Delirious: The One That Nearly Broke Us (But Didn't)

Delirious West 100 & 200 miler - 8-13 april 2025 - south west, wa

contributed by sue robertson, autra member (noranda, wa)

The afternoon before race day, we all head to Northcliffe hotel for registration, pick up bibs and trackers. The highlight of the afternoon is the bogun run, run by crews and pretty much anyone else who is around. Great fun as everyone dresses up. Congratulations Karin who took the win this year, and gains a free entry to DW next year.

Amongst all the excitement after the event, we all have dinner together, and get the race briefing from Shaun and his crew, and then it is early to bed. We headed to Tingle Tree, Robbo, Bianca and I, and in another car our friends Alan and Natalie. Natalie doing her first 200 miler. There were about 60 runners on the start line, and it was perfect weather, dry, coolish, and no wind. Photoswere taken, and trackers were attached to our packs, final goodbyes to friends, family and crew, and we were finally on our way, 200 miles here we come!

Day and Night 1 Giant Tingle-Walpole-Mt Clare-Mandalay-Broke Inlet-Mandalay

It is easy to go off to fast, especially when it was partly down hill, but we stuck to our run/walk, and kept it all nice and easy. So pretty through the trees, and lovely trail with plenty of chatter around us all. Cross over the road, and we end up near by the water, I did have a little trip here, on nothing, of course!!! Before we knew it we were passing the rec centre in Walpole, directed by Peta, to the correct direction across the playing field area, and started a gentle climb up to the base of Mt Clare, and the first aid station. Greeted by familiar faces, and some yummy banana bread, we were quickly in and out, and on our way to Mandalay, a long section. Of course not far out the aid station our maps said we were off course, and we lost about 10 mins trying to find the correct route to the top of Mt Clare, before heading down the steep side and then across the suspension bridge. We really enjoyed the section on our way to Mandalay, it was pleasant weather conditions, some sand, some trail, some stairs, and at a comfortable pace. I was looking forward to seeing sunset, but the winter sky is slightly different, so it was behind a mountain when we saw it. We climbed to our favourite chair and there was Natalie, she had dropped back from Georgia, and we were happy to have her join our little bus. We made it in to Mandalay just before dark, and were greeted by more friends on the aid station. We were fed, Nat looked after by Alan, refilled our bottles etc, changed socks, and with renewed energy left to Broke Inlet aid station. I now found out that it was 5kms off the track down a road…… another 10kms that I hadn’t planned on, missed that somewhere in an email, bugger!!!! I had planned us a sleep there, but somethings had to be changed. Eventually we met runners coming back from the aid station, all very sweaty, it was humid although it was cooler, and they were running quite fast!!! We heard the aid station was longer than 5kms, so now I knew all my figures were going to be out.

Along the road we were never far from Carl, whose stomach was rebelling at the time, and also John was not far from us, also suffering with gut issues. We high-fived friends who were on the return journey. Eventually the lights of the aid station showed up, and we were so happy to see them. A yummy bacon and eggtoastie, a cup of tea, magic. We filled our bottles etc, and then took 15 mins to just close our eyes for a short nap!!!! Before we knew it we were on our way back out, which ironically felt quicker to get to the trail. We were still tired so when we found the hut about 15kms in, we decided to try out the bivvys and have a little 15mins nap. We snuggled in and set the alarm, using our packs as pillows. I know we slept as the alarm woke me up, also to discover my bladder had leaked under my bivvy, and my shorts and pack were soaking wet!!!! Just as well we didn’t have far to go to the aid station. We stuffed everything back in our packs, and were on our way with a little more energy, and we eventually were treated to a beautiful sunrise on our way back to Mandalay.

