Heart of the South Take the Win in the 2025 Bibbulmun Track Virtual Hike Challenge
The 2025 Bibbulmun Track Virtual Hike Challenge brought together 189 participants in 92 teams, all striving to complete the Track’s 1,000km journey from Kalamunda to Albany. This year’s winning team, Heart of the South was made up of seasoned ultra-endurance athletes Sue, Nick, and Bianca, who combined determination, teamwork, and a few unexpected adventures to claim first place. In this exclusive interview, we hear from Sue and Nick about their experience, their highlights, and what’s next for their trail running journey.
Congratulations on your win! What drew you to this year’s challenge?
Sue: “We were definitely keen to take part again after last year. A portion of my miles came during an unofficial event called Run for the Ages, where you run the number of hours of your age, in my case 67 hours. I covered 191km in that time. Meanwhile, Bianca and Nick were in America competing in the Heart of the South, a 400-mile run.”
Bainca and Sue at the Ultra Series Delirious West 2025.
Nick: “Last year’s Bib Track Challenge lit a spark in me, it got me moving again and reminded me how good it feels to be part of something bigger. So when it returned this year, I jumped in without hesitation. Perfect timing, too—Bianca and I were about to set out on a 400-mile race across the U.S., and the challenge slotted in beautifully.”
You weren’t in the same place for most of the challenge. How did you manage to keep the momentum going?
Sue: “While they were overseas, I committed to 20km a day to keep our team moving. Bianca and I have been doing ultra running for about six years now after coming from a triathlon background, which included Ironman Busselton in 2015 and 2016. In the last three years, we’ve done a number of 100- and 200-milers, most of them together. Bianca and Nick met on the trails too. We’re part of an amazing community built by Ultra Series Australia – wonderful people who run and volunteer. There’s always someone to join you for a run or a hike if you want the company.”
Sue and Bianca at an Ultra Series event.
Nick: “Our little trail trio was in it together from the start. Sue, fresh off a big run of her own to kick things off, committed to those 20km a day while we were trekking. That’s friendship. That’s motivation.”
Were there any memorable moments along the way?
Nick: “Oh, plenty. We met legends behind the wheel, relocated a turtle from a busy road, and laughed through the kind of miles that change you. There were peanut butter bars, mud, long days, and a whole lot of joy. It wasn’t just about the steps, it was about community, momentum, and doing something wild together.”
An unexpected moment — relocating a turtle from a busy road during the challenge.
Nick and Bianca running through the U.S. during the 400-mile “Heart of the South” race.
What’s next for Heart of the South?
Sue: “We’re ramping up training for the Lighthorse 24 Hour Ultra in Yellodonga National Park this September, followed by the Feral Pig Ultra in November, which is on the Bibbulmun Track. We’ll be in the 100-mile event. And there’s a good chance we’ll use our prize vouchers for the Delirious West 2026 which is held on the Bibbulmun Track from Northcliffe to Albany.”
Bianca and Sue at a past Ultra Series Feral Pig event.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the challenge next year?
Sue: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to virtually run the Track, stay motivated, and be part of a community.”
Nick: “We’ll be back – and you might just come away with a few great stories, new friends, and maybe even a turtle rescue to your name.”
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation congratulates Heart of the South and all participants in the 2025 challenge. Whether you hiked, ran, or power-walked your way to the finish, every kilometre helps keep the Track’s spirit alive.
