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Coast Cardiology Beach to Brother: 10 Years of Iconic Coastal Trail Running

The Coast Cardiology Beach to Brother Trail Running Festival returns to Greater Port Macquarie on Sunday 6 September 2026 and this year is a big one. It’s the 10-year anniversary of what has become one of the most iconic coastal trail runs in New South Wales, finishing on a high at the summit of North Brother Mountain.

Whether you’re chasing the 42km finisher medal, stepping up to a brand-new challenge, part of a team or coming back for another crack, now is the time to lock it in. Entries are already filling fast, so this is your sign to stop waiting for it to get “closer” and give yourself something awesome to train for.

There’s a distance for everyone

No matter where you’re at in your running journey, there’s a way in:

  • Busways 5km — the perfect entry point, and a great way to drag family and friends along for some on-course fun
  • Men And Women At Work 10km — step up to a proper coastal challenge
  • Hammer Nutrition Australia 21km — the half-marathon distance across stunning terrain
  • Tarkine 42km — the full individual challenge and that coveted finisher medal
  • Enriched Health Care 42km Team Relay — share the distance, share the glory

A genuinely tough event. Respect the mountain

Make no mistake: this is not a flat, easy loop. The Beach to Brother course throws everything at you: soft sand, coastal singletrack, technical trail and a lung-busting climb to the top of North Brother Mountain. The 42km in particular is a serious undertaking that rewards months of consistent training and a healthy respect for the distance.

That’s exactly why it’s the kind of event where your heart health matters. Endurance events place real demand on the cardiovascular system, and anyone taking on a challenge like this, especially at the longer distances, should make sure they’re training smart and, where appropriate, getting the tick of approval from a health professional before toeing the start line. It’s not about scaring anyone off; it’s about turning up to the start line strong, prepared and ready to enjoy the day.

Coast Cardiology — local, and giving back in spades

This is where the major event partnership really matters. Coast Cardiology isn’t a faceless corporate logo bolted onto a banner, they’re locally owned and deeply embedded in the Greater Port Macquarie community they serve. They give back to that community in spades, and backing Beach to Brother as the major event partner is a natural extension of who they are.

Sports people and endurance athletes are a big part of what they do, because when you’re taking on something as gruelling as a coastal trail marathon, you want a heart-health partner in your corner. 

A few faces to look out for

This year, Melinda will be out on course as a sweep, one of the crew making sure every runner is looked after from start to finish. And fingers crossed, if training goes to plan, Kristian will be there to join her, also as another sweep.

Book yourself in

Ten years. One iconic coastal course. Five ways to take it on. Choose your distance, drag some mates along, and give yourself something brilliant to chase.

Register now before it sells out — head to beachtobrother.com.au to secure your spot.

See you at the mountain. #finishonahigh 🏔️

major sponsor beach to brother

 

beach to brother 10 years coast cardiology
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Jaki Bowden

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST
Jaki has always been a people person and has been working in medical administration and reception since 2010. Working at the Private Hospital and specialist practices over the years she has gained invaluable knowledge and disseminates her knowledge to give a better understanding of processes to the unknown.

Jaki finds delight talking with our diverse range of patients about their life experiences. She is an active person, who you may see around town walking her dog and enjoys sighting the wildlife of Port Macquarie.

Jill McKittrick

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST
Jill has been working in medical administration and reception for over twelve years which has enabled her to gain a vast and diverse skill set. Over this time, Jill has gained her knowledge across both general and specialist practices and she is keen to share this experience with her colleagues and patients at Coast Cardiology.

Jill is excited to provide all patients with an efficient and friendly experience in their dealings with Coast Cardiology. Jill and her family have lived in Ellenborough, west of Port Macquarie, for over twenty years and she looks forward to greeting you all when you visit the practice.

Marella Edwards

MEDICAL RECEPTIONST/NURSING ASSISTANT
A Lifelong Passion for Helping others.

Marella’s journey began during high school, where she volunteered working at a local nursing home. From this experience, Marella then felt drawn to the healthcare field.

Growing up in Port Macquarie, she was surrounded by natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Her caring nature and desire to help others led her to pursue a career in healthcare.

Marella has medical knowledge and training in Electrocardiogram (ECG's) Holter Monitors and much more, which she uses to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Playing an integral role in patient care, the information she provides helps doctors determine appropriate treatments and courses of action.

Marella feels fortunate to do work that is both personally fulfilling and contributes value to the community. Marella’s path in healthcare has truly been a ‘hearts calling’.

Jaala Buckmaster

RECEPTION TEAM LEADER

Jaala is an experienced and dedicated professional with over 14 years of experience in the specialist medical field as a medical secretary and receptionist, with 13 of those years focused specifically on cardiology. Her passion for this field began when she started working as an administrator in cardiology right after completing high school, and she has continued to develop her expertise and knowledge ever since.

As a senior medical administrator, Jaala has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the cardiology field. She has received training in Electrocardiogram (ECG's) and Holter Monitors and is always ready to assist patients within her practice. Her attention to detail and patient-focused approach have earned her a reputation for providing high-quality care and service.

Jaala has lived in the Camden Haven for the past 16 years, establishing a long-term home for her young family. She takes pride in supporting the local community in various endeavors, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact wherever she goes.

As an Office Manager, Jaala's experience, knowledge, and dedication is invaluable. She is detail-oriented, patient-focused, and has a deep understanding of the medical field. She is eager to bring her skills and expertise to any new challenge and is committed to making a meaningful contribution to her new team.

Michelle Hoy

SONOGRAPHY TEAM LEADER

Michelle began her career in cardiology in 1996 and leads the team of Cardiac Sonographers at Coast Cardiology.

Michelle completed her bachelor degree at Wollongong University. She continued her cardiology training at Westmead Hospital, where Michelle was involved in working with pacemakers in the cardiac labs in addition to being involved in cardiac research. At Coast Cardiology, she performs echoes, stress testing and has a special interest in electrophysiology.

Michelle is an enthusiastic member of the team and enjoys supporting the community of the Mid North Coast.

Karen Hillcoat

CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Cardiac), AMS

Obtaining her Diploma in Medical Ultrasound (Cardiac) in 1994, Karen has been instrumental in establishing imaging cardiac investigation services in the region. Karen has been a cardiac sonographer for almost 40 years and has been an examiner for the Queensland Ultrasound of Technology course. For more than 20 years , Karen has been performing echoes, stress echoes and other cardiac investigations in the Mid North Coast area.

Committed to supporting the local community, Karen has also been involved with an indigenous cardiac clinic in Kempsey since 2017.

In addition, Karen regularly attends cardiac conferences, learning the latest developments in diagnostic cardiac ultrasound, and has organised and presented at regional professional meetings.

Karen is passionate about teaching echocardiography and has been actively involved in the training of echo technicians and medical students, as well as doctors at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and other hospitals.

Melinda Prados

BUSINESS MANAGER

Melinda oversees the business operations at Coast Cardiology. With two postgraduate degrees extensive experience in corporate, business and retail financial management experience, Mel ensures we continue to function efficiently and safely - delivering the best possible care for our patients keeping costs as low as possible without compromising quality of care.

Mel enjoys spending time in the community with her young family. She is actively involved in long distance triathlon events, ultra trail running, and promoting healthy living to improve long term health outcomes.