Day and Night 2 Mandalay-Mt Clare-Walpole-Giant Tingle-Tree Top Walk

Back at Mandalay, our friends were still here on the aid station, feeding us, look- ing after our feet, drying out my bivy and refolding it to fit in the bag, filling up our bottles, it was a long section back the other way!!! Thankyou all it was much appreciated. We left in good spirits, and headed down to the beach before heading over the dunes and following the paths, stairs, and trails. I am pretty sure we got a bit damp on this section, as we had rain coats on for a while. This time this section seemed to take forever, and I was mindful of the cut off at Walpole, which was 7.00pm. I was happy to see the suspension bridge finally, and although I don’t like it, it meant we were close to Mt Clare. It is a decent climb to the top, and then a pop down to the aid station, where we had the most yummy toastie, and I know Nat had the burrito and truly raved about it, booking her next one at an aid station where BJ was going to be. We got a move on quickly out of there, and it was a fairly easy track through to Walpole where we hoped to have time for showers, and a clean change of clothes. We were in just before 6.00pm and had an hour before we had to leave.

We were blessed with Kath being there to look after our feet, a few blisters popping up and some foot care needed. A beautiful shower, some yummy food, and Kath and her young offsider sorted our feet, we refilled bottles, and although I was definitely getting stressed we made it out of there just before cutoff at 7.00pm. Once we found our way through a couple of streets we were on our way back to giant Tingle Aid station where Nick would be, having driven back down from Perth to crew us the rest of the race.The three of us kept good company, and although Bianca was faster than me, I enjoyed Natalie’s company a few metres back. We were all getting tired, and were hoping to have a little nap once at Tingle Tree, and we were fortunate when we got there that Nick was there with the van. Bianca and I crawled in for about a 30mins nap, and Nat got in her van and did the same. It was bliss, even for such a short time.

When we woke the aid station guys had made us cup of tea, and bacon and egg burritos, oh they were delicious. It was getting harder for me to eat, but definitely made the most of the hot food. Then Nick was kicking us out, we had a decent section to get to Tree top Aid station, and it would take a few hours to get there!!! We celebrated Nats 100 miler distance with a photo of her watch, so good.

The sounds of the night keeping us going, owls, frogs, lots of frogs, and also hoping we didn’t see any snakes!!! Nat and I  keeping each other company, as Bianca kept the pace up. This section always seems to take such a long time, we know it, it never changes, but it seems forever until you see the lights of the carpark. It was just before 4.00am when we got there, and Nick had our chairs out. It was going to be a reasonable quick in and out, I was worried about the cut off at Peaceful Bay, which was 3.00pm and we still had a way to go to get there.

Some yummy hot pancakes, and a cup of tea, a few minutes shut eye on the chair, and Nick had us up, and time to go. Natalie had decided she needed more sleep, and was not going to come with us. I feared she might stay a sleep, but I was proved wrong.

Day and Night 3 Tree Top Walk-Conspicuous Cliffs-Peaceful Bay-Boat harbour-Parry Beach

Bianca, Nick and I did the tree top walk, and then it was out in to the last of the night, on our way to Conspicuous Cliffs, I love this section usually. It wasn’t long before dawn showed up, and we enjoyed a massive down hill section, before hitting the flat trails, and then crossing over on to single trail, and beautiful views over to the ocean. The weather was beautiful, but it did heat up later in the day!!!Eventually we saw the aid station and hit the boardwalk and the stairs that lead us there. Nick had set up our chairs, and had all our stuff out on the table.Recharge for phones, watches, power banks, the aid station had yummy soup, and I had a cup of tea, and also a jelly cup. Surprise, Alan was there with the van, and I asked where Nat was, and he said she’s on her way. So proud of her, I think some pet talk from Alan, and good thoughts from Nat, she kicked herself out of bed, and back in to the race. He wasn’t sure where she was as no service, so we did leave first, but knew she was moving well, we would see her soon.

