Supporters Club Race Information

On this page you’ll find all you need to know about the races in the Supporters Club, including an overview of each race, the dates, location, the options available along with any recent race reports we’ve come across to help you read up on what you’ve let yourself in for!

We hope you find it a valuable resource and that it helps your decision-making for the year of races ahead.

—————————————————————————-

Ultra Easy 100km

The Ultra Easy & Big Easy Mountain Runs are a 100km ultra run, 42km marathon and 13km river run, based out of the Albert Town Tavern in Wanaka. The 100km run can be run solo or as part of a 5-leg team relay. The course runs over Mt. Iron, Roys Peak, Mt. Alpha, Little Criffel and Mt. Pisa. The “Big Easy” name stems from the original idea of a “big easy” mountain bike race to buck the trend of all the “challenges” and “epics” out there. People then asked to run it so the Big Easy Mountain Marathon was added. Recently the 100k option was added and the organisers are sticking with the “Easy” theme, hence the “Ultra Easy” 100k. However there is clearly nothing easy about this event, with the 100k event boasting 4700m of elevation gain alone but whatever you choose you will get to experience the beautiful Wanaka area of New Zealand.

Website: https://theultraeasy100.nz/

Date: January 28

Location: Wanaka, New Zealand.

Race options:

  1. Ultra Easy 100k Sky Run, 4700m Elevation Gain.
  2. Big Easy Marathon 42k, 900m Elevation Gain.
  3. Clutha River Trail 13k

 

Race reports:

  1. Roger Hanney (https://runeatsleeprun.com/2016/02/01/the-ultra-easy-100km-and-its-gleeful-crushing-of-the-ignorant-a-race-report/)
  2. Sam McCutcheon (http://skyrunninganz.com.au/news/sam-mccutcheon-ultra-easy-race-report/)

—————————————————————————-

Rollercoaster Run

Established in 2012 by Rohan Day from Big Long Run, and now managed by Mountain Sports – The Roller Coaster Run has grown to a sellout crowd in 2015 and beyond.The event starts and finishes at the picturesque SkyHigh Mount Dandenong and runners are treated to a journey through the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The race course is a loop and runners taking up the 43km challenge do a second reverse loop before once again finishing at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. The event combines a social atmosphere, a great challenge, some amazing trails and fantastic scenery with the generosity and inclusion of the trail running community at large.

Website: http://www.rollercoasterrun.com/wp/

Date: February 25

Location: Mt. Dandenong, Australia.

Race Options:

  1. 43k Course, 2200m Elevation Gain
  2. 21.5k Course, 1100m Elevation Gain
  3. 10k Course

 

Race reports:

  1. Nick Bryant (http://nickabryant.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/roller-coaster-run-43k-race-report.html)
  2. Anthony Caruana (http://www.run-and-lift.com/running/report-roller-coaster-trail-run/)
  3. Jarrod Mast (http://www.jarrodmast.me/2013/03/roller-coaster-run-43km-of-brutal-trail.html)
  4. Lachie Fin (http://thisfishcanrun.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/rollercoaster-run-2013.html)

—————————————————————————-

Northburn 100

The annual Northburn Station 100 Miler, 100km and 50km annual mountain run is held in Cromwell, Central Otago, and is “bloody hard” according to the event organisers. Lisa Tamati has teamed up with Tom Pinckney, the owner of Northburn Station, Glen Christiansen, the main driving force behind tourism at Cromwell, and Terry Davis, a race director with many years of organising and competing in 24 hour endurance events, to create this event. There is also a morning half marathon, night 5km and 10km runs, and a kids 1.5km adventure run. This huge variety means there is something available for everyone and makes sure that whatever you choose, it will be an amazing day in the mountains.

