From the coastal streets of Coogee to the national stage of ultramarathon running, Heather Hawkins has once again shown that age is no barrier to remarkable endurance. The veteran runner and ovarian cancer survivor captured the women’s title at the Australian 48-Hour Championships, covering an extraordinary 244.729 kilometres, smashing a few records while she’s at it!
A Landmark Achievement for Coogee
The event, held from 26–28 September 2025 in Campbelltown, tested runners’ stamina and resilience as they raced continuously over two full days. Hawkins emerged as the first female finisher, according to results shared by the event organisers and her own official page. In her post-race reflections, Hawkins said she surpassed previous benchmarks in the W60-64 category, pending formal confirmation by athletics authorities.
Her performance was widely shared by ultrarunning groups and community pages across Australia, and local supporters in Coogee hailed the result as a significant milestone. Official results confirm her distance and victory, while record ratification remains in progress.
From Cancer Recovery to Ultramarathon Success
Hawkins’ endurance journey began after surgery and recovery from ovarian cancer diagnosed in late 2006. Determined to rebuild her life, she turned to running and gradually embraced longer distances, eventually entering some of the world’s most demanding endurance events.
She has completed the World Marathon Challenge — seven marathons on seven continents in seven days — and claimed victory in the North Pole Marathon in 2015. In 2019, she conquered The Track, a 522-kilometre foot race across central Australia.
Her most recent 48-hour win builds on that legacy, demonstrating her sustained success over nearly two decades in endurance sport. Hawkins also shares her experiences as a Can Too ambassador and patient advocate, using her platform to encourage others navigating cancer recovery and promoting physical activity as a source of strength.
Community Pride and National Recognition
Hawkins’ story resonates deeply in Coogee, where she continues to train and inspire fellow runners. She was inducted into the Randwick City Council Sporting Hall of Champions in 2016, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to sport and the community.
As officials review her record-setting claims, Australian ultrarunning groups and local supporters have already celebrated her achievement online, highlighting her run as one of the standout performances of the year. Her latest success is more than a sporting result; it is a powerful reminder of perseverance and possibility.
Published 17-Oct-2025
