My Coast 2 Kosci 2025 Journey: The Gear That Got Me Through 240km
This year I had the privilege of being accepted to stand on the start line of Coast 2 Kosci 2025. For those of you who don't know, this 240km race starts in the coastal town of Eden (on Boydtown Beach) and runs to the top of Mount Kosciuszko. It is a pilgrimage that less than 70 people each year get selected to attend.
This journey took 3 solid months to prepare for with lots of learnings and pivots along the way. I knew I needed to have the right gear for this, so let me share with you what I used in both training and the race so I was READY!
Head Protection & Visibility
Fractel Cap
Fractel caps kept me sun safe in the hours of training and in the race, as well as keeping the rain out of my eyes! Our Run Trails custom cap is perfect for both with the extra ventilation on top!
Fenix HM65R-T Headlamp
When it comes to headlamps, I couldn't go past the Fenix HM65R-T. Now with both a warm white and cool white option, you can use what best suits your environment. And most importantly, battery life! I didn't have to charge or change batteries all night over the run from 8pm – 5:30am. The lighting even goes up to 1600 lumens (although I didn't need to use that).
Neven Eyewear Sunglasses
Sunglasses were Neven Eyewear all the way! These sunnies are lightweight, comfortable and stay on your face! They are polarised and fashionable! My pick at the moment are the Phoenix Solana's.
Shop Neven Phoenix Solana Sunglasses
Apparel & Clothing
Tops: 2XU Performance Wear
My favourites are 2XU and Abi & Joseph. The 2XU Light Speed Tech Tees and Aero singlets (wide back under my vest) are my picks for tops and the only tops I ran with in my race!
Sports Bra: Abi & Joseph Leo Tech
Can you believe I ran that whole race in only one bra? The Abi & Joseph Leo Tech sports bra is one of the best discoveries I have ever made. I own this bra in 6 colours and it's my go to for training and my race.
Shop Abi & Joseph Leo Sports Bra
Shorts & Tights
Shorts I can't go past Abi & Joseph too. They are comfortable for long distance events and long enough for people who suffer that dreaded chafing issue! LSKD and Lorna Jane are other branded ¾ and 7/8 tights that I use too.
Shop Abi & Joseph Bella Shorts
Socks: Feetures Max Cushion
My favourite socks are Feetures with anything in the max cushion range! They come in No show, Quarter and Mini Crew heights and many colours for whatever your sock preference may be!
Shop Feetures Elite Trail Socks
Footwear: My Shoe Rotation
I suffer from blisters in most of my ultras so shoes for this training block and race were VERY important to protect my feet! I tried a number of different shoes (lucky we own a shoe shop) and settled on these:
Hoka Challenger 8
These served me well for the first trail section and the following 18kms of road running in my race. Comfortable on both surfaces for the first solo 24kms.
Topo Athletic Specter 2
I had 3 pairs of these on rotation during training and by far were my go-to training shoe and race day shoe! They are incredibly light weight with a fully Pebax Powered midsole and they have a roomy toe box allowing my toes the space they need! These 3 shoes did the majority of the kilometres during this race!
Topo Athletic Vista
When these were first released, I bought a pair that first day. These epitomise comfort in a trail shoe form which is not always as easy to find! These shoes did the majority of my 'off road' kilometres in both training and on race day!
Topo Athletic Phantom 4
These were a late entry into the rotation for race day. I tried them on in the shop one day after a 50km training run and fell in love with how comfortable they were even on tired feet. Instantly I felt supported and once again, had the toe box space I needed.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
These shoes have been my 'last few kms' shoes in a few of my ultra races. The room in the toe box make space for swollen feet and in my case, blisters! This was no different!
Shop Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
Nutrition & Hydration
Hydration Drink Mix
Shop Pure Sports Nutrition Electrolyte
Gels
Snacks
As well as bananas, blueberries, apples, sandwiches, biscuits, lollies, pizza etc.
Essential Accessories
Trekking Poles
Shop Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles
Anti-Chafe Protection
Hydration & Carry Systems
Shop Ultimate Direction Clutch Handheld
Weather Protection
Shop Mac in a Sac Waterproof Pants
Gloves
Ready to tackle your next ultra? Browse our full range of performance gear tested in the toughest conditions.