Claire is taking on 50km of the Sunshine Coast coastline with Coastrek 2026 — a challenge she once thought was completely out of reach.
By Charlotte Horne
There was a time when something like Coastrek felt impossible to Claire – not just the distance, but the idea that she'd ever be someone who signed up for a challenge like this, let alone felt excited about it.
Alongside her team – her best friend and her husband – Claire is now taking on 50km of Sunshine Coast coastline, not as a finish line to cross off, but as proof of a much bigger shift: one built on growth, resilience and learning to trust herself again.
She shared her story with us – what's driven her over the last few years, and how movement, mindset and purpose have shaped the way she shows up in life now.
What inspired you to sign up for Coastrek 2026?
For me, Coastrek is about so much more than a finish line. It’s a celebration of a journey that has completely changed my life.
To date, I’ve lost 90 kilograms. There was a time when something like Coastrek felt completely impossible – I couldn’t have imagined signing up for a long-distance trekking event, let alone feeling excited about it. What started as a decision to improve my health slowly turned into a journey of discovering what I’m actually capable of.
Coastrek also feels like part of a much bigger picture. My next big goal is a Half Ironman in September 2027, and the long-term dream of a full Ironman in 2028 at Lake Taupō. A few years ago, these goals would’ve felt out of reach, but I’ve learned that big dreams become possible when you just take them one step at a time. 
Coastrek Sunshine Coast
Why is supporting Beyond Blue a meaningful cause for you?
Mental health is something close to me.
For a long time, my own mental health wasn’t in a great place – I felt lost, overwhelmed, and disconnected from who I wanted to be.
Movement has been one of the most powerful tools for me. Walking, running, cycling, training – it’s given me an outlet to clear my head. It hasn’t fixed everything, but it’s built resilience, confidence, and a bit more belief in myself.
Beyond Blue is especially meaningful because I’ve lost people I cared about to their struggles with their mental health. When I take on Coastrek, it’s not just for me – it’s for anyone who’s struggling and in memory of the people I’ve loved and lost.
You mentioned that movement has always been therapy – what role has it played in your life?
Movement has genuinely changed my life. It helped me lose 90 kilograms, but more importantly, it helped me find myself again.
When life feels overwhelming, I walk. When I need clarity, I run. When I need to switch off, I go outside. It’s taught me that progress isn’t about being perfect. It’s just about showing up, one step at a time.
What has your Coastrek training journey looked like so far?
A mix of long walks, trail sessions, running, strength training, and the endurance I’ve built through triathlon training.
This year I also set myself one rule: show up every single day. No excuses, no waiting for motivation, no perfect conditions. Some days that’s a big session, other days just a walk, but the consistency stays the same. That’s been one of the biggest lessons for me.
"When life feels overwhelming, I walk. When I need clarity, I run. When I need to switch off, I go outside" - Claire
What does taking on this challenge with your closest friends mean to you?
This is one of the most special parts of Coastrek for me. Earlier this year, I convinced my best friend to sign up for a Women’s Adventure Challenge with me, and when Coastrek came up, I was straight in. It just felt like another adventure we could do together.
Even better, my husband is also on our team. Getting to share this with two of the people who’ve supported me most through everything means more than I can really explain.
They’ve been there through all of it – the highs, the doubts, the early mornings. I know there’ll be moments where one of us is tired or struggling, but that’s the whole point of doing it together. Crossing that finish line together will be a moment I’ll never forget.
Have you learned anything about yourself through preparing for Coastrek?
I’ve learned I’m a lot stronger than I used to give myself credit for. Growth really does happen outside your comfort zone, and big things come from small, consistent actions. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust myself more.
What are you most looking forward to on Event Day?
Honestly, the finish line – not because it’s over, but because of everything it represents: years of work, early mornings, tough days, and all the moments I almost didn’t believe I could do it.
Sharing that with my best friend and my husband will make it even more special.
What would you say to someone considering Coastrek but unsure if they’re capable?
I used to think the same thing. You don’t need to be the fittest or fastest person out there – you just need to start.
Every step builds something: confidence, strength, belief. Don’t focus on the finish line, just focus on the next step.
You’d probably surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
If you could sum up what Coastrek represents to you in one sentence?
Perseverance, friendship, purpose – and the realisation that the things we once think are impossible are often just waiting for us on the other side of showing up.
Claire's story is proof that the hardest part is just starting. If she's inspired you to lace up and take on your own challenge, find a Coastrek near you and register today.
Want more stories like hers? Check out other inspiring trekkers.
By Charlotte Horne Charlotte is Coastrek’s resident Content Expert and creative storyteller. She spends her days writing, editing, and shaping Coastrek’s voice online, crafting stories that inspire people to lace up and get outside. By weekend she’s usually exploring, scribbling ideas into a notebook or plotting her next outdoor adventure – ideally with fresh air in her lungs and a strong coffee in hand.
