The entrants for this year’s Coast2Kosci run have been announced, and there’s a noticeable increase in international participants this year, with seven making the trip to our fair shores for the pilgrimage to Australia’s highest point. There’s also a competitive local field lining up too, with some big names sure to be battling it out up front.

Australia’s longest ultra-marathon (240km) was born on December 10th 2004. Paul Every (Race Director), Sean Greenhill, Jan Herrmann and Lawrence Mead assembled for the inaugural running of the race.  The event was unofficial and unsanctioned in the tradition of FatAss ultramarathon events. Paul, Jan and Sean completed the course, with Lawrence succumbing to injury.  Paul was first to summit Kosciuszko in 37:26 before arriving at the Charlotte Pass finish line with Jan in 39:27.

The 2005 and 2006 editions of Coast to Kosciuszko were again unofficial events. 2005 saw 7 entries with Canberra athlete Martin Fryer dominating the field with a course record of 31:55. In 2006, Wayne Gregory triumphed in 33:49 with the inaugural women’s victor Carol La Plant finishing strongly in 42:53.

As far as this year’s line-up is concerned there’s a few names that immediately leap out. Dave Eadie is sure to be a contender after his joint third finish at Glasshouse in September. Dave also lines up at the Great Ocean Walk 100km race in a few weeks too. As far as Ultra168 goes, our own Andrew Vize, who finished second last year is sure to be amongst the pointy end of the field too. Other names that stick out include Ewan Horsburgh, Gordi Kirkbank-Ellis the third, Chris Turnbull, Nic Maloney, Darrel Robins and Phil ‘Spud’ Murphy to name but a few.

The ladies race looks like it could be hotly contested with any of the ladies in genuine contention. Aussie rep Kerrie Bremner takes her spot in the line-up, along with the ever consistent Pam Muston and a number of other Aussie reps in Meredith Quinlan, Susannah HJ and Allison Lilley. Marie Doke a British 24 hour track rep also makes another appearance, along with Queensland athlete and consistent Glasshouse performer Lisa Spink.

The full list can be seen here.

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Dan

I'm a mediocre runner who can bat above his average when I train hard. A man of extremes, I do enjoy everything life offers and consider it an absolute pleasure just to be able to put one foot in front of the other and let my mind wander somewhere different.