Ultra-Trail Australia 50K is a 50km ultra marathon in Katoomba, Australia. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 2,200m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 33/100). DNF rate: 10%. Time limit: 12h. Surface: trail. Established 2011.
Ultra-Trail Australia 50K
Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia
"50km through the Blue Mountains. Sandstone canyons, eucalyptus forest, and Australia's premier trail ultra."
Australia's flagship trail ultra — a 50K through the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area with dramatic canyons and eucalyptus forest.
The Course
A scenic loop through the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area west of Sydney. The course descends into dramatic sandstone valleys, crosses creeks, and climbs back to the ridgeline through eucalyptus forest. Technical stairs and rocky trails define the experience.
hilly
loop
4
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
12°C
5° – 18°
60%
30%
Australian autumn — cool, crisp days in the mountains. Cold starts before dawn. Rain is possible.
Stats & Records
2011
800
08:00:00
Entry
AUD 175
September
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Ultra Trail Australia 50 is the gateway to Australian trail running — a 50km course through the Blue Mountains west of Sydney that introduces runners to the sandstone escarpments, eucalypt forest, and ancient landscape of the World Heritage-listed region. The course descends into and climbs out of narrow valleys via the stone stairways that are the Blue Mountains' signature feature, with the iconic Three Sisters rock formation visible from multiple points. For thousands of Australian runners, UTA 50 is their first trail ultra — the event that transforms road runners into trail addicts.
- ▸ The Blue Mountains get their name from the blue haze created by eucalyptus oil vapour in the air.
- ▸ The course descends into the Jamison Valley, which is deeper than it is wide — a dramatic sandstone canyon.
- ▸ Ultra-Trail Australia is part of the UTMB World Series and a gateway to UTMB qualification for Oceanian runners.
- ▸ The infamous 'Furber Steps' section features nearly 1,000 steps carved into the cliff face.
- ▸ Established in 2011.
The Blue Mountains 50 — eucalypt forest, sandstone cliffs, and the smell of bush after rain. Quintessentially Australian.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra-Trail Australia 50K? +
Ultra-Trail Australia 50K is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 2,200m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra-Trail Australia 50K? +
Ultra-Trail Australia 50K is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 33/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 10%. Runners have 12 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Ultra-Trail Australia 50K? +
Average temperature is 12°C (range 5°C to 18°C) with 60% humidity and a 30% chance of rain. Australian autumn — cool, crisp days in the mountains. Cold starts before dawn. Rain is possible.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra-Trail Australia 50K? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Ultra-Trail Australia 50K? +
The average finish time is 08:00:00. About 800 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 10%.
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