I'd wanted to run The 100 Beaches of the Shoalhaven for a few years now however the Bushfires of 2019 were the first roadblock. Then came flooding followed closely by Covid lockdown. As soon as it was possible to re-enter the parks I stared doing training runs, working on the logistics of such a distance including the options for the water crossings.
I chose to use an inflatable packraft for 4 estuary / creek crossings . I started carrying the raft to use between Beach #2 and #3. My husband (support person) met me after the first crossing to take the raft onto beach #14 where I used the raft a second time to cross onto beach #15. He met me again at this beach to transport the raft only. The third time using the raft was to cross from beach #41 to #42 and the fourth and last time between beach #56 to #57. The total time spent paddling was less than 1 hour in total for all 4 crossings.
Being summer, I chose to start running at 4.20 in the afternoon, intending to run through the night. I hadn't factored in the Beecroft Penninsula was closed and couldn't gain access after 9.30pm Thursday. Fortunately my support vehicle is a campervan so I slept on the trail until the gates opened at 4am Friday. I also stopped to sleep in the van on the trail Friday and Saturday nights.
I ran solo the whole distance and my husband was my only support person.
Post bushfires some of the areas the tracks between beaches #76 through to #97 are very overgrown and quite indistinct in places. I would strongly suggest anyone attempting these sections take a map, compass, have a mapping app downloaded (eg Avenza) and do not attempt these sections at night solo.
BEST long adventure running weekend ever!