Sue Robertson — Delirious WEST 100 Miler 2026

contributed by sue robertson

delirious west 100 miler - 8 April 2026

This was our 5th start at this event, our 2nd in the 100 miler. We truly love this one, the comradery, the scenery, the food, the anticipation, the quiet, the nature, and then hopefully those finish line feels.

Now based in Albany, I was lucky that Bianca, my daughter, also my coach, arrived a week before the event, and we got to enjoy the run up to this event together. Last minute training, planning, and then sorting drop bags, was much more fun doing it together.

There had been a few changes to the event in the weeks prior so we had to alter a few things that were originally planned, but all was locked in now, and we were good to go.

Thursday morning, we enjoyed coffee with friends, last minute sorting food, then lunch and a little nap before heading off to Walpole, a 90 mins or so trip. Robbo took us over, and we relaxed in the car. On arrival we went and got our mandatory gear all checked, got to see our RDs Shaun, Susan, Scott and Shannon. then our tracker was added to our packs, and we put our bibs on. What was really special was seeing some of our friends come through who were doing the 200 miler, and wishing them well on the next half, hugs to Matt whose race had come to an end due to an injury, but then his son in law carrying on. We also caught up with South Australians Nancy and Ben who were joining us for the 100 miler, so good to see them. We dropped all the drop bags at the designated spots, and then had a good hour or so wait before the briefing, so drove off to find some pies to eat, so we had something in our stomachs before the run to the first aid station. We got to see Peta heading out on her next section, and gave her a hug, she was definitely feeling a niggle, but was strong and set off to tingle Tree Aid. We were kindly being given a lift to the new start line with Kylie and Chris, so after the briefing from Susan and Shaun, we headed off following a line of cars to the race start.   Instead of starting at the Tree Top Walk, we were a few kms from there on a gravel road. So we had 4.5 kms of gravel before turning around , and eventually coming across the Bib track where we headed South towards Conspicuous Cliffs. 

A few quick photos with friends, and the Welcome to country, and we were off, around 64 runners set to head to Albany. Bianca and I ran/walked along this section, seeing plenty of our friends along the way was so good. Very happy when we finally got to the turn around, and now felt like the event was really starting. We caught up with Andrew and Ariane, and followed them along the trail until we got diverted on to the Bib track, and before long our 4 became 5 as we had the lovely Elinor join us, who had gone slightly off track. We enjoyed the chatting, the single track, and hearing about Elinor, who was from Sydney, and had flown over just for this event. Considering we had done this section multiple times, none of it appeared familiar!! Ironically we were to meet a guy visiting from the USA, whom Bianca and Nick met last year in a race, and he was over here doing the Bib End to End, starting from Albany. 

He had followed our progress on the tracker, and was at the Rame Head hut, and came out to say hi, and we took a quick photo. What incredible timing!!!   Eventually we saw the glowing lights of the Aid Station down some stairs, and you could hear the waves on the beach. This first section was just under 22kms.

Laura, Steve, Charles and Tamala, all looked after us here, refilling our bottles, some coffee cake, which was delicious, and some snacks from our drop bag, and we set off again towards Peaceful Bay, 15.5kms, along with Elinor. It’s always nice to have someone else to chat with, and keep conversation flowing. We went down the stairs and along the beach, still dark, there was quite a drop off in the sand which we haven’t seen before. It’s then up and into the dunes, and following sandy trails, some elevation, more sand, some rock climbing, all under a half moon. We did stop a couple of times and turn our head torches off to look at the stars, it’s so peaceful and beautiful.

Eventually we are on the beach and heading to the steps that would take us up to the hall near to Peaceful Bay caravan park. A new spot, and it was very nice having a hall, and a toilet, and here was Trevor and Melissa, with hot soup and bread, and other goodies to fill our tummies. We did empty out the sand from our shoes, and shake out our socks, Bianca leaving a small sand dune on the floor. This aid station was full of other runners, lots of our friends, so was really nice to all catch up a bit here.

Eventually we had to leave, and set off back to find the beach, where we had a long hike along to eventually find the jet ski for a small inlet crossing. It was really quite nice along here, we could see headlights in front and then a little line back down the beach. When we got to the jetski crossing, we had caught up with other runners, and there was a wee queue to get across. Andrew and Ariane had crossed, and Lisa was next. Another couple of ladies, before I got taken across, and then a short wait for Bianca to join me. It was at least another 4kms along the beach before you get off and follow trail to eventually reach Boat harbour, totally 18 kms. No chance I was going to send us up the wrong dune this year, in fact if you just follow the beach you eventually come off naturally. 

