About This Race
The 50K distance at Ultra-Trail Australia represents the event's most accessible entry into Blue Mountains trail running, drawing runners from across the region and beyond each May. Part of the UTMB World Series, this course delivers the technical demands and rugged beauty that define the Blue Mountains without requiring the multi-day recovery of the longer distances. The route traverses ancient sandstone pathways where Aboriginal Australians traveled for thousands of years, now maintained as part of the Six Foot Track and connecting trails. Runners encounter the full spectrum of Blue Mountains terrain over 51 kilometers: technical rock staircases, exposed cliff-top sections with views across the Jamison Valley, and sustained climbs through eucalyptus forest where the air carries the distinctive scent of gum leaves. The course is technical enough to demand attention and respect, but manageable for runners stepping up from marathon distance or those using it as a solid training effort. Katoomba serves as the race hub, a small mountain town 90 minutes west of Sydney that transforms into trail running central during race week. The May timing places the race in Australian autumn, when temperatures are moderate and the summer crowds have dispersed from the Blue Mountains' popular trails. This is trail running in one of the country's most iconic wilderness areas, with the infrastructure and community atmosphere that comes with a UTMB World Series event.
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.
Location
Practical Info
May brings mild autumn conditions to the Blue Mountains with daytime temperatures typically 10-18°C (50-64°F), though weather can change quickly at elevation with potential for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures in exposed sections.
SYD - Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
Katoomba offers a range of accommodation from budget hostels to hotels, though booking well in advance is essential as the town is small and the race weekend draws significant numbers. Many runners stay in the broader Blue Mountains area including Leura and Blackheath, both within easy driving distance of race headquarters.
Best For
Notable Features
Ultra-Trail Australia brings UTMB World Series standards to one of Australia's most distinctive trail running environments. The Blue Mountains terrain is unlike trail systems in other parts of the world—the sandstone geology creates technical rock staircases, narrow cliff-edge passages, and an almost architectural quality to the descents. The event attracts a strong field of runners from across Asia-Pacific, and the race organization reflects UTMB's international standards while maintaining the character of an Australian bush running event. The staging area in Katoomba and the community support along the course create an atmosphere that balances competitive racing with the communal spirit of ultra running.