Website: https://northburn100.co.nz/

Date: March 18

Location: Cromwell, New Zealand

Race Options:

  1. 100 Mile, 10000m Elevation Gain
  2. 100K, 4700m Elevation Gain
  3. 50K, 2600, Elevation Gain
  4. 21K
  5. 10k
  6. 5k

 

Race reports:

  1. Dan Bleakman (https://ultra168.com/2011/03/27/dan-bleakman-northburn-100-miler-race-report/)
  2. James Adams (http://www.runningandstuff.com/northburn-100/)
  3. Marty Lukes (http://backcountryrunner.co.nz/2013/04/16/northburn-100-2013-by-marty-lukes/)
  4. Shona Stephenson (http://trailrunningaustralia.com/northburn-100-mile-ultra-marathon/)
  5. Andrew McDowell (https://andrewmcdowall.net/northburn-100-2016-race-report/)

 —————————————————————————-

The Hillary Ultra

The Trail follows a variety of terrain and scenery – many claim a magical pull of the trail and keep coming back for more. Stunning views throughout the trail, rugged West coast beaches, magnificent native bush including the hundreds of year old native Kauri trees. Past large waterfalls and sand dunes, along cliff tops or through marshlands – there is something for everyone. The 80km course follows the Hillary Trail from the Arataki Visitors Centre West of Titirangi all the way to Muriwai, via Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Piha and Bethells. There is no denying, this is a tough challenge – mentally and physically. With 3,700m climb, the current fastest time is 8 hours 23 minutes. Many would think this seems a long time for 80km but, those that have done would agree – this is no ordinary 80km. The 34km course follows the Hillary Trail from Piha to Muriwai and the 16km course follows the Hillary Trail from Bethells to Muriwai. The 16km course is also open to walkers.

Website:http://thehillary.co.nz/wordpress/

Date: February 25

Location: Titirangi, New Zealand

Race Options:

  1. 80k, 3700m Elevation Gain
  2. 34k, 1300m Elevation Gain
  3. 16k, 700m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Adrian Adler (https://withoutbeingchased.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/race-report-the-hillary-80-km/)
  2. Heather Davidson (http://backcountryrunner.co.nz/2014/03/30/the-hillary-race-report-heather-davidson/)
  3. Corrinne Smit (https://guenergy.co.nz/blogs/news/77728197-the-hillary-ultra-marathon-2016-race-report-corrinne-smit)
  4. Beth Cardelli (http://bethcardelli.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/the-hillary-nz-80km-2015.html)

—————————————————————————-

Jabulani Challenge

The Jabulani Challenge is a stunning trail run through the Ku-Ring-Gai National Park in the north of Sydney. Predominantly on single track the trail has everything to offer from waterside tracks, rainforest, bushland, steep hill inclines and creek crossings. Exploring some of the hidden waterways that Pittwater is famous for its hard to believe you are only 30 minutes from the heart of Sydney. With three distances to choose from the event caters for hardened trail runners to social walkers. The start and finish is at Bobbin Head, making it logistically easy, but more importantly a great spot on the edge of the Pittwater for a family day out.

Website: http://jabulanichallenge.com.au/

Date: April 8

Location: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 45k, 1300m Elevation Gain
  2. 22k, 700m Elevation Gain
  3. 12k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Ian Gallagher (https://marathonandultrarunning.wordpress.com/tag/jabulani-challenge/)
  2. Melanie Foster (http://newstridesrunning.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/melanies-story-2016-jabulani-challenge.html)
  3. Peter (http://atouchoftheruns.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/jabulani-challenge.html)
  4. Tim Emslie (http://timemslie.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/jabulani-challenge-trail-marathon-2013.html)

—————————————————————————-

Buffalo Stampede

The Buffalo Stampede course takes runners on a tough but beautiful journey through the unique terrain that surrounds the amazing Mt Buffalo in Victoria’s Alpine country. Starting in the picturesque and welcoming township of Bright at the foothills of some of Australia’s most impressive mountains, The Buffalo Stampede Ultra covers 75k with the main attraction being the climb to the Mt Buffalo Chalet and the unique formations of Mt Buffalo, but there are also 42km, 20km and 10km options, with a grand slam option for those who wish to do the main three distances over three days (75k + 42k + 20k).

