RACE DIRECTORS’ REPORT – 2021 COAST TO KOSCIUSZKO 240KM

Contributed by Greg Wallace and Mickey Campbell, Coast to Kosciuszko race directors

A reduced field of only 31 runners were on the start line of the 2021 Coast To Kosciuszko. COVID-19 travel restrictions and the ongoing uncertainty with border openings saw a reduction in the field from the usual capped limit of 50 runners. Large numbers of interstate runners withdrew, many concerned with the risk of being stranded interstate, and struggling with training consistency given the uncertainty.

Weather conditions forecasted rain, and possible snowfalls from Charlotte Pass to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Some runners were excited by the prospect of snowfalls, others less so. Final course checks indicated a course in good condition (and extremely green countryside), with a number of snow traverses on the Summit Track from Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko.

Overcast and slightly cool conditions greeted runners on race morning. The rain held off, enabling a Welcome To Country explaining the traditional trading paths from Eden to the high country, and a smoking ceremony to protect runners on their journey.

The initial stages of the race to Towamba provided perfect running conditions and with a dry surface underfoot. The coastal countryside was lush and green although still touched by the remnants of the bushfires. The early leader to Towamba was Andy McConnell who crewed last year for the 2021 winner Morgan Lindqvist. Andy wasn’t sure how he ended up in front, and wasn’t overly keen to be setting the pace. Gerard Riordan was looking very strong close behind, followed by Joe Ward, Stephen Redfern, Kay Bretz and Maree Connor. These runners would swap positions throughout the race.

Light rain then started falling. A rising causeway at 44km saw a recommendation for smaller support crew vehicles to detour. Some runners ploughed through the wet causeway while a number of others runners showed ingenious means to try to keep feet and shoes dry. 

Andy McConnell was the first to Rocky Hall (50km), 2 minutes ahead of Gerard Riordan. A further 17 minutes behind saw Joe Ward, Stephen Redfern, Kay Bretz and Maree Connor all arriving at Rocky Hall within 1 minute of each other. The remainder of the field were not far behind with Rob Mason and Andy Heyden making good progress as the light rain continued to fall.

Most runners were comfortable in the rain, perhaps enjoying being well away from COVID-19 lockdowns, as well as enjoying the lush countryside and dirt roads that were good underfoot. The premise though was very much on keeping dry. Gerard Riordan overtook Andy McConnell enroute to Cathcart (70km) taking a 2 minute lead, while a slightly further 26 minutes back were Joe Ward, Stephen Redfern, Kay Bretz and Maree Connor. The rain continued to fall. The usually dry dirt roads and causeways from Bibbenluke to Gunningrah Rd (106km) were increasingly wet. One causeway of concern remained passable, however an ensuing creek with deeper water required race directors to direct runners to be ferried across, and non-4WD vehicles rerouted around the course.

As the leaders and first half of the field reached the Gunningrah Rd checkpoint (106km) at 11-12 hours into the race, the mood of runners changed from upbeat to a more sombre ‘it’s getting wet and getting cold!’ Gerard Riordan remained the race leader. Andy McConnell was into the checkpoint in second place a few minutes later, however was overtaken at the checkpoint by Joe Ward whilst Andy spent time with his support crew.

Gerard Riordan continued to lead and was strong up front, while Joe Ward gained and exuded positivity despite the rain and falling temperature and light. Joe overtook Gerard for the lead some 10-15km outside of Dalgety (148km) and was first to Dalgety and looking strong. Andy McConnell, Kay Bretz and Maree Connor remained constant with Rob Mason entering the mix as Stephen Redfern fell slightly behind.

Dalgety is a race marker point as this is where most withdrawals occur. Despite the weather, there had been negligible withdrawals. However by Dalgety, the constant rain and increasing cold started to take its toll, even on seasoned veterans. The food, warmth and shelter of Dalgety Hall was a boon for support crews while most runners ploughed on in the rain.

Joe Ward just seemed to get better and better to Jindabyne (184km), increasing his lead over Andy McConnell to over an hour. A further 40 minutes behind remained Kay Bretz and Gerard Riordan while Rob Mason continued his good comeback performance, overtaking Maree Connor.

Between Jindabyne and Perisher Valley (210km), Andy McConnell carved 56 minutes off the gap to Joe Ward; Andy really was finishing strong. The weather had not changed or improved at all and the rain was still falling. With cold and icy conditions at Charlotte Pass, extremely low visibility and no change in the forecast for the day, the Race Directors called an Inclement Weather finish. Charlotte Pass would be the new finish line and runners would not summit Mount Kosciuszko. The decision was left as long as possible to enable the chance of a summit however was made in the best interests of runner safety.

Joe Ward arrived at Charlotte Pass (222km) complete with a pack ready for the summit and crossed the finish line in 25hrs 14mins 18s. Andy McConnell had gained close to another 3 minutes on Joe Ward since Perisher and was well and truly racing. Andy finished second in 25hrs 33mins 48s. Joe was a deserved winner however the possibility of a summit may have made for a very interesting finish as Andy was closing.

Kay Bretz was extremely satisfied to earn his Akubra in third place. Maree Connor continued her extremely strong and consistent performance to be the first female home in 28hrs 45mins 45s. Maree was always towards the front of the race and never seemed to struggle. Special mention must go to first timer Andy Heyden in a sprint finish just ahead of Stephen Redfern – kudos to Andy who in hindsight would have opted to cross together with Stephen. Similar kudos to Gerard Riordan who was extremely strong up front for such a large part of the race, finishing in 29hrs 54mins 42s.

This year saw another special finish for the last runner home, as a severely hunched Jane Trumper completed her 10th Coast To Kosciuszko, experiencing the best weather of the race and surrounded by a lot of love.

Congratulations to the first male Joe Ward and the first female Maree Connor. As always, many of the real stories of the race are further back in the field. All runners coped with the rain for all but the first few hours of the race, and then with the cold. Akubras for first time finishers and hat pins for returning finishers were extremely hard earned. It was great to see and recognise former race winners at the race presentation – Martin Fryer, Pam Muston Wayne Gregory, Sabina Hamaty, Ewan Horsburgh, Sharon Scholz and Katy Anderson, all still involved in supporting other runners.

The 2021 Coast To Kosciuszko was a real testament to ultra-runners, who showed physical and mental strength to keep at it, keep positive and make that finish line. What will Australia’s premier ultramarathon, the 2022 Coast to Kosciuszko, bring?

Pictured: Some of the starting line up at the 2021 Coast to Kosciuszko ultra marathon. Photograph – Supplied/Facebook.