Plenty of sand and dunes, steps, some beautiful beaches that Bianca just wanted to swim in, it was getting hot, but we kept on plodding. We had a dead line of being out of Peaceful Bay by 3.00pm. We made it in just before 2.00pm, so were afforded to sit for a little while. We were happy to see Jutta and JC, Jutta had been sweeping some of the night sections, and they were both eating ice cream. I inadvertently said how could you in front of us…. JC very kindly went and got me a chocolate drumstick, omg it was so very good, thank you JC. I didn’t really eat anything else there, wasn’t that hungry, but we changed socks. I had a big hug from Byl, who was always around just when I needed them most. Gabe and John had gone out just after we arrived. Natalie came in just before we left, and we let Alan look after her, and before we knew it we were on our way again. There was another cutoff at the jetski of 4.30pm, which was 4kms down the beach, so we wanted to get that, and then have a short nap on the beach, we were shattered, and in desperate need of some sleep. The walk down the beach was really quite pleasant, it had been warm most of the day, but there was a breeze on the shore line. When we got to the jetski, we had to wait a little bit, and before we knew it, there was a little queue behind us. We recognised the guy from before and he was so lovely and friendly. I went across first, my hat blew off, but was rescued, and when we got to the other side poor guy piggy back me to the shore so I didn’t get wet feet. Waited a short time for Bianca, and then we found ourselves a little patch to have a quick nap. Michelle called by and said hi, on her way along the beach. I did fall asleep for a few minutes, Bianca didn’t. When we got going again, we finally caught up to Carl and his pacer, Carl napping on the beach for a couple of minutes each 30 mins or so. Natalie had gone past with Matt, who had a sore back, and Michelle was well on her way. We were looking where we had to go up in to the dunes, and I saw a post and was sure that was the way to go up,some foot prints there, but after 5 mins or so, Bianca’s watch said we were off course, and we had to go back on the beach. Carl and his pacer had gone past us, but we caught up with them, and then went on ahead. It was quite a long way before we had to leave the beach, and then follow the track up and down towards Boat Harbour. We had the most beautiful, stunning sunset, while along this section. We had to keep turning around, as the sky was constantly changing, love this. Eventually it turned to night, and along this track we caught up with Nat and Matt. Matt really suffering with his very sore back, nearly doubled over, and in agony. The decision was made to call Race Control and see if we could get a medic to Boat Harbour for Matt. Nat was looking after him well, so we carried on a bit and hoped to see them shortly at the aid station. We were not long in there before the lights across the beach were them heading towards us. We were fed with the most beautiful hot bean mix, a hot cheese quesadilla ?, and a cup of tea.

I did have to get out my thermal top here, and put on under my rain coat, I was freezing. Matt and Nat came in, and Matt the medic came and spoke to Matt. Unfortunately he was just in too much pain to keep on going, so we sadly had to leave him there, and we waited for Nat to eat, and then the three of us left together. This next section the three of us were like the walking dead, we were all so tired, and the section although only about 10kms seemed to take forever.

Amanda called and spoke to Bianca, as she had done the previous two nights, and told us we needed to hustle it up, we were going too slow. We took it in turns to be in the front, we were all seeing double, triple!!! We eventually stopped and literally had 5 mins sitting there with our eyes closed!!! It was decided when we got to Parry Beach we would all sleep for an hour. Eventually finding the aid station, through the caravan park, Nick had the van ready for us, and it was shoes off, and we crawled under the blankets. It was bliss, pure bliss, and we both slept, and then I heard Nick say, I am going to give you another 30 minutes, heaven!

Day and Night 4 Parry Beach-Monkey Rocks-Denmark-Lowlands

We were woken by Nick, and given the most wonderful breakfast toastie, and a flowery cup of tea. The cup of tea, unfortunately made with Earl Grey did not go down, but fortunately Natalie had ordinary tea bags, and we were able to sort that and have a perfect cup of tea. While getting ready Abdul appeared, he was going to pace Natalie, which was wonderful as the three of us were planning to stay together on this section. Abdul you made this section so much fun. The beach section was tough, the sand was soft, and squidgy in places. Fortunately the morning broke while we were going along the beach, and we could see where we were going by the time we had to haul ourselves by the rope off the beach. It is quite a nice section once you are through the first uphill sections of the track, and then we came to the part where we got confused with an arrow just placed on the ground. We also had the sweeper join us as we tried to navigate around this section, but soon enough we were back on course. But then we came to the water and the stairs!!! Abdul and Bianca became elite climbers coming up the vertical granite rock, but Nat and I got wet feet!!! We enjoyed the toilet facilities in the carpark at Lights Beach, before heading off to the last bit to Monkey Rock aid station. Finally we got to the stile which I struggled to get over 2 years ago, because my back had given up, but this time I vaulted over it, (no I didn’t, but I didn’t need any assistance). A second stile and we were at the aid station. I have no idea what we had here, I can’t remember, sadly. I do know Juliette was here, and I got a hug. We had the sweeper with us, Carl headed out over the rocks just before us, and we still had Abdul ☺ . Nick got us all ready, and then kicked us out.