Website: http://www.buffalostampede.com.au/

Date: March 24

Location: Bright, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 75k, 4600m Elevation Gain
  2. 42k, 2000m Elevation Gain
  3. 20k, 2000m Elevation Gain
  4. 10k, 1000m Elevation Gain
  5. GRAND SLAM – 75k + 42k + 20k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Matt Jessup (http://matt.jessup.co/buffalo-stampede-16/)
  2. Dakota Jones (http://www.irunfar.com/2014/04/australia-dakota-joness-buffalo-stampede-ultra-skymarathon-report.html)
  3. Lucy Bartholomew (http://www.thelongrun.com.au/lucy-b-buffalo-stampede-race-report/)
  4. Brad Carron-Arthur (http://bradcarronarthur.com/2015/04/19/267/)
  5. Brendan Davies (http://www.brendandavies.com.au/2014/04/stampeded.html)
  6. Landie Greyling (http://www.landiegreyling.com/buffalo-stampede-2015-perfect-race-by-gods-grace/)
  7. Melissa Robertson (http://crackneck.com/index.cfm?module=blog&pageMode=dosearch&topic=Conquering-the-Buffalo&page_id=586060)

—————————————————————————-

Coastal High

The Wild Earth Coastal High 50 is an epic event located in the iconic and spectacularly picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland. Running on trails contained within the pristine Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, the Coastal High 50 includes the best trails that South-East Queensland has to offer. The Wild Earth Coastal High 50 sees runners traverse spectacular trails through subtropical rainforest, open forest, and along cliff tops within Lamington National Park, before descending down into the Numinbah Valley and then climbing up (then down, then up!) to finish adjacent to the magnificent Purlingbrook Falls in Springbrook National Park. The Wild Earth Coastal High 50 ultra trail run is special. You don’t want to miss out on being a part of this one: it’s trail running in a location that has to be seen to be believed.

Website: http://www.coastalhigh.com.au/#welcome

Date: September 3

Location: Gold Coast, Australia

Race Options: 50k, 2000m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Ben Duffus (https://benduffus.com/2015/09/09/coastal-high-50/)
  2. Liam St. Pierre (http://www.rogueadventure.com/coastal-high-50-report/)
  3. Rhiannon Mulhearn (https://runningmumsaustralia.wordpress.com/2015/10/05/my-coastal-high-50-experience-by-rhiannon-mulhearn/)
  4. Jon Gooding (http://www.jongooding.com/2016/09/05/2016-coastal-high-50k/)
  5. Dex (http://iamtheroguerunner.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/coastal-50k-race-report.html)

—————————————————————————-

Double Rainbow Run

A 46km, 25km or 17km off-road run based around Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua. From the top of Rainbow Mountain you might see the Double Rainbow! If not, sorry, you’ll have to settle for the view of Tarawera, Rotorua District and to the South West the Central North Island volcanoes! A great variety of tracks from the beautiful DOC tracks going up and down Rainbow Mountain which go through geothermal activity, to private farmland tracks or forest roads.

Website: http://www.lacticturkey.co.nz/DoubleRainbow.htm

Date: June 11

Location: Rainbow Mountain, New Zealand

Race Options:

  1. 46k, 1700m Elevation Gain
  2. 25k, 900m Elevation Gain
  3. 17k, 500m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Kristian Day (http://backcountryrunner.co.nz/2013/06/18/ultraspire-double-rainbow-the-kday-report/)
  2. Chris Morrissey (http://backcountryrunner.co.nz/2013/06/19/ultraspire-double-rainbow-chris-morrissey-report/)

—————————————————————————-

Glow Worm Tunnel Trail Running Festival

The Glow Worm Tunnel course takes runners on an amazing journey along a course that takes in the best sights of Newnes and the Wolgan Valley. The course is a tale of two halves and runners will encounter creek crossings, sections of long single trail, old mine cuttings, ruins and some long forgotten railway easements. The terrain is exciting, challenging and you may find it hard to keep the smile from your face. The event starts and finishes in Newnes and from the moment you arrive in “town” you will revel in the serene surroundings.