There are still some sections along here, where it is easy to get mistaken on where to go, always grateful to have the gaia app to check we are going in the right direction. Along this section eventually the sunrise came, and it was so nice to take off head torch, and the high vis vest, and finally see our surroundings, which are so beautiful. It’s quite nice trail all through here, but did seem to take forever before you finally see the blue roof in the distance of the aid station. A little crossing across the beach and we were welcomed by Peggy and her husband. Elinor was there already and a couple of other runners. We were offered a seat, and then I had porridge and a cup of tea, Bianca had bacon and egg burita I think. All our bottles were filled up, and then we needed to move as more runners were coming in.

Tristan was leaving the same time as us, so we had a quick photo, and then he disappeared across the rocks. We were on our way to Parry Beach, 11kms, which last year in the 200 we were zombies along this stretch!! It was quite pleasant this time, lots of nice single track and plenty of coastal views. Eventually you come in at the back of the caravan park, and with a few people shouting out well done, we made our way to the aid station, via the facilities. Jenny was running this aid station and we were treated to the best cheese toastie, and it was delicious. Plenty of other friends here, always so nice to see them. I changed my socks and discovered a blister on my heel, lucky for me Gwen was there, and she kindly dressed that and another couple of little blisters. Bianca and I did a complete change of clothes, which felt amazing, wet wipe bath, and before long we were ready to make our way to Monkey Rock, 17.4 kms, 7kms of that on the beach!!

Big hugs from all, and we were off. Fortunately the temperature was quite mild and pleasant and we enjoyed the walk along the beach, with some little sections of jogging. Finally you get near the end of the beach, and it is a climb off the beach, thankful for the rope to help me up here!!!

This next section just seemed so hilly, I had forgotten, lots of sand tracks, plenty of elevation. We eventually were on a track similar to where we went a bit wrong last year, and it said we were off track, so we retraced our steps, and came across Ella (200 miler lady), and another lady. We went down another track and that was wrong too, so we went back down the first one, and eventually it said we were on course. Must have been a new section of track.

Anyway eventually we came across the water and the steps at the beach. Bianca was able to climb up the steep rock, but I ended up with wet feet, and managed to skirt around the back of the rock and up some stairs to the path. The path then is on part of the Wow trail, before heading back on to the Bib track, and then finally across the paddock and over a couple of styles. A careful cross over the road, and there was Shaun, and the Monkey rock aid station. Lovely to see Renee, Kris, Shane, Harmony and Juliet all here looking after us all. A chair, some yummy lamb and rice, a cup of tea, and suddenly I felt really tired. My feet needed sorting as they had got wet, and we were very lucky that Kath was here, and after sorting Bianca’s feet, she then redressed mine, and new socks made it all better.

I did manage to have quick 5 mins in a chair that I could put my feet up, and although I nearly fell out trying to get in, fortunately Aaron had arrived, and he was able to help me get out!!!! It was now about 4 pm on Friday afternoon, we were on time, but we now had double Monkey Rock to do. Melissa came in, she had done the double, and was ready for the shuttle, so envious. Eve, Reid and Brian all came in while we were here. Bianca sorted her feet out, and I put my feet up and closed my eyes for 5 mins. Harmony gave us another toastie wrapped in foil to take with us. Eventually it was Eve, Brian, Reid, Elinor, Bianca and I that joined up to do the trek up and over. I started to panic a bit, as thought I was going to be left behind, Bianca was ahead chatting away, and I couldn’t keep up. This was the start of my chest starting to wheeze a bit. Occasionally I had to stop to catch my breathe, but they were all stopping too, so we did stay as a train. We had hoped to get to the top before it got dark, and that we did. Coming down the other side as the light started to go, we had to be really careful, the trail is littered with rocks and tree roots and is quite steep going down in places. Our favourite photo was taken at the top still in daylight. We took it very carefully, mindful of how easy to do an ankle, or trip and fall head first!! Something I have done before at Irrational, with dire results.

Finally we reach the yellow post with the password of Bananas on it, and our turn around point. We all stop and have something to eat, and a quick rest before heading back up, and then down the other side. Mindful of the shuttle bus leaving every hour, and hoping we make it back , without just missing it!! We were all tired by this stage, we had been going for over 24 hours, with no sleep, and Bianca and I had already decided we would sleep at Nullaki before heading to Lowlands, where we were to originally take our first sleep. I think trying to concentrate on the path in the dark, was definitely tiring. I was also getting very chesty, and thought I could hear frogs, only to realise it was me making the noise!! The cold air was definitely impacting me!! We took it carefully, and we all made it down in one piece, glad of each others company, and we had 12 minutes to spare for the 9.00pm shuttle. Perfect.