We were heading to Denmark where there was a 3.00pm cut off, and we wanted to get the 2.00 car ferry out of there. We did enjoy Monkey Rock and Mt Halliwell, Abdul was entertaining as always, and we had lots of laughs and giggles, especially over the slippery granite. When we finally got over the two Mounts, we came across a number of people with dogs, the dogs turning their noses up at us, we must have stunk!! So funny though. Bianca picked up a cat, not literally, but said cat followed her for quite a while before deciding it was time to head back home. Apparently she wasn’t the only one who had cat company. We finally made it to Denmark Rec Centre just before 1.00pm. Awesome, we had time for a shower, albeit a cold one, we had some yummy food, and Kath and her assistant fixed our feet again. Gabe was in a recliner chair with ice being applied to his leg, and fortunately was able to leave on the car ferry with us. So Nick hustled us along, and we did get the 2.00 shuttle, the three of us, plus Gabe and Carl with his pacer. Georgia’s dad was our driver, and although we did a bit of a scenic route, we did make Nullaki Jetty, and had a group photo before we split up. We were with Gabe for a while, but Carl and his pacer ran off in to the distance. The first section was quite long grass and it is right next to the water, I always worry about snakes along here, but fortunately didn’t see any today. Eventually we get on to the trail, and I quite like this section, and had only done it quite recently on a recce run with Trish. It still took us a few hours to get to Lowlands, and again it was a welcome relief when we saw the aid station light in the distance. We were going to have another short nap in the car here, and after eating, Karin was coming along as Nats pacer. So fuelled up and with Karin’s energy we left probably around 9.30 pm on our way to Shelley Beach, which is an no crew aid station, but Renee would be there to feed us ☺. We took off feeling pretty good, and were buoyed by Karin playing tunes, and keeping us entertained.

We did have a sweep not far behind us, probably wondering what on earth he had signed up for, with the noise we made. Lots of wee stops, some rest stops, we sat down and everyone sang me Happy birthday at midnight, and then my back started to niggle, damn. I had been taking Panadol osteo pretty religiously, but now that wasn’t working. It is a tough, narly section once you get to the section where we vere off to go down to Shelley Beach, and that wasn’t helping either. Anyway we turned up to the Taj Mahal, and there were chairs and blankets, and caring people, and it was very windy, and then it started to rain!

just wanted to sit down and sleep, my back hurt. The food was amazing, but I struggled to eat it, I did manage a cup of tea. Karin after running around looking after us all, said she would rub my back, and one of the guys produced some creams to massage in. The cream and Karins magic hands, had me walk out of there in no pain, amazing.

Day 5 Shelley Beach-Cosy Corner-Shazzas Aid- Finish

Cosy Corner cut off was 8.00am. We left Shelley Beach, and I was surprised at how well I was able to climb up the narly bit, and then it is a pleasant trail undulating all the way to Cosy Corner. Unfortunately gradually my back started to hurt again!! I was very relieved when we finally got to the stairs that head down to the aid station, so a quick stop at the toilet before heading along the track to the aid station, and was relieved to hear there was a medic there. In minutes Matt was there with a stretcher bed, and his massage gun, and cream. I hadstarted to feel a bit nauseus, so Zoe at the aid station gave me ginger biscuits, and a cup of tea. Matt worked on my back, I would have loved to stay there, and go to sleep, but eventually I had to get up, and we had to get going. He gave me a Panadol, but that just made me sick, boo. Anyway onwards and upwards, we now had a finish line cut off to beat. It was 7.00am, so we had beaten the 8.00am cut off from Cosy, and we headed out with Zoe, and she got a photo of us heading on to the beach. Then Karin and Nat appeared, they had left just before us, but had headed to the toilet before coming on to the beach, so we left all together again.