Website: http://www.glowwormtrail.com/

Date: June 18

Location: Wolgan Valley, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 42k, 1900m Elevation Gain
  2. 21k, 800m Elevation Gain
  3. The 1k Dash, 370m Elevation Gain
  4. 6k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Shona Stephenson (http://www.shonastephenson.com/2012/06/glow-worm-tunnel-marathon-it-sounds-so.html)
  2. Tom Brazier (https://tombrazier.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/glow-worm-trail-marathon/)
  3. Beth Cardelli (http://bethcardelli.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/glow-worm-tunnel-marathon.html)
  4. Melissa Robertson (http://crackneck.com/index.cfm?module=blog&topic=Outrunning-Glow-Worms&page_id=553368)

—————————————————————————-

Mount Difficulty Ascent

The premise is it’s a mountain trail ‘run’ of either half or full marathon distance. The reality is some sections of the ascent are between 40-50′. We also have a 200m section with a set rope in part of the decent,  mostly to keep you on course but also as a safety requirement from a legal perspective. This is an adventure run, the ‘adventure’ part means you cannot run all of this course. The ups are really up! You’ll be hands on knees, puffing just to walk, at times you will be using your hands to help you scramble up some dirty, rocky slopes, maybe churning through snow.

Website: https://mtdifficultyascent.com/

Date: June 3

Location: Cromwell, New Zealand

Race Options:

  1. 42k, 3200m Elevation Gain
  2. 21k, 1600m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Beth Cardelli (http://bethcardelli.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/mt-difficulty-ascent-nz-43km-2015.html)
  2. Matt Cooper (http://www.thelongrun.com.au/matt-coops-mt-difficulty-race-report/)
  3. Hollie Woodhouse (https://holliewoodhouse.com/2015/06/19/mt-difficulty-ascent/)
  4. Conor Keena (http://ckeena.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/mt-difficulty-ascent-race-report.html)

—————————————————————————-

Rafferty’s Coastal Run

The event is hosted from the magnificent Raffertys Resort on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie. Nestled amongst beaches and bush on the quiet bay of Cams Wharf, the self catering resort offers visitors an opportunity to experience 38 acres of pure relaxation and rejuvenation – just 90 minutes north of Sydney. It provides the perfect backdrop to a weekend of running and activities for the whole family. On offer are three course distances – 11km, 22km and 35k to accommodate runners/walkers of all abilities. Starting and finishing at Raffertys Resort, the trail snakes through the Wallarah National Park taking in the sites of beautiful Lake Macquarie and the stunning coastline of historic Catherine Hill Bay and the Munmorah State Conservation Area. The terrain is varied – bushland single track, fire trail, coastal tracks, rock platforms and beach running all feature to challenge and excite the most discerning of trail runners.

Website: http://raffertyscoastalrun.com.au/

Date: July 8

Location: Lake Macquarie, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 35k, 700m Elevation Gain
  2. 22k, 500m, Elevation Gain
  3. 11k, 200m, Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Rita Hall (https://www.runningmumsaustralia.com.au/2016/07/19/raffertys-coastal-run-recap-rita-hall/)
  2. Morenna (https://thelittleninjablog.wordpress.com/2015/07/12/event-11-raffertys-coastal-run/)

—————————————————————————-

The Berry Long Run

This is a great opportunity to run one of the few intermediate distance ultras in Australia, while also supporting a local charity that performs a crucial role in undoing the harm caused by the abuse and neglect of children. The Lerderderg Track, apart from being a really fun word to say aloud, is the Southernmost section of the Great Dividing Trail network. The course starts at Blackwood, quickly leaving town and getting into a brief taste of the sweet single-track along the gorge, before cutting through the forest along a mix of trails and dirt road down to Mt Blackwood, then on to the Blackwood Range Track, all the way to the trailhead at Swans Rd. The return route revisits the Blackwood Range Track to Mt Blackwood and continues to follow the magnificent Lerderderg Trail all the way back to Blackwood. You will pass through plenty of juicy forest, catch views of splendid vistas where gorge after gorge rolls away into the distance, negotiate awesome, highly runnable single track winding above the Lerderderg River on the way back into Blackwood – a lovely, historic mining town that’ll transport you back in time. 

