Ultra-Trail Australia
A brutal 100-kilometer trail race through the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains west of Sydney.
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Mid-May
100 km
4,400 m
~827 athletes
Course Highlights
- Furber Steps cliff-face staircase
- Jamison Valley and Kedumba Valley crossings
- Six Foot Track historic trail section
- Three Sisters rock formation viewpoint
- Scenic World cliff-top start and finish
The Course
The UTA 100 starts and finishes at Scenic World in Katoomba, plunging athletes into the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park from the very first kilometer. The course descends steeply into the Jamison Valley before climbing back out via the famous Furber Steps, a relentless staircase carved into the cliff face. The early exposure to serious vertical sets the tone for a course that never lets up.
The middle section traverses ridgelines, creek crossings, and dense eucalyptus forest, passing through the Kedumba Valley and along the Six Foot Track. Navigation is straightforward but the terrain demands constant attention, with exposed rock slabs, root-covered single track, and occasional ladders built into the cliff walls. The Blue Mountains' signature blue haze, caused by eucalyptus oil in the air, gives the surrounding valleys an almost otherworldly quality.
The final 20 kilometers test whatever reserves athletes have left, with the notorious Golden Stairs and a final climb back to Scenic World providing a sting in the tail. The course rewards those who manage their effort carefully through the early valleys, as the accumulated vertical and technical terrain take a heavy toll on legs and ankles. Finishing on the cliff-top overlooking the Three Sisters is one of ultrarunning's most spectacular moments.
History
Ultra-Trail Australia was first held in 2008 as a grassroots trail running event in the Blue Mountains. It has since grown into the largest trail ultramarathon in the Southern Hemisphere and became a UTMB World Series event, connecting it to the global trail running calendar and offering qualifying points for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc.
The race offers distances ranging from 11 kilometers to 100 miles, but the 100-kilometer course is the flagship event and the one that draws elite trail runners from around the world. The Blue Mountains' proximity to Sydney, just 90 minutes by train, gives the event an accessibility that few mountain ultras can match, and the combination of technical terrain and stunning scenery has earned it a loyal following among both Australian and international athletes.
How to Train for UTA
Train on stairs and steep descents
The Furber Steps and Golden Stairs are among the most demanding staircase sections in any ultra. Include dedicated stair sessions in your training, focusing on both ascending and descending under fatigue. Strong quads and confident footwork on steps will save you significant time and energy.
Build technical trail skills
The Blue Mountains course features exposed rock, root-covered single track, and uneven sandstone surfaces. Train regularly on technical trails rather than smooth fire roads. Ankle stability exercises and trail-specific footwear are essential for staying upright over 100 kilometers.
Prepare for variable mountain weather
May in the Blue Mountains brings cool mornings, potential fog, and the possibility of rain that can turn rock surfaces dangerously slippery. Carry mandatory gear including a waterproof jacket and practice running in wet conditions. Temperature swings of 15 degrees between valley floors and ridgelines are common.
Respect the cumulative elevation
Over 4,000 meters of elevation gain across 100 kilometers means you are climbing the equivalent of a major mountain. Power hiking the uphills from the start is not a weakness but a smart race strategy. Save your running legs for the flatter ridgeline sections where you can make up time efficiently.
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