Races
Ultra-Trail Australia
Blue Mountains. Katoomba cliffs. Fire trail and singletrack. One hundred kilometers of Australian escarpment.
62 mi+8,987 ft-9,006 ft19 hours728 ft to 2,145 fttech 6/10Checkpoints per race bookBlue MountainsUTMB IndexWSER qualifierMay
Distance62 mi
Gain+8,987 ft
Loss-9,006 ft
Altitude728 ft to 2,145 ft
Technicality6/10
Air45°F to 75°F
- Start1,647 ft
- High2,145 ft
- Low728 ft
- Finish1,627 ft
Geometryderived
Steepest drop932 ft-8.1% over 2.2 mi
Night miles25 misunset near 17:00 local
The cruxBlue Mountains stair descents and cliff-edge trail in May chill (near mile 40)
Course DNA
The Course
Ultra-Trail Australia runs 100 km through Katoomba, Australia. +8,987 ft gain and -9,006 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% fire road / 5% steps. Blue Mountains stair descents and cliff-edge trail in May chill. High point near 2,145 ft. Low near 728 ft. May temps run 45°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.
The Work
Train for 8,987 feet of climbing across 100 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 19 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 6/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 40.
Kit
May in Katoomba, Australia: plan for 45°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 19 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 31.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. Blue Mountains stair descents and cliff-edge trail in May chill near mile 40 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 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Ultra-Trail Australia finish lines.
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