Ultra-Trail Australia Training Plans 2025

Ultra-Trail Australia Overview

The Ultra Trail Australia by UTMB is now the world’s second-largest Ultra-Trail running fectival. 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

Q: How much training is required for the UTA

A: We recommend a minimum of 16 weeks 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 and this training plan is suitable for beginners.

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

A: This is a new event in 2025. The winner is expected to take approx 14 hours and the cut off time is 48 hours.

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

A: The race distances are: UTA Miler(163km), UTA 100 (100km), UTA 50 (50km), UTA 22 (22km), and UTA 11 (11km) each with varying levels of difficulty and elevation gain.

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 = 6460m
• UTA100 = 4300m
• UTA50 = 2200m
• UTA22 = 1200m
• UTA11 = 750m

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 11

A: We recommend a 12 week race training block for the UTA11.

This event won’t be a walk in the park, but it is definitely achievable for everyone with the right type of training.

If you are new to trails, this event could take you up to 3 hours to complete. The front of pack runners finish this event in about 50 minutes. So it is a great challenge, with fantastic scenery, no matter what your level of experience.

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 22

A: We recommend a 16 week race training block for the UTA22

This race is suitable for runners who have been running consistently for 6 months and are comfortable running 8km – 10km regularly without injuries.

Following a proper base training and race training plan 6 months out from race day is enough time to get you ready to really enjoy this event.

The winners complete this race in just over 100 minutes, with the majority of runners taking between 3 and 5 hours.

Some specific stair and single track training sessions will be helpful in training for this event.

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 50

A: This event is suitable for runners who have been training consistently for at least 12 months and are able to comfortably run 17km – 18km regularly on undulating terrain without injuries.

If you have never completed a 17km run, you should consider training for the 11km or 22km distance. If you have been running for 12 months consistently, then 16 weeks of base training plus 16 weeks of race training should be enough time to prepare your body for this 50km race distance without risking injury, but you will need to start your training soon and be diligent with some stretching, rolling and strength work on top of the running training.

This is an exciting but tough 50km with 2200m of vertical gain across the course.

Q: How much training is required for the UTA 100

A: This distance is suitable for runners who have been training consistently for at least 2 years and are able to comfortably run 20km – 24km regularly on hilly trails without injuries.

This race has 4300m of elevation which makes it a very challenging 100 kms. Ideally you should already have competed in some 30km – 50km trail races before tackling a 100k event.

If you can not, or have not, consistently included a 20km “long run” in your training program, you should consider training for the UTA50. Six months may not be enough time to prepare your body for this 100km race distance without risking injury.

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

A: This distance is suitable for runners who have been training consistently for at least 3 years and are able to comfortably run 30km regularly on hilly trails without injuries.

You should be used to running on big hills and ideally you should have completed two or three 100km events already.

This is not an event for the light hearted. Running 100 miles is more than twice as hard as running 100km.

You need to be prepared to put in a solid 12-16 weeks of base training before moving to a 16 week race-specific plan that ideally replicates the terrain and vert of the UTA 100 miler.

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.