Run Wild: Trail Running in the Blue Mountains

What was once the domain of a few hardy souls has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Trail running, and running trail ‘ultras’, has leapt from the fringes of sport to mainstream adventure. Across the globe, 15 million people call themselves trail runners, and more than 25,000 events take place every year. And right here in the Blue Mountains, the sport has found one of its most iconic homes.

Trail Running 101

At its heart, trail running is simple: running through natural landscapes on paths less travelled. Think ridgelines, escarpments, gullies and fire trails, often with a lot of up (‘vert’) and down (descent). Trail ultras take things further - any race longer than a marathon’s 42.2 km, with race distances of usually 50km, 50 miles, 100km and 100 miles attracting big numbers; while 200 miles and longer over a series of days (stage races) are growing in popularity. While the physical test is a big part of the attraction, trail running has at its heart connection - with nature, with community, and with yourself.

Why the Blue Mountains?

With hundreds of kilometres of trails threading through World Heritage-listed eucalyptus forest, sandstone escarpments, waterfalls and wild valleys, the Blue Mountains is a runner’s paradise. Already loved by bushwalkers, climbers and canyoners, the region has become equally renowned among trail runners worldwide.

Leigh conquering the Spine

Local Leigh Hawkes is a veteran of multi-day races, recently conquering the 268-mile (431km) Spine Race across the Pennine Way in the UK. She manages Blue Mountains Running Company, designs and makes her own trail clothing under her Warrioress label and is a pillar of the local community. Leigh says, “running here in the Blue Mountains is really a blessing and yet a challenging one - beautiful vistas with technical climbs to reach them! We have this network of trails from the lower to upper mountains to take you on majestic adventures or simply short social runs with friends made on the trails and that’s one of the best things about training here - the connection and community that surrounds the trail running space, it’s super supportive and they’re always up for getting out there!”

The Jewel: Ultra-Trail Australia

The event that put the Blue Mountains on the global trail running map is Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB (UTA). Started in 2008 as the North Face 100 by Tom Landon-Smith, it’s now the second largest ultra-trail event in the world, behind only UTMB Mont-Blanc in Europe. Over four days each May, more than 7,000 runners and thousands more supporters descend on Katoomba for a festival of running, from 11km to the new punishing 100-mile course. 

This year, UTA became one of only three UTMB World Series Majors, giving it prestige status and cementing its place on the global calendar. The event doesn’t just challenge runners, it transforms the region: injecting more than $12 million into the local economy, filling accommodation from Wentworth Falls to Blackheath, and putting the Blue Mountains on the world stage. Entries for 2026 opened in September but sell out fast.

Blue Mountains-based Emily Brunt, a coach at UP Coaching and five times Ultra Trail Australia finisher - including winning in 2023 - explains why UTA is special to her: 

“UTA is where it all started for me - the mountains, the trails, the atmosphere,” Emily says. “UTA wasn’t just about running; it was where I found a community and discovered the kind of challenge that showed me I could go further than I ever thought possible. I feel so grateful for every step out on these beautiful Blueys trails as they have shaped who I am today.”

Behind the Scenes

The spectacle of UTA is made possible by a partnership between the community and land managers. Ironman, the owner of the global UTMB series, works with First Nations to ensure respectful and approved use of running across Country; NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensures safety, access and protection of sensitive environments; and Blue Mountains City Council manage approvals, logistics and community impacts.

Beyond UTA, the local running ecosystem thrives. Running Wild and Blue Mountains Fitness deliver popular grassroots trail running events throughout the year, like the Narrowneck Night Run and Ridgey Didge in neighbouring Lithgow. The Six Foot Track Ultra is one of the longest running local ultras and raises funds for the local Rural Fire Service. Single Track run the incredible Hounslow event, through the magnificent and rugged Grose Valley (Hounslow was the original name given to Blackheath by colonisers, and is, ironically, a flat London suburb!). Clubs such as UP Coaching, Run Crew and Serotonin Running provide structured training for new and experienced athletes.

Local Brendan Davies is one of Australia’s best ultra runners, with wins across Asia and Europe. Founder of UP Coaching, he has guided thousands of runners from beginners to elites and was fundamental to the growth of trail running and the trail running community in the Blue Mountains. For him the Blue Mountains running scene is the heart of trail running in Australia. “The Blue Mountains has a well-established trail network, offering a wide variety of terrain to suit beginners to those wanting more challenging options. The rugged landscape provides both technical challenges and a sense of adventure,” Brendan says. 

More Than a Race

The Blue Mountains trail running community isn’t just about racing. Year-round, runners flock here to train, visit cafés post-long run, support local shops, and share the joy of the trails. The impact ripples far beyond race day. Humans thrive on connection, and the joy of sharing a run in a beautiful location (the highs and lows) embodies the grit, adventure and humility that defines trail running culture.

Want to Join In?

Start social: Local running and outdoors stores Blue Mountains Running Company and Summit Gear host regular free community runs.

Train smart: Check out UP Coaching, Blue Mountains Fitness, Run Crew and Serotonin Running for structured training sessions and coaching.

Stay connected: Blue Mountains Marathon Clinic on Facebook is a great entry point to find social runs and like-minded people.

Author: Lou has been trail running for 10 years, completing more than 45 ultras as well as shorter trail races and even a few road runs. She has achieved multiple wins and podiums in the Blue Mountains, Victoria and SA, and eight international top 10 finishes, including 1st female at Ultra-Trail Cappadocia with a course record, 1st Ultra Easy NZ and 2nd at Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji. She finished 17th female at UTMB. She’s a two times Australian trail running representative, Australian masters rep and is a multiple Australian female age-group record holder.