Ultra-Trail Australia is a 100km ultra marathon in Katoomba, Australia. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 4,400m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 48/100). DNF rate: 18%. Time limit: 28h. Surface: trail. Established 2008.
Ultra-Trail Australia
Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia
"100km through the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area — steep valleys, stone stairways, and eucalyptus forests."
Australia's premier ultra trail race — a UTMB series event through the stunning Blue Mountains west of Sydney.
The Course
Through the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area west of Sydney. The course descends into deep valleys, crosses creek beds, and climbs steep stone stairways through eucalyptus forests. Technical single-track with significant vertical gain.
mountainous
loop
8
1,100m
5
Runner Experience
UTMB-standard aid stations with hot food, drinks, medical support, and drop bag access at major checkpoints.
Professional UTMB-style finish with crowds, announcements, and a festival atmosphere in the finish area.
Race Day Weather
14°C
5° – 18°
60%
30%
Australian autumn — cool mornings, mild days. Can be wet and cold in the valleys overnight.
Stats & Records
2008
1,200
18:00:00
08:26:00
Tom Evans (2022)
10:12:00
Ruth Croft (2022)
Entry
AUD 495
September
weeks
Lore & Trivia
Ultra Trail Australia runs through the Blue Mountains west of Sydney — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of sandstone escarpments, eucalypt forest, and the kind of quiet, ancient beauty that defines the Australian bush. The course descends into and climbs out of multiple valleys via stone stairways and bush trails, with the iconic Three Sisters rock formation visible from several points. UTA is Australia's most popular ultra and the event that brought trail running into the Australian mainstream.
- ▸ Part of the UTMB World Series, making it a qualifying race for UTMB Mont Blanc.
- ▸ The Blue Mountains' famous 'Giant Stairway' — over 900 steps carved into the cliff face — features on the course.
- ▸ The eucalyptus forests create a unique running atmosphere, especially in the early morning mist.
- ▸ Established in 2008.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 4400m.
UTA 100 through the Blue Mountains — the signature Australian ultra. Sandstone stairways, lyrebird calls, and endless green.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra-Trail Australia? +
Ultra-Trail Australia is a 100km (100km) ultra marathon with 4,400m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra-Trail Australia? +
Ultra-Trail Australia is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 48/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 18%. Runners have 28 hours to finish.
How do I enter Ultra-Trail Australia? +
ITRA qualification points required. Part of the UTMB series.. Entry costs AUD 495.
What is the weather like at Ultra-Trail Australia? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range 5°C to 18°C) with 60% humidity and a 30% chance of rain. Australian autumn — cool mornings, mild days. Can be wet and cold in the valleys overnight.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra-Trail Australia? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Ultra-Trail Australia? +
The men's course record is 08:26:00 set by Tom Evans in 2022. The women's course record is 10:12:00 set by Ruth Croft in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Ultra-Trail Australia? +
The average finish time is 18:00:00. About 1,200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 18%.
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