About This Event
Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB has developed over its 18-year history to become Australia's premier trail-running festival and the world's second-largest Ultra-Trail event. Set in the scenic town of Katoomba in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains of New South Wales, UTA welcomes thousands of runners, spectators, and support crew each May. The event pays tribute to the traditional custodians of the land, the Gundungurra people, incorporating indigenous experiences from a Welcome to Country ceremony at the start line to the sounds of the yidaki on Ironpot Ridge. Runners traverse ancient pathways used by Aboriginal ancestors for thousands of years, creating a deep connection to the cultural heritage of this remarkable landscape. UTA prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming community where lifelong friendships are forged on the trails. The event features vast cliff tops, exposed rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and native bush alive with the sounds of nature, offering something breathtaking at every point along the course.
Choose Your Distance
1K
The 1K distance offers families and new runners a chance to participate in the UTA celebration. This short course provides a gentle introduction to trail running in the beautiful Blue Mountains setting.
11K
The route explores trails within the Greater Blue Mountains area, known for its dramatic escarpments, sandstone cliffs, and dense eucalyptus forests. Runners can expect a mix of fire roads and singletrack, with sections of technical terrain that require focused attention to root networks and rock gardens typical of the region's ancient sandstone geology. The Blue Mountains present distinct challenges compared to other Australian trail systems, with trails that often follow cliff lines and traverse steep-sided valleys carved over millennia.
22K
The route navigates the plateau edge west of Katoomba, utilizing a network of trails that wind through forest and along cliff lines. Runners encounter technical rocky sections that demand attention, particularly when wet. The Blue Mountains terrain is characterized by frequent elevation changes as trails descend into valleys and climb back to the plateau, though specific elevation figures for this course aren't publicly available. Water crossings and root-laced singletrack are standard features.
50K
The 50K route winds through the heart of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, utilizing portions of historic walking tracks that connect Katoomba with the wilderness to the west. Runners navigate technical descents on sandstone staircases, sections of forested singletrack beneath towering eucalypts, and wider fire trails that allow for faster running between the more demanding technical zones. The course includes multiple creek crossings and passages through narrow valleys before climbing back to the plateau. The Blue Mountains terrain is distinctive for its layered sandstone formations, which create natural staircases and rock gardens that require careful foot placement. Sections of the course follow cliff edges with exposure, while others drop into protected valleys where tree ferns and moss-covered rocks signal the temperate rainforest microclimate. Navigation is straightforward with clear marking and course flagging, but the technical nature of the descents and the cumulative effect of rocky terrain demand focus throughout.
100K
The route follows an out-and-back course from Katoomba, descending into the Jamison Valley before climbing back onto the plateau. Runners traverse the iconic Six Foot Track section, encounter the Golden Stairs (a notorious 900-step ascent), and pass through checkpoints at strategic locations including the historic Megalong Valley. The course combines fire trails with technical singletrack, requiring both physical endurance and technical skill as runners navigate rock scrambles and uneven sandstone formations. Night running is almost certain for mid-pack finishers, adding navigation challenges through forested sections where headlamps illuminate towering eucalyptus and weathered rock formations. The return journey tests mental fortitude as runners retrace their steps, confronting familiar climbs with tired legs while managing the cooling temperatures of a Blue Mountains evening.
100 miles (161.1K)
The multi-loop course maximizes the Blue Mountains' technical character, with runners covering sections of the iconic Six Foot Track and other protected trails within the national park system. Sandstone ledges, root systems, and rock staircases define much of the terrain, requiring constant attention to foot placement even as exhaustion mounts. The repetition of loops adds a psychological dimension—familiar sections become testing grounds for how well runners are managing fatigue and maintaining form. Aid stations provide regular support, though the technical nature of the trails and the duration of the event mean self-sufficiency between stations remains critical. Night running is inevitable for most of the field, adding navigation and concentration challenges to already demanding trails. Weather in the Blue Mountains can shift rapidly, and runners should prepare for cool temperatures, potential rain, and the exposure that comes with high ridgeline sections.