About the race
Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB, usually shortened to UTA, is a trail-running festival in Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. The organiser calls it the world's second-largest ultra-trail and Australia's premier trail-running festival, with a history of 19 years.
The festival
From 13 to 16 May 2027 the organiser expects thousands of runners, spectators and support crew in Katoomba. It sits within the UTMB World Series. The course goes through the world-heritage Blue Mountains, with cliff tops, exposed rock, waterfalls and native bush, and the organiser mentions Ironpot ridge and the stairs as defining features. It opens with a traditional Welcome to Country on the start line.
Distances and 2027 schedule
The organiser lists these races for 2027. The UTA Miler is 161.1 km with 7,200 m of climbing, on 14 May. The UTA100 is 101 km with 4,400 m of climbing, on 15 May. The UTA50 is 51 km with 2,400 m of climbing, on 15 May. The UTA22 is 22 km with 1,200 m of climbing, on 14 May. The UTA11 is 11.4 km with 731 m of climbing and starts at Scenic World, Katoomba at 13:00 on 13 May, and there is a 1 km kids race. Each long race carries a set number of Running Stones, from eight for the Miler to two for the UTA22.
Entry basics
The organiser's menu includes entry information and race rules, start groups, charity bibs, mandatory gear and a runners guide. Check those pages for qualifying, cut-off and entry-window details.
Where to watch
The site has a spectators section and an expo for trail runners. The start location for the shorter UTA11 at Scenic World in Katoomba and the town itself are named on the home page.
Weather
Katoomba is high in the mountains, and its climate is oceanic, with mild summers and cool to cold winters. It is often misty and noticeably cooler than Sydney. Late autumn conditions can vary, so this is general background, not a forecast.
SourcesUltra-Trail Australia by UTMB · Wikipedia: Katoomba (climate)