June 7 is the second annual Coaster marathon, and our Halfmoon Happenings columnist Kyla Trethewey checked in with organizers Marzelle and Jeanelle for insight into what’s already become a wildly popular late spring event. The following is adapted from their email conversation.
Inspired by the access to trails that “twist and turn through lichen covered forests” and the need for events for the growing trail running on the Coast, the Coaster –– with marathon, half-marathon, 10km and cub runs –– was born last year. “We really wanted to showcase our unique and stunning trails and also have the opportunity to give back to our trails and grow and celebrate community through our event,” shared Jeanelle.
After last year’s race, $6,000 was donated to the Coast Mountain Bike Trail Association and the two organizers commented on the positive feedback from the Coast community, “whether they participated, volunteered, supported or simply heard about the event after the fact.”
“Overall, the buzzing energy and happy runners just made the hours of work pre-race so worth it!” Marzelle said.
The Sunshine Coast Trail Runners are a key community who show up for the Coaster in volunteerism, participation and enthusiasm. “We are celebrating two years as a community this summer and it has been really special to see how social and welcoming this amazing group of people are,” said Jeanelle. Those interested in joining can find details for SCTR’s weekly runs on the Strava platform.
Though they received permission to expand the event this year to welcome more runners, the Coaster 2025 is already sold out. Marzelle and Jeanelle are, however, looking for a number of key volunteer roles –– from start and finish line crew, early morning registration crew, road marshals, and aid station volunteers. “Races would not be possible without volunteers, they are the heart of events,” said Marzelle.
Volunteers get early access to race swag, 15 per cent off 2026 entry and are entered in a draw to win some Arc’teryx products.
For those who want to support runners, the races start at the upper Kinnikinnick field, where Equis es Mexico and Little Spoon Ice Cream will be on site.
