The Bouddi Coastal Run is an Epic Trail Running Race on the Central Coast

Races are back on! The Bouddi Coastal Run is happening on Saturday 5th February 2022. Don’t miss this epic way to kick off the year.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting into it (thank you lockdown) the Bouddi Coastal Run is a fantastic goal to stick in your calendar. With coastal breeze, beaut clifftop trails, beach running, and heaps of stairs to wow people with your vertical gain, it’s a race with something for everyone.

Races like these aren’t really about winning, especially in the fast-growing sport of trail running, they’re about challenging yourself and pushing your limits. The positive atmosphere and running alongside others is the perfect environment for a PB. Personally, I’m motivated by the legends on the aid stations and the promise of a sausage sizzle at the end. 

The Bouddi Coastal Run has both a 14km and 21km option, so you can pick a distance that suits you. There’s even a new 1km Kids Beach Run so the youngins can feel just like Mum and Dad, and even score a finishers medal at the end.

If you haven’t raced this one before then I’m here to convince you to sign up to one of the best races out there and start 2022 right. If you have, what are you waiting for? You know that Bouddi’s a cracker and spots won’t last!

Where’s Bouddi National Park?

I ran the Bouddi Coastal Run last year and it is a stunner of a course. The trail climbs coastal cliffs, traverses native heathland, and drops onto golden beaches. 

The race takes place in Bouddi National Park, along the Bouddi Coastal Walk and is a cruisy 90 minute drive from Sydney, on the Central Coast. It’s only two hours from Newcastle too!

Take it from me though, the best way to feel fresh on race day is to make a weekend of it. There’s heaps of accommodation in the area, from camping to a holiday rental for the whole crew.

Go as Hard as You Like!

One of the reasons trail running’s growing as quickly as my houseplants (now that I’m actually watering them) is that it’s inclusive as heck. Everyone from the pros to first timers comes out having challenged their own limits while running the same course. 

Trail is so variable, with rough terrain, hills, and switchbacks, that pace per kilometre and comparing your time to other courses is irrelevant. Just bring it on the day and see what happens!

If it’s your first time or you’re feeling a little rusty, there’s a 14km run to tuck into (same distance as the City2Surf but with 410m of elevation gain) or if you’re keen for a challenge that’ll put all your iso training and virtual racing to good use, there’s the 21km ‘half marathon’ distance that climbs 775m. That’s guaranteed to get you working.

Challenge Yourself

It’s been a tough 18 months for mental health. Plans have been dashed and goals put on ice. But that means there’s probably never been a better time to really set yourself a challenge. Use summer to strengthen those legs and get your heart thumping after one too many couchbound weekends.

If you’re an experienced runner, you might feel like you lost a friend, heck, a coping mechanism, when all the races shut up shop in 2020/2021. The good news is that the Bouddi Coastal Run is definitely on in 2022.

But You Better be Quick

The Bouddi Coastal Run is going ahead at full capacity next February 5th, but with event transfers from 2020 and 2021, it’s filling up fast.

Message the crew and book your spot ASAP. The best places to stay will be booking out too, so make sure you get in quick!

We’ll see ya on the start line!

All photos by Outer Image Collective