Date: Wednesday, 13 March 2024
From: Wendy
Coast to Coast on KI
The Hydro Tasmania King Island Imperial 20 is a 32km handicapped run from one side of the island to the other. The only coast to coast race in Australia, it can be run solo or as a 2 to 4 person team relay. This event now in its 31st year. The race record is held by Steve Moneghetti who ran in 2002. Vanessa Wilson ran the fastest female time in 2020 – just over 2 hours.
The Feral Jogger contingent was 4 members plus an invitee so that I didn’t have to run so far. Janelle and Anna tackled the 32 kilometres after weeks of dedicated training. My son Julian and I (not so dedicated) ran the course as a team so 16km each – me first then Julz. Louanne entered the 8km walk. The finish line was placed so that entrants had to run past it down to Currie Harbour and back up Wharf Hill before the home straight. This last 1500 metres was tough.
Unseasonably warm weather on the Saturday and locals were saying how dry the island was – brown not green. Thankfully the temperature dropped overnight and Sunday was mild with a breeze at the start. Drink stops every 4km and lots of friendly volunteers. 156 entrants for the various categories including 2 pram pushers and three 70+ Active ageing participants in the 4 and 8 km walking events. 39 runners signed up for the 32km. So not a mainland size event but it had a nice community feel and it was fun exploring the island before and after the run. Fairy Penguins sighted one evening at Grassy Harbour. Local beer from the brewery and the famous King Island cheese tasted. Another fantastic away event.