the raceS

100km // 50km // UTA 22 // UTA11 //SCENIC WORLD UTA 951 // INJINJI 1KM-4-kids

They searched the country for the best place to build what would become Australia’s most challenging, stunning and prestigious 100km trail running event. The breathtaking trails located in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park of Australia were the obvious choice. Starting in 2008 as The North Face 100 and Marathon Pairs, the 50km was introduced in 2013. 2016 saw an expansion of the event and a name change to Ultra-Trail Australia with a substantial increase in the entrant numbers in the 100km and 50km and the introduction of the UTA22, Scenic World UTA951 (Furber Stairs Time Trial) and Event Expo. UTA11 was introduced in 2019. Ultra-Trail Australia has captivated runners locally and internationally and It has quickly grown to become one of the most talked about endurance events in Australian history. Ultra-Trail Australia is run over an adventure filled 4 days, it is the biggest trail running party that Australia has ever seen! The Ultra-Trail Australia party is an energetic and dynamic hub where runners of all abilities and their families can learn about trails, gear, nutrition, training, race strategy and more. Athletes, families and friends shop, make connections and build relationships with other runners, coaches and brands.

ULTRA-TRAIL AUSTRALIA 100
This is where it all started. AROC Sport searched the country for the best place to build what would be Australia’s most challenging, stunning and prestigious 100km trail running event. The breathtaking trails located in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park of Australia were the obvious choice. Known as The North Face 100 from 2008 to 2015 and as Ultra-Trail Australia 100 from 2016 onwards. Stunning views, lots of stairs and an elevation gain of 4,400m (4,400m of climb and 4,400m of descent).

ULTRA-TRAIL AUSTRALIA 50
The Ultra-Trail Australia 50 was introduced in 2013 and has quickly stepped out of the shadow of the 100km event to become an iconic event in its own right. As a shorter ultra, the 50km is a perfect race for runners taking on their first ultra. This challenging 50km course follows the second half of the 100km route through the Kedumba Valley. 2,400m of elevation gain (2,400m of climb and 2,400m of descent).

UTA22
The UTA22 was introduced in 2016 and is the perfect introduction for new runners wanting to try out trail running and be part of the incredible vibe of the Ultra-Trail Australia party. The event starts at Queen Victoria Hospital and finishes at the atmospheric Scenic World and provides runners the opportunity to get a taste of the ultra distance courses. 1,200m of elevation gain (1,200m of climb and 1,090m of descent).

UTA11
The UTA11 was introduced in 2019 and is a stunningly beautiful but technical and physically demanding trail run. It is also an excellent introduction for new runners wanting to try out trail running and be part of the incredible vibe of the Ultra-Trail Australia party. The event starts at Fairmont Resort and finishes at the atmospheric Scenic World and also provides runners the opportunity to get a taste of the ultra distance courses. 560m of elevation gain (560m of climb and 520m of descent).

SCENIC WORLD UTA951
The Scenic World UTA951 is an invitation only event limited to 30 runners. It is a time trial up the infamous Furber Stairs - the finish of the other Ultra-Trail Australia events. 951 stairs in 1.2km! Participants will travel down to the start via the Scenic Railway - the steepest incline railway in the world. The runners will finish in the 30 minutes prior to the first finishers in the UTA50.

INJINJI 1KM-FOR-KIDS
The Injinji 1km-4-Kids is an inclusive and fun event engaging families and facilitating community connection. This is where our runners of the future get to shine. The event honours the role of children as a valued part of the festival and allows them to experience trail running for themselves. A participatory race, each kid receives a medal. Hosted just prior to the main presentations, the Injinji 1km-4-Kids also creates an unforgettable atmosphere for the event wrap up. For any age up to 12 years.

See the event website for full event details

the place

The Blue Mountains is a must see destination for any resident of the country or any visitor to Australia. Over one million hectares of World Heritage-listed bushland. More than 140 kilometres of walking trails (many of which you’ll tackle in your race)! Hundreds of bird varieties, dozens of reptile and amphibian species and mammals found on no other continent. All on the doorstep of Australia’s biggest city, Sydney, making the Blue Mountains Australia’s most accessible wilderness area.

The views are seemingly endless; blue-hazed valleys, golden sandstone escarpments, plunging waterfalls, deep, fern-filled canyons, lush pine forests and rolling pastoral lands. The fresh mountain air and the dramatic beauty of the region create a sense of peace and space.

Luxury abounds in the region. The tranquility and natural beauty invites you to relax and enjoy the many health, beauty and rejuvenation treatments on offer - all very tempting after the event. The vibrant arts community includes some of Australia’s best painters, sculptors, musicians and writers. The Blue Mountains also links Australia’s centuries old Aboriginal culture and that of its pioneering European settlers. As such it’s a perfect place to explore history old and new — visiting Aboriginal cave paintings, sharing stories of the dreamtime with local Aboriginal guides and walking roads and bridges first carved out of the bush by convict labour.

And for the foodies; many villages in the region offer award winning restaurants, cafés, boutique shops, antique emporiums and galleries. So whilst UTA will be the reason you are drawn to the Blue Mountains; you’re guaranteed to leave with lifelong memories (and sore legs)!