Races
Ultra-Trail Australia
One hundred miles in the Blue Mountains. Escarpment trail. WSER stones for finishers under cutoff.
102 mi+12,078 ft-11,727 ft44:30727 ft to 2,140 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookBlue MountainsWSER qualifierMay
Distance102 mi
Gain+12,078 ft
Loss-11,727 ft
Altitude727 ft to 2,140 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 75°F
- Start1,647 ft
- High2,140 ft
- Low727 ft
- Finish1,998 ft
Geometryderived
Steepest drop866 ft-7.6% over 2.2 mi
Night miles52 misunset near 17:00 local
The cruxBack-half Blue Mountains loops with sleep debt and stair descents (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Ultra-Trail Australia runs 100 mi through Katoomba, Australia. +12,078 ft gain and -11,727 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% fire road / 5% steps. Back-half Blue Mountains loops with sleep debt and stair descents. High point near 2,140 ft. Low near 727 ft. May temps run 40°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 12,078 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 44:30 total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
May in Katoomba, Australia: plan for 40°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 44:30 pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Back-half Blue Mountains loops with sleep debt and stair descents near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Ultra-Trail Australia finish lines.
Official siteBack to racesPredict your timeTrain for this raceCheck readinessFoot care plan