Website: https://berrylongrun.com/

Date: August 13

Location: Lerderberg Track, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 70k, 2000m Elevation Gain
  2. 40k, 1000m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Joe Lewis (https://runcoordinated.wordpress.com/2014/08/18/the-berry-long-run/)

—————————————————————————-

Wagga Wagga Trail Marathon

The Wagga Wagga Road Runners Trail Marathon Weekend has a 5km and 10km run/walk and kids fun run on the Saturday, and a half marathon, full marathon and 2 to 4 person marathon relay on the Sunday. The Wagga Trail marathon running weekend is the premier distance running event in the Riverina. It is very family friendly with events to suit everyone. The course starts and finishes on the banks of the iconic Murrumbidgee River and is a mix of shared path, fire trail and single track

Website: http://waggatrailmarathon.com/

Date: August 19

Location: Wagga Wagga, Australia

Race options:

  1. 42k
  2. 21k
  3. 10k
  4. 5k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Rachel (http://runnerrachel.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/wagga-wagga-trail-marathon-2013.html)
  2. Carol Lander (https://bilbys.org/j15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=863:my-wagga-wagga-trail-marathon-experience-18-august-2013-carol-lander&catid=28:race-reports&Itemid=139)

—————————————————————————-

Run Larapinta Stage Race

Run Larapinta is a 4 day, 4 stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Northern Territory. Boundless beauty, breathless exuberance, day-old friendships that will last for years and the unspoilt grandeur of a landscape that transcends time. This is an extraordinary run that should be on every bucket list.

Website: http://rapidascent.com.au/runlarapinta/

Date: August 11

Location: Alice Springs, Australia

Race Options:

  1. Long Course: Day 1 – 19k, Day 2 – 41k, Day 3 – 30k, Day 4 – 45k
  2. Short Course: Day 1 – 11k, Day 2 – 18k, Day 3 – 22k, Day 4 – 30k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Adam Connor (http://run.dj/?p=1436)
  2. Nicki Letts (http://www.trailrunmag.com/2016/08/25/run-larapinta-a-rollercoaster-ride/)
  3. Shona Stephenson (http://trailrunningaustralia.com/run-larapinta-stage-1-2/)

—————————————————————————-

Centennial Park Ultra

The Centennial Park Ultra is a 50k and 100k running race in Sydney’s beautiful Centennial Park. The course consists of a 3.54km dirt track, which runs in a loop around Centennial Park. You’ll begin at McKay Oval and travel in a clockwise direction for the duration of the race.

Website: http://www.cpultra.com.au/

Date: August 7

Location: Sydney, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 100k
  2. 50k
  3. Relay Option

 

Race Reports:

  1. Beth Cardelli (http://bethcardelli.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/centennial-park-ultra-100km-2012.html)
  2. Martin Pluss (https://martinpluss.wordpress.com/2014/08/04/centennial-park-ultra-50-km/)
  3. Megan (https://bluetreelife.wordpress.com/2016/08/17/centennial-park-ultra/)
  4. Alexander Matthews (http://greyhoundrunner.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/centennial-park-ultra-50kma-favourite.html)
  5. Rachel (http://runnerrachel.blogspot.com.au/2016/08/centennial-park-50k-august-2016.html)

—————————————————————————-

Peaks and Trails Run

Peaks & Trails, formerly known as the Mosaic to Mountain Run, is a picturesque run starting and finishing in the heart of Dunkeld, Victoria. The weekend offers something for all levels of trail enthusiast with access to beautiful Southern Grampians trails and a number of private trails normally inaccessible to the public. Saturday has a 1km OR 2km kids dash, 6.2km Mt Abrupt Short Course Challenge and Gourmet Trail. Sunday has 50km, 26km, 22km, 11km and 6.4km trail runs.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/peaksandtrails/

Date: August 6

Location: Dunkeld, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 50k
  2. 26k
  3. 22k
  4. 11k
  5. 6.4k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Matilda Iglesias (http://www.runmum.com/2016/08/08/race-review-peaks-trails-26km/)

—————————————————————————-

Bigfoot Snow Trail

A unique and spectacular event offering both a snow marathon and a snow sJprint event in Victoria’s beautiful Falls Creek Resort. Enjoy the magic of winter as you make your way across the high plains, exploring solo or with friends. This one a of a kind event takes runners on an extraordinary journey, visiting historical huts and witnessing some of Australia’s highest peaks under snow. The views will give you that feeling of awe, the feeling that you are on top of the world.

