Image by: Noeko

Erika Lori’s Extraordinary Run of the 1000km Bibbulmun Track

The Bibbulmun Track, stretching an impressive 1000km along Western Australia’s rugged southern coastline, is no stranger to avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Every year, over 80,000 individuals brave the challenging trail, seeking adventure and communion with nature. Among them, however, stands one exceptional woman who not only completed the journey but shattered records with unparalleled determination and resilience – Erika Lori.

Erika’s achievement is nothing short of mind-blowing, as she set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the entire Bibbulmun Track. The magnitude of her accomplishment is awe-inspiring, and when we compare her statistics to the track averages, the extent of her feat becomes even more apparent.

Track Averages vs. Erika’s Performance:

The average duration of an end-to-end hike on the Bibbulmun Track is approximately 48 days, with hikers covering an average of 20.8km per day, including rest days. However, Erika’s relentless drive saw her complete the trail in a staggering 258 hours, running an average of 7.2km per hour (elapsed time). She spent around 13 hours on the trail each day, with her shortest day covering 81km in just 10 hours and 52 minutes and her longest day taking her a remarkable 109km over 18 hours and 21 minutes.

For most hikers, the journey requires 1.3 pairs of shoes and 3 pairs of socks to traverse the entire trail. Erika, in her determined pursuit, surpassed these figures by going through 3 pairs of shoes and 10 pairs of socks, a testament to her dedication and relentless forward motion.

Image by: Media by the Untamed

During her journey, Erika faced numerous challenges, including sleep deprivation. While she initially managed around 8 hours of sleep each day, as she drew closer to the end, she slept for a mere 3 hours on the final night, pushing her physical and mental boundaries to the extreme.

Her awe-inspiring 1,166,656 steps, an elevation gain of 21,000m (averaging 2000m per day), and over 100 energy gels consumed speak volumes about her physical prowess and determination. But Erika wasn’t alone on this journey; she had a dedicated support crew of 11 core individuals, additional support runners, and numerous fans cheering her on throughout the trail.

Erika’s recovery after the epic journey was a testament to her strength and commitment. It took about a week for the swelling in her legs to subside, nearly three weeks for her dreams and fatigue to decrease, and around three to four months for her muscles to fully recover. Despite the pain and exertion, Erika knew her effort was not in vain. Her feat raised thousands of dollars for mental health awareness in Western Australia, making her journey even more meaningful and impactful.

Image by: Media by the Untamed

Throughout her trek, Erika immersed herself in the natural beauty of the Bibbulmun Track, encountering a diverse array of wildlife, from snakes and emus to kangaroos and dolphins. Amidst the challenges and wildlife sightings, Erika’s determination never faltered.

Her epic journey was not without its hurdles, as Erika was forced to make a hospital visit due to severe swelling in her legs. However, she looks back on the pain with pride, knowing that it contributed to the greater cause of raising awareness for mental health.

Erika Lori’s incredible accomplishment on the Bibbulmun Track stands as a testament to the limitless potential of the human spirit. Her unyielding determination, physical prowess, and commitment to a greater cause have left an indelible mark on the trail’s history. Erika’s journey inspires us to dream big, conquer the unconquerable, and make a positive impact on the world. Her footsteps on the Bibbulmun Track echo the message that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, we can overcome any obstacle and leave a lasting legacy of inspiration for others to follow.

Throughout her journey, Bailey not only persevered through physical challenges but also took it upon herself to explore and advocate for mental health support resources available along the east coast. Her aim was to combat stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding mental health and encourage people to access the help they need without stigma or judgment.