Benn's Journey to Victory at Coast to Kosci 2024

A WINNING COMBINATION - Read Benn's wrap up of his C2K WIN now...

Time: 27:42:56
Placing: 1st

From the moment the announcement was made in July 2024, my focus shifted entirely towards Coast to Kosci (C2K). This was set to be the longest race distance I had ever run, and I had my eyes on a finishing time faster than my previous performance at UTMB, aiming for 26-27 hours. Based on past results and the competitive field, I believed this was the range where the race would be won.

The Training Block

My preparation was extensive, building my weekly volume to 150-170km while maintaining two strength sessions per week. These sessions included both specific leg loading and functional mobility work to ensure my body could handle the demands of ultra-distance racing. Speed work was incorporated once per week to refine leg turnover and efficiency, while another session focused on strength-based hill efforts. Long runs were key, simulating the terrain and conditions of C2K. Back-to-back long runs on fatigued legs helped develop endurance, while double run days contributed to overall volume without excessive stress.

Gear and Nutrition Plan

My race-day gear was tested and dialled in:

Footwear Strategy

• Salomon S/Lab Genesis (Start – 100km)
• New Balance SuperComp Elite V4 (100km – 200km)
• Saucony Endorphin Pro V4 (200km – Finish)
• Backup Options: Salomon Pulsar 2, Saucony Endorphin Speed, Brooks Glycerin Max

Clothing

Fractal SNL Cap, Fusion Tempo Race Tights, Fusion Tempo Race Singlet, Fusion Sli Race Shirt, Fusion Race Socks.

Nutrition Plan

•  Primary Fuel: Tailwind (Mandarin, Watermelon, Tropical)
• 2 scoops per 30-40 mins (Non-Caffeinated)
• After 80km: 2 scoops non-caff + 1 scoop caff
• After 180km: 2 scoops caff + 1 scoop non-caff
• Hydration & Energy Boosts:
• Red Bull (100km, 160km, 200km)
• Coke (200km – 240km)
• Solid Food & Supplements:
• Banana Bread, Bananas
• Clif Bars
• Precision Hydration Chews (every 40-60 mins)
• Water & Mineral Water
• Tailwind Recovery (after 160km and post-race)
• Anti-Fatigue Tabs (every 2 hours)

My fuelling strategy revolved heavily around Tailwind Nutrition, supplemented with banana bread, Clif Bars, Precision Hydration chews, Coke, Red Bull, and mineral water. Given the 24+ hour duration, I trained my gut to handle higher caloric intake, aiming for 2 scoops of Tailwind per 30-40 minutes initially, adjusting as the race progressed.

Race Day Execution

Race Crew & Pacers

• Crew Chief (& Superstar Wife): Nicole

• Crew & Pacers:

• Ben Darcy (Paced from 130-160km)

• Brooklyn Darcy (Paced from 160-180km)

• Dillon (Crewing, potential pacing)

• Nikita (Paced from 180km)

"Having a fantastic crew was crucial. Nicole was my crew chief, and they all did a brilliant job of staying positive, keeping me cool, and staying on top of what I needed. They adapted to the situation, especially when I was struggling early on, and made sure I had everything I needed to keep going."

Arriving in Eden the day before, I felt prepared but slightly under-rested due to work commitments. The pre-race ceremony was surreal, and as I stood on the beach with my crew, I was ready to execute my plan. The first 10km saw a group of us running together before the race began to spread out. By the first checkpoint at Towamba (24km), I was in third place, staying relaxed and controlled.

The heat became a significant factor, reaching over 30°C. By the time I hit Big Jack (50km), I was struggling with light-headedness and had to rapidly adjust my hydration strategy. Overconsumption of Tailwind led to stomach bloating, forcing me to rely on water and small amounts of solid food to settle my gut.

At the 100km mark, I was still behind but had recovered well. Switching to road shoes at 110km, I began to pick up pace, overtaking key competitors. By Dalgety (148km), I had settled into second place, moving efficiently as night fell.

Mental Focus and Resilience: "I wasn’t thinking too much about the other runners. My focus was on maintaining my pace and not worrying about anything I couldn’t control. I made sure I stayed relaxed and adapted to the conditions. I wasn’t expecting it to be easy, but I was prepared to push through the hard moments."

The Final Push

Jindabyne (183km) was the longest stop—about 2.5 minutes—to change into a shirt for warmth and address some chafing issues. I downed a Red Bull, grabbed a Clif Bar (my first solid food in 20 hours), and pushed on. Passing the frontrunner, Rob, shortly after Jindabyne, I was now leading.

The final climb began, and despite deep fatigue setting in, I felt strong. My crew’s energy lifted me, and with Nikita pacing, we kept spirits high.

Finishing Strong: "The last stretch was a mental battle. I didn’t know how many runners were ahead of me, so I just stayed focused on my race. I pushed through the fatigue and kept my eyes on the finish line, knowing I had trained hard for this moment."

The final stretch was a battle against exhaustion, but as the sun began to rise, I neared Charlotte Pass. The last 9km to the summit was brutal, but reaching the top and securing the win was an indescribable feeling.

Winning the Race: "I was incredibly happy to cross the line first. It felt amazing, especially after all the preparation and effort I’d put in. To win C2K is a huge accomplishment, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my crew and the training I put in."

Looking Ahead: Moab 240

C2K was a dream race, but the journey doesn’t end here. My next challenge awaits at the Moab 240—a gruelling 240-mile race through the Utah desert. The lessons learned at C2K, from pacing strategy to nutrition adjustments, will all be applied as I push my limits even further.

For now, I’m savouring the victory and grateful for my crew, supporters, and fellow competitors who made C2K an unforgettable experience. Until the next adventure (which just so happens to fall 1 day after my first wedding anniversary...planned perfectly wouldn't you say Nicole)!