Coastrekkers smash Heart Foundation target | Photos

Hikers raised more than $500,000 for the Heart Foundation as part of the 2024 Coastrek event in the region’s north on Friday. Trekkers chose to hike either 35km or 20km on the Cape to Cape Track, in teams of four.

The event is considered the most challenging of the five Coastrek events held around Australia, taking in Three Bears, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Bunker Bay and Meelup Beach before finishing in Dunsborough.

“We have a fantastic turn out for Coastrek Margaret River each year,” Event Manager Sally Smith said. “It’s a stunning route and a huge drawcard, attracting trekkers from the local area and across WA as well as interstate who want to combine a fitness challenge with exploring one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia.”

Around 1,200 trekkers took part, raising awareness about the benefits of exercising in nature for physical and mental health while smashing their fundraising goal of $475,000 to help fund life-saving heart research.

With her son Dylan carrying the defective gene known as TITIN, leading fundraiser Joy Smartt from ‘Team TITIN’ also broke her fundraising goal by almost $3000.

“We are fundraising for the Heart Foundation in honour of my son Dylan, who recently experienced a life-altering event. At just 15 years old, Dylan was hospitalised with severe heart failure and diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy,” Joy explained.

“Dylan’s medical team discovered that he carries a defective gene known as TITIN, which contributed to his heart condition. This discovery highlights the importance of research and support for genetic conditions affecting heart health.”