We all bundled in to the van, and it was full, and Felix was our driver. It was about a 40 mins trip, and apart from mistaking where the aid station was, and having to turn around and find the right spot, and poor Elinor feeling slight unwell, we eventually came across the right spot. It was a new location, due to having no aid station in Denmark, and meant we also didn’t have to do the snakey bit alongside the water that we normally do. Rebecca, Chris and Hannah were here, and Rebecca asked what we wanted and we said sleep. She took us to the sretcher beds, and gave us an hour. Unfortunately it was freezing, and with only one blanket this wasn’t looking good. We put on our thermal tops, Melissa, another friend, came along, gave Bianca a blanket and me her hoody, so we could try and keep warm.

We didn’t sleep, it was too noisy, but we did rest at least. We got up and put our thermal tights on as well, and then went and got some food. Rebecca had a delicious hot soup and we had that and a cup of tea. Eve, Brian and Reid had come in, and were all wrapped up also having to try and sleep. We were so cold, we have not really had that before, and were grateful for our thermal wear. We left again with Eve, Brian and Reid, but Bianca was walking really fast to keep warm, and it wasn’t long before I couldn’t see their headlights behind us. I quite like this section, 14.5kms, it is pleasant rolling, sometimes sandy track, and although it was dark, it was still nice. We could occasionally see the half moon up above, and again turned off the head torches to see the stars, and just listen to the quiet. This is another section where it does seem to take forever to finally see the aid station. You seem to be constantly going around headlands, and all there is is darkness. I was so happy when pretty much you finally turn a corner and go down a few stairs and there is the gravel road to the aid station. Andrew turned up right behind us, he had passed the others, and now we all wanted a sleep, it was quiet here, and we were exhausted. Andrew had been running with Ariane, they were doing this together, but unfortunately Ariane had issues with her knee at the top of Monkey Rocks and made the decision to withdraw, such a shame.

Bianca and Andrew had the 2 beds that were available, and I had the chair, and we were wrapped up, and given 20 minutes to close our eyes. It came around far too quickly!! I’m not sure if I slept, but definitely felt a little better. We had a toastie here I think, a quick cup of tea, and refilled all our bottles, and the bladder. The next section was a very long one, about 23kms, with no Shelley Beach Aid station, it was going to be a long stretch. Eve, Brian, and Andrew all left together before us, and we just made sure we had plenty of food. It was also even colder, so we put our rain coats on as well as the thermal gear in the hope of warming up. I am not sure what time it was, but probably somewhere around 4am, maybe. Now running a couple of hours behind our original schedule, it didn’t matter, but we needed to notify Trish, who was our pacer, and thought we would be at Cosy Corner around 9am. We rescheduled to around about 11am, knowing this section would probably take around 7 hours. I was happy that as it got warmer the frogs in my chest had departed, the trail was not too bad, and it was lovely to see the dawn come up again, and the sun came out and start to warm us up. We eventually were able to take off our rain coat and the top layer of thermal clothing.

We tried to nibble at least something every hour or so, and keep drinking. It gets much harder the more you do, but I did keep drinking, and the custard pouch went down well, and the occasional chew. Unfortunately the hot cross buns we had packed, had not hit the spot this time, as in training, and they were not being eaten!!! Somewhere along this section Bianca became very tired, and we eventually found a spot where she attempted to have a dirt nap. I set the alarm for 7 minutes, and just sat and enjoyed the view. Brian, Eve and Reid passed us on this section, a quick wave, and they quietly went on their way. Unfortunately sleep did not come to Bianca, and we resumed the zombie march towards Cosy Corner.

It was a definite lift when we hit the green mesh on the path that led us towards the crossover path that goes south to Shelley Beach or across towards Albany. I love this section, it is slightly undulating, pretty, with plenty of leaf litter underfoot, and beautiful views. Only another 8kms or so to the steps leading to Cosy Corner. It was truly welcomed when we got to that bit, and then to see Trish waiting for us at the bottom, along with Glen. It was hard not to get emotional here, with good friends here, and the tiredness, and knowing that we are on our way to the finish line. The aid station we got spoilt again. Zoe was manning this one, and it was lovely to see her, along with Lindsay who had pulled out sadly earlier on in the race. We had our feet sorted out, clean socks, hot soup, cup of tea, just rested, and let the love pour over us. Eve, Brian and Reid being looked after by their friends and family too, it was just lovely to watch.

Eventually as hard as it was we had to leave, it was now midday, so we were a couple of hours behind schedule, but we still had plenty of time, so it was not an issue really. We hit the beach at the same time as Michael and Jake, and there was a short conversation before Bianca got her walk on, and we were just in front of them. This was about 6kms along the beach, and then around 13kms to Shazzas Aid station.

