This FKT is for the Cooloola Great Walk from the Southern Entrance return, taking the route via Freshwater Camp, Teewah Beach and Double Island Point on the way up, and via Lake Poona on the way back, a total of 196km.
This was a solo and fully unsupported run, carrying all my nutrition and gear with me and stopping to filter water along the way. I started from the Big 4 Campsite in Noosa North Shore at 3pm on Friday. The start time was based on an estimated arrival time on the beach after Freshwater which I wanted to be at lowish tide.
The first 20ish km to Brahminy bush camp was all in the light, the trail is beautiful flowing and undulating single track with occasional views over the ocean. Brahminy was the first quick stop to resupply my water from the tank.
After that I ran in the dark through the night past Dutgee, Litoria and Kauri camps, at each one stopping to filter water and move nutrition from the back of my pack to the front pockets. The logistics of managing that much nutrition was a real challenge. I used a waste belt to help with storage, and had it stuffed full of gels and other food, unfortunately I'd underestimated how warm it would get against my body so it was coming out tasting pretty horrible and some of the whole foods started turning.
I lost all reception somewhere between Litoria and Kauri (Telstra), running alone through the bush with lots of noises around me was a bit unnerving, I assume the noises were wild pigs and wallabies.
On the outbound leg I turned right towards the beach shortly after Kauri camp, this took me to Freshwater campsite and onto Teewah Beach (where I regained reception). The tides were perfect for a run about 8km up to Double Island Point for a stunning sunrise. I was pretty tired and felt a bit sick from the warm gels by then, the sunrise and views gave me a welcome energy boost! From there I could see across the bay to the Rainbow Sands which was spectacular.
Back down onto the beach for a few km then inland onto the single track again. After about 100km I crossed the Carlo Sandblow and run to the official northern track entrance. The temptation to add a few km and run into Rainbow Beach town for coffee and proper food was huge but I managed to turn around and head back.
I'd underestimated how much I was drinking and how long the leg from Freshwater to the next water would take me. With nearly 15km to go before the next bush camp and tank I ran out of water, being midday and hot it was a real slog to Lake Poona where I decided I'd have to drink from the lake. I was dubious that my filter would handle the stagnant water (Katadyne Befree) but aside from being an odd colour the water was fine. I found that section really hard, partly I think as I was so close to civilization but had to turn away knowing I had 90+km of solitude and warm gels ahead of me.
After stopping for a while at Kauri I felt better and actually ran pretty well back to the start, even managing a few sub 7min km's. The only challenge I had was crossing the Cooloola Sandpatch as the wind has blown away all tracks so I really struggled to find the exit on the other side.
Finishing in the dark after 32+ hrs of running with no finish line antics was a bit odd, just me, a sleeping bag in my car and some Fireball to celebrate!
Overall, it took me 32hrs27min to cover the 196km with 4460m of elevation gain. It was harder than expected with a lot of sand and more vert.
I'd definitely recommend this route for anyone looking for a challenge!