About This Event
Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB represents Oceania's premier alpine ultra-trail event, set in Australia's breathtaking Snowy Mountains. This trail running festival unfolds across granite outcrops, snow gum forests, and alpine meadows, where crystal-clear mountain streams weave through the landscape and expansive vistas define the rooftop of Australia. The event honors the region's adventure pedigree while welcoming runners to experience nature at its most spectacular. From alpine meadows to lakeside trails, the highly runnable and varied terrain delivers new delights around every corner, crafted specifically to create what organizers call "the ultimate runner's high." Designed with the entire trail running community in mind, Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko features unrivaled support crew access and strategic spectator points that put crews at the heart of the action. The event transforms the Snowy Mountains into an alpine playground where runners and their support teams share an unforgettable experience in Australia's ultimate mountain environment.
Choose Your Distance
32K
The most accessible distance that still delivers the authentic Snowy Mountains trail running experience. Perfect for runners new to mountain trail running or those seeking a challenging but manageable alpine adventure.
50K
The route departs from Thredbo Village and moves into the Kosciuszko National Park backcountry. Runners encounter mixed terrain that includes established trails through snow gum forests and more exposed sections across alpine areas. The Snowy Mountains present a different alpine experience than European or North American ranges, with gentler gradient approaches to elevation and vegetation adapted to both summer heat and winter snow. The course takes advantage of the region's network of historic trails, some originally cut for grazing and mountain access in the 19th century.
102K
Starting from Thredbo Village at 1,370 meters elevation, the course moves through varied mountain ecosystems that shift from dense eucalypt forest to windswept alpine herb fields. Technical singletrack sections alternate with more runnable fire road stretches, though the precise route configuration varies by year. Runners navigate rocky trail surfaces, root systems in lower elevations, and exposed ridgeline sections where weather conditions can change rapidly regardless of season.
161K
The 161K course explores the full breadth of Kosciuszko National Park's alpine zone, linking classic peaks and remote valleys in a challenging loop. Runners traverse varied terrain including singletrack through snow gum forests, exposed ridgelines with panoramic mountain views, technical rocky sections requiring careful footwork, and sections along historic cattlemen's trails. The route visits iconic locations in Australian alpine history while pushing into lesser-known wilderness areas where runners experience genuine remoteness. Extended sections above treeline expose participants to whatever weather the Snowy Mountains deliver, making this as much a test of mountain craft as running fitness.