Website: http://www.snowtrail.com.au/

Date: September 11

Location: Falls Creek, Australia.

Race Options:

  1. 42k, 1700m Elevation Gain.
  2. 27k, 800m  Elevation Gain.

 

Race Reports:

  1. Jen Brown (http://www.blog.iomerino.com/snow/australias-first-snow-trail/)

—————————————————————————-

Blackall 100/50

With a primary 100km event, supported by a 50km event, the Blackall 100 offers the opportunity for runners, walkers and hikers to participate in a large scale event taking in some of the most pristine trail in Queensland. Along with the spectacular scenery, the event will offer up a personal challenge for all to take on, with the peace of mind and safety that Run Queensland prides itself on.

Website: http://www.blackall100.com/#TheBlackall100course

Date: October 21

Location: Mapleton, Queensland.

Race Options:

  1. 100k, 3200m Elevation Gain
  2. 50k, 1500m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Shona Stephenson (http://trailrunningaustralia.com/blackall-100/)
  2. Maren Damman (http://www.blackall100.com/Documents/MarenDamman.pdf)

—————————————————————————-

WTF 100

The Runningworks WTF 50 & 100 Miler, the first and only AURA-sanctioned 100 mile race in Western Australia. Held annually on the last weekend in September (WA’s Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday weekend), the 50mi and 100mi events both start at 6am on Saturday, and have generous cut-off times. The 50mi event runs south from Jarrahdale to Dwellingup, mainly following the Munda Biddi mountain bike trail. The 100mi event runs from Dwellingup to Jarrahdale and back again, along the same course, with a bonus “out and back” hill on the outbound leg.

Website: http://wtfultra.com/wtf/

Date: September 23

Location: Dwellingup, Australia.

Race options:

  1. 100 Mile, 3400m Elevation Gain
  2. 50 Mile, 1700m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Ben Verbose (http://www.i-ran-it.com/index.php/report/auto-draft/)

—————————————————————————-

Surf Coast 100

The Surf Coast Century event includes a spectacular 50KM and 100KM ultra marathon along Victoria’s surf coast and Wildflower Hinterland with beautiful scenery the whole way. This incredible race takes runners on an extraordinary journey below towering sea cliffs, along remote beaches and through the captivating wildflower hinterland on twisting single track where no two footsteps are ever the same. As well as attracting many of Australia’s best runners, the Surf Coast Century also has a great reputation as the ideal event for those tackling their first ultra marathon due to the accessible course, support services and easy logistics, and the incredible energy around the course from supporters, other runners and event officials.

Website: http://rapidascent.com.au/SurfcoastCentury/

Date: September 9

Location: Anglesea, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 100k, 2100m Elevation Gain
  2. 50k, 1100m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Brendan Davies (http://www.brendandavies.com.au/2014/10/surf-coast-century-2014.html)
  2. Silvia Smith (http://silsmith.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/surf-coast-century-100km-race-report-3.html)
  3. Nick Bryant (http://nickabryant.blogspot.com.au/2016/04/surf-coast-century-race-report.html)

—————————————————————————-

Hounslow Classic

Starting in the picturesque township of Blackheath, one of the highest villages in the Blue Mountains – the Hounslow Classic Ultra takes runners of a tour of the Grose Valley past environmental icons such as Blue Gum Forest, Pulpit Rock, Junction Rock and Lockley Pylon. Not to mention the amazing Grand Canyon. This race is held on virgin territory when it comes to events and is awe inspiring in its scenery as it brings you into some pockets of the world which both amateur and professional photographers travel across the continent to capture.

Website: http://www.hounslowclassic.com.au/

Date: October 8

Location: Blackheath, Australia.