The beach was not as easy to walk on as previous beaches, and trying to find the sweet spot without getting our feet wet, and not being in the soft sand proved difficult, but the new company of Trish made this section actually pass quite quickly. The water looked lovely, and a swim would definitely have been welcome that’s for sure. It was warming up nicely, and I was glad I had a hat on, but it was nice to just have a tshirt on.

Finally we got to the steps, a lot of them to get off the beach, but we made it. Used the facilities at the top, and then emptied the sand out of our shoes, and shook out our socks. I was nervous about the next section, as was worried my wheezing would come back, as I thought there was quite a bit of elevation, but in fact it was ok. It was much more pleasant trail than I remember, and because my back was not hurting this time, I really enjoyed this section. It does seem to take forever to get to the first turbine, but then you can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, and count off the windmills, until you finally hit the board walk, where we had to deviate around last year.

Then there is the aid station, and chairs, and there was Andrew as well. Shane there in his usual happy self offering to help with everything, and the aid station volleys who gave us delicious spag bol, and a cup of tea, that hit the spot!!! We changed our shirts, and put our Brain Cancer Research tops on, as Bianca was doing this run for her friend Danielle, who is fighting Brain cancer. We had our photo with Andrew with our cans of Emu Export beer, and before long we were off, last section to the finish line, 12.6kms. I had forgotten that the start of this section had a few bits of elevation in, and before long the wheezing had returned, possibly due to the drop in temperature too, so I eased up the effort a bit, and rested occasionally to get my breathe back. We were also blessed with an amazing orange sunset, which highlighted the wind turbines, it was so beautiful. Before long though we were on the sandy track that heads towards Albany and the finish line.

The lights from the town lighting up the sky line were a welcome sight. I had messaged my husband to say we hoped to be at the finish line somewhere between 8.00 and 8.30pm, we had left Shazza’s aid about 5.00 ish and it was just over 12 kms to the finish. I loved the track when it changed to single track and we were heading down towards Frenchman Bay Rd. Trish, Andrew and Bianca keeping up the chat, and myself bringing up the rear!!! Eventually we got to the main road, and after crossing it carefully, we had a little boardwalk before seeing the sign that pointed towards Jeffs tree. We had read in the email that we were to head to the finish line first, and pick up the shoes, and then return back to the tree around 2km further along back towards the township, but we got a message saying we were going the wrong way. So no need to go to the finish line first, straight to the tree, and pay our respects, and then return to the finish line. This bit was tough, both mentally and physically, due to the hard surface of the pavement, and we were so close to the finish line. Anyway we chatted along the way, used the facilities that were available on the path, past another runner Ray with his family, making their way back to the finish line. We got to the tree and read the plaque, and then returned back towards the finish line. Trish was still encouraging us to eat, which was now a real challenge, and we stopped again for the toilet facility and all had a quick sit and something to eat. Finally we were on our way, just a little way along the path, and eventually the path turned and we were headed up a grass field towards the flags and lights and the finish line.

We sent Andrew up first to enjoy the magic of crossing the line of his first 100 miler, but we could here Susan calling out Sue and Bianca, woops. Shortly after Andrew had crossed, Bianca and I shuffled up the grass and finally across that finish line to hugs from Susan, each other and hubby, and Eve’s lovely mum and dad. It was now just after 9.00 pm, so a bit later that I had told my hubby, but not bad considering we did a few hundred extra metres!!

The relief to finally take our packs off and sit without having to get back up again in a hurry was heaven. We watched Ray come in, managing to shuffle over the line, and finally get to sit with his family. We then waited for Eve and Brian to finish, we had spent so much time with them, it was lovely to be there and welcome them over the line. What a race, such an amazing event, and loved all the comradery that was so much a part of it. To the Event team, and all the volunteers, and all the other runners, thankyou for making this another special event. Thankyou Trish for joining us at Cosy Corner for the last 30 kms or so, your company, and your kindness in looking out for us was amazing, we truly appreciate you. To my coach, Bianca, from Bee Ultra Ready, thankyou for putting me in the best position to tackle this amazing event.

Apart from the wheezing, my body felt good the whole time, no niggles, just one blister, and I have now recovered really well too. Congratulations to all the runners whether you made the finish line or not, still something to celebrate. Best congratulations go to Gabe who on his 3rd attempt had finally made the finish line, and to Jamie, what a finish. Watching Karin and also Matthew crossing the finish line was also a very emotional moment, congratulations to you both. To our photographers, Astrid and also Libby, who was crewing Sym, magical photos to keep our memories alive, thankyou.

• Distance 170kms
• Elevation 4,139m
• Time 50 hours 8 minutes with 7 hours stopped time
• Finish #4