Bloody Long Walk Sunshine Coast

 

Bloody Long Walk, Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia 2021

Just because its winter, doesn’t mean you need to be holed up. If the only time you’ve seen the sun come up is when you’ve been on your way home from a night out, you need to sort your life out. The thing about sunrise though, is that it’s just so early that if you’re going to drag yourself out of bed before most coffee shops are even open, it had better be worth your while. We were up and early Sunday with hundreds of like-minded people who took part in the inaugural Sunshine Coast, The Bloody Long Walk. Renowned for being a fun community event with stunning scenic walking routes, the national fundraising series of the Mito Foundation had Coast residents trekking from Coolum to Mooloolaba Beach. The name is a great drawcard and it’s also a good distance.

Mito is a debilitating and potentially fatal genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to convert food into the energy needed to power muscles and major organs; 1 in 200 people are at risk of developing Mito. One Australian child born each week suffers a severe or life-threatening form of Mito making it the second most commonly diagnosed serious genetic disease after cystic fibrosis.

 

In our busy lives we still make time to volunteer for a variety of reasons like giving something back to the community, making a difference to the people around us. Gain a sense of purpose and become happier, meet new people and develop lasting relationships. The walk started at Tickle Park, Coolum, situated right on the beach, where you can bring the whole family for a play on the swings, cook up a storm on the electric BBQ"S, have a swim in the ocean or just lay back and take in the sunshine. After helping out at the start line we headed to Pit Shop 2, Marcoola Surf Club. 10.67km from start Marcoola Beach is located just north of Maroochy River and boasts quiet uncrowded beaches, which are best suited for serious surfers and walkers.

 

Marcoola Beach is a great escape - unwind for a quiet barbecue or picnic with open grassy parkland, shady trees and children's park. Apartment style accommodation, as well as a range of hotels are available with eateries within easy driving distance. Marcoola Beach is close to the Sunshine Coast Airport, and about 10 minutes' drive south of Coolum. The Event Volunteers were essential to keep the walkers motivated, hydrated and fed.

 

The walkers moved down the coast line and alongside the beautiful Maroochy River through to the picturesque Alex Forest conservation area. We then moved forward to Nelson Park. 30.54km from the start Nelson Park is a lovely little getaway in the middle of the Sunshine Coast. If you get sick of the beach it's the best place to cool off on a walk, a quiet place to have a picnic or just a great place to let the kids burn off a bit of energy.

 

From Nelson Park the walkers had 14km to go before reaching Mooloolaba Beach. Mooloolaba Beach is one of the most picturesque on the Sunshine Coast with its clean, white sands and azure waters. The beach is patrolled every day of the year by lifeguards and is perfect for those a little more timid in the sea as the waves aren't too big.

 

The Bloody Long walks are a great way to fundraise for the Mito Foundation, as well as a healthy activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Participating in a charity walk is a great way to bring people together.

Tony and Kim Outdoor Adventures acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and Elders from other communities we may visit and walk beside. (Tony) as a Bidjari Descendant, recognise their connection to Country and their role in caring for and maintaining Country over thousands of years. May their strength and wisdom be with us today.

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