First Nations communities.
Coastrek founder and CEO, Di Westaway OAM, said Coastrek was part of the solution in combating chronic disease in Australia. “Walking for just 30 minutes a day is the easiest – and most fun – way to combat chronic illness such as heart disease, and Coastrek is so affective because it offers a daily training program in the lead up to event day that will benefit our trekkers way beyond the finish line,” she said.
Scenic parts of the peninsula included on the walk were Cape Schanck lighthouse, Sorrento beach and Point Nepean.
Coastrek events also take place this year in Sydney, the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia and Margaret River in Western Australia.
Since it was first held in 2009, Coastrek has seen 74,000 trekkers raise more than $45 million for charity, including The Fred Hollows Foundation (2009-18), Beyond Blue (2018-22) and the Heart Foundation.
Visit coastrek.com.au for more information.
First published in the Mornington News – 28th May 2024
