Each year around 10,000 trekkers hike more than 260,000 kilometres across five Coastrek events on some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal trails, supported by over 50,000 donations from friends, family and colleagues, raising millions of dollars for charity.
It’s an impressive picture that demonstrates the power of connection and one that provides a viable solution to the growing loneliness epidemic says Coastrek Founder, Di Westaway OAM:
“Coastrek fosters connection – with friends, with nature and with the community – in fact, it’s essential. Being a team event, you train for 12 weeks and take on the 20 to 50 kilometre event day hiking challenge together, supported by a like-minded and engaged Coastrek community. Plus, we have over 230 volunteers join us on event day, who all take away a ‘helpers high’ from cheering our trekkers over the finish line, forming friendships through a shared community event,” says Westaway.
Research shows that social connection decreases rates of anxiety and depression and improves overall mental wellbeing, strengthens the immune system, reduces risk of heart disease, creates higher self-esteem and empathy and increases life expectancy by 50 per cent.
“We feel privileged to offer a solution like Coastrek to combat loneliness and get people connected again. It’s a natural part of the Coastrek journey – plus we add another essential ingredient by having a lot of fun together.”
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