Last weekend, I had the thrill of a lifetime running the Collie River Cru100 Relay 76km, brilliantly organized by the Perth Trail Series.
Our team, aptly named The Replacements, consisted of five runners, and I was one of the replacements stepping into the challenge. What unfolded was a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and a few unexpected twists that made this race one for the books.
If you’ve never tried a trail relay or a unique running event like this, let me tell you why you should and why you should start rallying a team for next year’s race.
From the start, our team was in high spirits, thanks to our fearless leader, Teena, who organized everything with precision and kept us motivated. A huge shoutout to her for making the day seamless and inspiring us to give it our all.
The relay format 76km split across five runners tested our endurance, strategy, and teamwork as we tackled the stunning but demanding trails of Collie.
Our team secured an impressive third place overall, but it wasn’t without a fierce battle, especially in the final two legs where fourth place was hot on our heels.
My leg, an 18km beast, started with Wade handing me the belt, six minutes behind third place, with a rallying cry of “Go get ‘em!” Fired up, I chased down the third-place runner, catching him 4-5km in. He was strong, and it took everything I had to surge past him and build a lead.
But the trails had other plans. In a moment of navigational chaos, I went off course not once, but twice within a single kilometer.
A team of three runners doing the 50km event found it hilarious, laughing as they kindly redirected me back on track. Their good-natured ribbing kept me smiling, but I’d lost my lead, and the third-place runner overtook me again.
We ended up running together for a stretch on a technical downhill single track, chatting while maintaining a solid pace, a surreal moment of connection amidst the competition. I pushed ahead again, joking that he’d probably catch me soon.
Then came the puddle incident. Bombing down a hill, I hit what I thought was another ankle-deep puddle, only to plunge into thigh-deep water for an impromptu swim. The third-place runner, close behind, found it highly amusing and checked if I was okay as I emerged, soaked but laughing.
Despite the mishaps, I managed to hold onto third place by a mere two minutes, handing the belt to Teena, who absolutely crushed the final leg. She gained ground on second place, but they were just too far ahead to catch.
Post-race, we celebrated at the Collie Golf Club, where ice-cold beers and hearty food capped off an incredible day. Reflecting on the experience, I’m already counting down to next year’s event. There’s something uniquely exhilarating about trail relays the combination of individual effort and team spirit, set against the backdrop of nature’s challenges, makes it unlike any road race.
If you’re a runner, I can’t recommend trying different types of running events enough. Whether it’s a trail race, a relay, or an ultra, stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling something new is where the magic happens.
The Collie River Cru100 Relay is a perfect example demanding yet rewarding, with a vibrant community vibe.
So, why not make 2026 your year to give it a go?
Start putting together a team now grab some friends, colleagues, or fellow runners, and get ready for an adventure that’ll leave you with stories, laughs, and maybe a few muddy shoes.
I’ll be back next year, and I hope to see you out there on the trails!
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Keep running,
Alistair Chegwidden
@Chegitout | #TheRunMaker