Ultra-Trail Australia – 2nd largest trail event in the world

The Ultra Trail Australia by UTMB is now the world’s second-largest Ultra-Trail running festival. Held in Australia’s majestic Blue Mountains it has race distances for all abilities including 11 km, 22 km, 50 km, 100 km, and 100 miles.

Training for the Ultra Trail Australia is a challenging and exciting experience, and expert advice makes a big difference on race day.

Having helped thousands of successful entrants and spent hundreds of hours running in the Blue Mountains, we know exactly how to guide you toward a successful UTA.

Learn expert tips and time saving tricks following an Ultra Trail Australia Training Plan designed specifically for this epic event.

UTA insider tips

Things to prepare ahead of time

• The race will sell out usually within hours of opening so have the date marked in your calendar
• Start your training as soon as possible.  
• Your strength and mobility work is just as important as your run training
• Training on hills and stairs is your secret weapon 
• Practice hiking up hills. It is different from running and you will be hiking on race day
• Book accommodation early as it fills up quickly
• Start organising your mandatory gear as soon as possible
• Join the UTA chat forums or our Streek members forum to have all your training questions covered
• Join our on-course training runs with the Blue Mountains Fitness team
• Start working on your race nutrition strategy on your long runs
• Weather is generally a comfortable temperature but it can get very cold over night
• Pack warm clothes for before and after your race.  
• Something fun for your support crew –  Lawson Park Run – 8am Saturday Morning.
• Check out Scenic World and take a ride on the World’s Steepest Railway

FAQs

NB: We have a beginner, intermediate and Advanced level for each of our training plans. These descriptions below are our minimum fitness/experience recommendations required to follow our beginner level plan of each distance.

Q: How much training is required for the UTA

A: We recommend a minimum of 16 weeks specific training for any distance over 21km. This gives you enough time to build strength and endurance to enjoy your race.

For the UTA11 we recommend a training period of 12 weeks.

Q: How long will the UTA miler take to complete?

A: The winner in 2025 was just under 19 hours, and the final finisher was just under 45 hours

Q: What are the different race distances offered at the UTA?

A: The race distances are:

• UTA Miler (161.5km)
• UTA 100 (100.8km)
• UTA 50 (50.8km)
• UTA 22 (22km)
• UTA 11 (12.6km)

Q: Where is the UTA held?

A: The race takes place in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia.

Q: How much elevation is in the UTA events?

• UTA Miler = 7290m
• UTA100 = 4501m
• UTA50 = 2476m
• UTA22 = 1187m
• UTA11 = 685m

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 11

A: Our beginners program is designed for runners who are relatively new to the sport, or returning after a long break. You should be able to run or run/walk 10–15km per week, spread over 3 – 4 short sessions. The plan begins with run/walk intervals to help you build endurance gradually and reduce the risk of injury. As the weeks progress, you’ll build strength and confidence on the trails with a mix of longer weekend runs, mobility work, and mid-week sessions designed to improve your technique and resilience.

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 22

A: Our beginners program is perfect if you’re stepping up to your first trail half marathon or returning to running after a break. You should be able to run or run/walk 20 – 25km per week across 4 sessions, and be comfortable with a 7km long run on undulating terrain. As the weeks progress, you’ll gradually increase your long runs, improve your climbing strength, and build confidence on varied terrain with targeted technique and mobility sessions.

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 50

A: Our beginner program is designed for runners stepping up to the 50km distance for the first time. You should have been training consistently for at least 18 months and be comfortable running 17–18km on undulating terrain without injury. You should be able to consistently run 35-40km / week. The plan starts with manageable long runs and gradually builds your endurance, strength, and trail confidence over 16 weeks. You’ll follow a balanced mix of long runs, recovery sessions, mobility, and trail-specific strength work to prepare your body for the demands of ultra-distance running.

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 100

A: This plan is designed for runners stepping up to the 100km distance for the first time. You should have at least 2 years of consistent training under your belt and be comfortable running a 20km long run on trails. You should be running 40–45km per week, including hilly terrain . Over 16 weeks, this plan will gradually build your endurance, climbing strength, and resilience while prioritising injury prevention and recovery.

Q: How much training is required for the Ultra Trail Australia Miler

A: This plan is designed for runners stepping up to the 100-mile distance for the first time. You should have at least 2–3 years of consistent training, with experience running a 100km ultra or multiple 50–70km trail events. You should be comfortable running a 25km long run on trails and averaging 50–60km per week. Over 16 weeks, this plan gradually builds your endurance, climbing strength, and mental resilience, while prioritising recovery and injury prevention. You’ll develop strategies for pacing, night running, nutrition, and managing fatigue across a full day (and night) on your feet.

Q: Can I train on the Ultra Trail Australia course

A: Yes, you can train on a large portion of the Ultra Trail Australia (UTA) course as many sections are accessible to the public throughout the year.

Q: Do you offer training on the UTA course

A: Yes. Streek is excited to be teaming up with Blue Mountain Fitness again this year to provide you with Ultra Trail Australia On-Course Training Runs.

These training runs are all scheduled to match the Streek UTA Training Plan

Blue Mountain Fitness is one of only a few companies with a National Parks and Wildlife ECO PASS licence to carry out run on-course training runs on the Ultra Trail Australia course.

They have highly experienced trainers who know the trails better than most.

They are locals and know the course back to front!

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of the UTA course?

A: A significant feature of the UTA is the large number of stairs, particularly on the longer distance events. All of the races finish with a final climb up the 951 Furber Stairs.

*This is weather dependant and can be subject to change depending on track closures.

Q: What mandatory gear is required for the UTA?

A: Due to the unpredictable weather in the Blue Mountains, all runners must carry a specific list of mandatory gear including a waterproof jacket, thermal layers, a headlamp, sufficient food and water, and a first aid kit. You can check out the mandatory gear lists on the UTA website.

Q: What is the best time of year to run the Ultra Trail Australia

A: The race typically takes place in May, which is considered the most favourable weather window in the Blue Mountains.