It was very windy, and trying to rain, and it was not easy to get along the beach! Then we came to the part we were supposed to go up a 4WD track behind the rocks and come out the other side of the rocks, but we ended up bush bashing through shrubbery, and trees, and finally came out on a track that did end up being the other side of the rocks, the rocks would definitely have been easier!

Finally we got off the beach up the steps at Mutton Bird, a quick toilet stop, and Nat and Karin were on a mission. I was having to go slower because of my back, Bianca was so patient, but knew we would end up in trouble if I pushed too much. I was so tired, in the end I couldn’t decide if my back was worse or the absolute tiredness. Eventually Bianca said lets have 2 mins nap every 30 mins, not her, just me, she was my pillow. It helped and I was falling asleep so quickly. Eventually the sweeper caught up with us, and he had to be patient too. It seemed to take ages, firstly to get to the first windmill, and then how many are there, too many!

Just as you think we are nearly there, throw in a 3.5kms diversion, because the boardwalk is being repaired. This bit was shit, if this bit hadn’t been there, we would have been at the aid station an hour earlier, but it was here and we had to do it. As we got closer to the aid station Matt (the medic) came towards us, he was checking on me and my back. He said he would and could come with me on the next section, and he could look after my back, if we kept moving. So very grateful, tears, but I am just worn out!! A quick bathroom stop on the way to the aid station, and there is the Shazza look alikes, how special, and Marnie, Ben, Tristan, all there, and then all singing Happy birthday and produce a cake. How special, how thoughtful, Ben stood there while I lent on him, I was just exhausted.

They pooled together and got my pack weight down with all the mandatory gear, but able to take out extra batteries not necessary, change power bank for alighter one. Such kindness and care, I will never forget. Nick sorted out whatever needed to be sorted out, and then kicked us out of the aid station. We just had 10kms to go, but we only had 2 hours. I knew we wouldn’t be able to go 5kms an hour, Bianca could, she was still trucking on, but I was slower. But one foot in front of the other, and occasionally a stop to rub my back, and slowly, slowly we headed towards the finish line. I wish I could have been more excited but I was hurting and I was so very tired. Eventually we got off the sand track and on to single track, and then eventually in to the pretty foresty section, and round the corner are three of my mum and dads dearest friends, come out to see us, and were singing Happy birthday. Hugs and a few tears, and we had to keep moving, and move we did. Then three ladies jump out of the bushes and it is Astrid, Linda and Mel, with the camera, catching us in all our glory, in the rain, moving one foot in front of the other, how wonderful, and very special. Eventually we cross the road and we are now on the path to the finish line. Two young boys come up, and say we are going to walk you to the finish line. So polite, so kind, keep talking take my mind off the pain in my back, Nick comes towards us, Bianca is happy, and this little procession makes its way along the pavement until we have to cross the road to the finish line. It has been raining there all morning, the field is very muddy, the official cut off time has passed, and we are a little bit late, but look, the archway is still up and there is a crowd of people all there, cheering and whistling, and shouting as we manoeuvre around the mud, and finally through the middle of the crowd and under the archway. Joy, we made it to the finish line. She had one job and she did it, and I will never forget, thank you Bianca you got me to the finish line.

It was very special, I have no idea what Shaun said, but I was given a chair which I sank in to, I was awarded the medal, and even more special, the wooden trophy with both my thongs on it. I was given hugs by so many friends, kind people, my darling husband, I wanted to cry, but I was just too exhausted. (Hubby said I did cry!) I remember posing with Bianca with our trophy boards, and our medals, I remember being oh so very grateful to have finished such an incredible event. I was hurting and I was exhausted, and I am so happy to have done it, it was tougher than anything I have ever done, but I did it, we did it! t was wonderful to recover in a couple of hours, have a fabulous shower, a short nap, and then be able to go to the Earl, and see everyone who had been part of this epic event. I had bubbles, I was given birthday slice and sung happy birthday to, by our two kind, amazing, smiling medics, I could hear the whole pub singing, how awesome is that. What a way to spend my 67th Birthday. Thank you so much to everyone who made this all happen - volunteers and aid station crews, medics Kath and Matt, our crewman Nick, my patient husband Robbo, Shaun and his team, my darling daughter whom I would not have made it, love you so very much x