Pilbara Trailblazers hoping to launch series of adventure runs across the region, including runs in Karijini

The picturesque gorges of Karijini could soon be the location for adventure runs, according to a group of local fitness fanatics. Pilbara Trailblazers, a group of keen long-distance runners in Karratha, are hoping to launch a series of adventure runs across the Pilbara. The aim is to hold events region-wide and showcase some of the Pilbara’s unique locations. The runs would be a variety of distances and formats, from trail runs to marathons and even ultramarathons. Possible events include a Karratha to Point Samson ultramarathon, trail runs through Karijini, and even the Mother’s Day Classic in Karratha. Pilbara Trailblazers member Zoe Rutherford said the idea started when a group of local runners began training for the Cable Beach Marathon earlier this year. “I signed up and didn’t want to do the long runs on my own so put some messages out, and we had this amazing group doing 28-32km every Sunday,” she said. Rutherford said she then went on a trip to Millstream and ran the Snappy Gum Drive, a 30km loop. “I just had this ultramarathon thing going through my head the whole time and by the time I finished that run I was so excited,” she said. She said the lack of long-distance events in Karratha was also a drive to start the Pilbara Trailblazers. “We’re looking for funding now, and the first event we are looking at is the Mother’s Day Classic because that already has a large following,” she said. Rutherford said the group became incorporated as a not-for-profit so it could donate proceeds to mental health charities. “During lockdown things got pretty difficult. I’m an ex-cop and running is my outlet,” she said. “We want our events to be completely for fundraising, and one of our big things is we want to be fundraising for mental health and in supporting mental health. “You should be able to live in Karratha and still be an amazing athlete and have all the opportunities everyone else has.”