Race Options:

  1. 68k, 4300m Elevation Gain
  2. 21k, 2400m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Beth Cardelli (http://bethcardelli.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/hounslow-classic-68km-2015.html)
  2. Tom Brazier (https://tombrazier.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/hounslow-classic/)
  3. Ben Duffus (https://benduffus.com/2015/10/18/hounslow-classic/)

—————————————————————————-

Heysen 105

The Heysen Trail 105km Ultramarathon traverses a 105km section of the 1200km-long Heysen Trail. A 57km event was added from 2015 and a 35km event in 2016.

Competitors experience the best trail running has to offer in the state, taking in rolling farmland, sandy forests, rocky hillsides and lots lots more.

The views are spectacular through the magnificent conservation parks, with the backdrop of gum trees, abundant wildlife and wide open spaces making this a truly Australian experience.

Website: http://yumigo.com.au/heysen-105/

Date: October 22

Location: Adelaide, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 105k
  2. 57k
  3. 35k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Brendan Davies (http://www.brendandavies.com.au/2014/11/heysen-105.html)
  2. Jane (https://randomthoughtsandracereports.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/race-report-heysen-105/)

—————————————————————————-

Hume and Hovell Ultra

The Hume & Hovell ultramarathon uses The Hume & Hovell Walking Track, constructed as a Bicentennial Project in 1988.

Website: http://humehovellultra.com/

Date: October 15

Location: Tambarumba, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 100 Mile, 4000m Elevation Gain
  2. 100k, 2300m Elevation Gain
  3. 50k
  4. 22k

 

Race Reports:

  1. Chantelle Farrelly (http://www.runnerchantelle.com/?p=117)
  2. Murphy Tarian (http://www.manwithoutshadowrun.me/)

—————————————————————————-

Taupo Ultramarathon

The Taupo Ultramarathon event will take place on 14 October 2017, with four distances – 24km, 50km, 74km and 100km.  The 24km, whilst not technically an ultra gives those new to the sport a taste of the experience. The Great Lake Trail is literally an epic journey that showcases the very best of what the Great Lake Taupo region has to offer – New Zealand’s largest lake, mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls and native forest.

Website: https://www.taupoultra.com/

Date: October 14

Location: Taupo, New Zealand

Race Options:

  • 100k, 3500m Elevation Gain
  • 74k, 2500m Elevation Gain
  • 50k, 1800m Elevation Gain
  • 24k, 1300m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Andy Good (http://nztrailrun.com/inaugural-taupo-ultra-50km-race-report/)
  2. Ben Kepes (http://www.diversity.net.nz/race-report-taupo-ultra-100km/2016/10/15/)

—————————————————————————-

Alpine Challenge

Imagine completing 4 marathons in 44 hours; that is the challenge you could face if you decide to enter the Alpine Challenge. The 10th Alpine Challenge Ultra Marathon, incorporating the 100 mile (160 km) Alpine Skyrun, the 100 km individual and team Alpine Challenge and the 60 km Alpine Experience.

With over 7,000 metres of climb and 7,000 metres of descent, this event is the classic 100 mile mountain trail run in Australia; testing runners to the limit, it also offers one of the country’s most scenic and challenging 100 km runs covering over 4,000 m of ascent and descent in 34 hours.

Set in the spectacular Alpine National Park of North Eastern Victoria the event takes in some of the best, hardest and most exposed high country in Australia including Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham, Mt McKay, Spion Kopje, Mt Nelse and Victoria’s highest mountain, Mt Bogong.

Website:http://www.runningwild.net.au/alpine-runs/alpine-challenge.html

Date: November 25

Location: Alpine National Park, Australia

Race Options:

  1. 100 Mile, 7600m Elevation Gain
  2. 100k, 3700m Elevation Gain
  3. 60k, 1800m Elevation Gain

 

Race Reports:

  1. Tom Brazier (http://mountainrunning.com.au/race-report-alpine-challange-tom-brazier/)
  2. Patrick Bowring (http://ultrachef.com.au/ultra-thoughts/alpine-challenge-100-mile-2016/)
  3. Adrian Adler (https://withoutbeingchased.wordpress.com/2014/12/15/sweeper-report-alpine-challenge/)