2020/21 was a tough year for race cancellations. We’re hoping event organisers have weathered the storm and running events will be back with a bang! Planning your annual event calendar is always exciting. Having a race day to aim towards provides that extra training structure, motivation and sense of achievement. We are big believers in making sure you enjoy the journey as much as the event, however, race day is always a great atmosphere and fun experience. Spreading some across the year can also help with your training block structure. Planning when to peak, when to build base and when to rest.
As we were born in Sydney these events will focus on New South Wales, close to Sydney. We’ve added in some of our favourites from other states but please comment on your favourites that we’ve missed! We'll be covering international events soon!
January
- OMFG | WA | Perth - A great event with a distance for everyone ranging from 6-25km. Check out Ultra series WA, the race organisers for more events in WA, including the hardcore Delerious WEST
February
- Sydney Trail Series | NSW | Manly Dam - February sees the start of the Manly Dam series. A 3 part series with epic views. Courses range from 10km-30km. If you sign up for all 3 there's a discount and on the final event you have the option to increase your distance to the next band. This is a great local event if you're looking for your first trail run or as a training run for some of the year's longer distances.
- Tarawera Ultra Marathon | NZ | Rotorua - The only event outside Australia on the list. If you fancy seeing what our neighbour has to offer on the trails check out this event. If you're thinking about putting the UTA on yur list but it’s sold out consider this event. Options from 21k to 100miles, this race is on the latest world trail series for the UTMB.
March
- Sydney Trail Series | NSW | Manly Dam - Round 2 of the series.
- Australia Alpine Ascent | NSW | Mt Kosciuszko - An event closer to Victoria, with the chance to summit Mt Kosciuszko with a 25km and 50km option. This is a looped track, with some stunning views. If you’re in town be sure to check out the Kosciuszko brewery for a well deserved beer.
April
- Jabulani Challenge | NSW | Kur-ring-gai National Park - An inland course made mostly of single track through the national park. A couple of tough inclines and some spectacular views. Options range from 11-45km. The 45km is a great training run for anybody on the road to Ultra Trail Australia in May. Sign up to the triple trail challenge for discounted entry to 3 great events spread over the year.
- Buffalo Stampede Festival | VIC | Mount Buffalo - One of the first sky races, with epic views of mount buffalo, there's something for everyone at this festival. Events range from 2km to 100km over the weekend so one for the family.
May
- Sydney Trail Series | NSW | Manly Dam - Round 3 of the series including the longer 30km option and opportunity to ‘level up’ your distance.
- Ultra Trail Australia | NSW | Katoomba, Blue Mountains - Arguably Australia’s flagship trail running event, UTA offers courses ranging from 11-100km. Held in the idyllic blue mountains, trail runners flock to take part in this unforgettable experience. UTA is part of the newly launched UTMB world series, a series of global trail runs that act as qualifiers for Ultra-trail Mont Blanc. You’ll have to be organised for this one. Tickets sell out in under an hour!
June
- Glow Worm Tunnel | NSW | Wolgan Valley - Another family friendly event with distances over the weekend ranging from 1km to a marathon. T. The with the standout section passing through a glow worm tunnel. Very unique! his event has the option for camping if you want to make a weekend of it.
July
- Rafferty’s Coastal Run | NSW | Lake Macquaire - A 12km, 22km and 36km trail run hosted from Raffertys Resort. The course takes in the sites of beautiful Lake Macquarie and the stunning coastline of historic Catherine Hill Bay and the Munmorah State Conservation Area. This is the 2nd of the triple trail series and a good one if you’re considering an ultra but want to test above that 30km distance first.
August
- Run Larapinta | NT | Larapinta Trail - With 223km of trails to explore Larapinta is the epitome of off the beaten track. For the more hardcore trail runners, Run Larapinta is a 4 day, 4 stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections. An amazing life changing experience for anyone who gives it a go! Long course and Short courses available, along with single-stage entry options. Plan ahead, this one sells fast!
September
- Coastal Classic | NSW | Royal National Park - The final in maximum adventures triple trail challenge and a must do route. Covering 30km along one of the most stunning tracks in Australia, it has everything to offer from rocky terrain, sand running and beaches, to cliff-tops, bushland, rainforest and steep hill inclines. The scenery is spectacular with breathtaking coastal views on the beach and from the cliff tops. You literally feel like you are a million miles from anywhere.
- Surf Coast Century | VIC | Great Northern Road - Beautiful views across iconic scenery. In terms of ultras this course is considered ‘fast’. Don’t fancy the 50km option? Sign up as a team of upto 4 people to take on the 100km in stages together.
October
- Tassie Trail Fest | Tas | Cataract Gorge - A new event and Tasmania’s first 100 miler! We hope this one continues to grow as Tasmania has so much to offer for trail fanatics. Limited spaces with options ranging from kids run through to the 100.
November
- Bouddi Coastal Run | NSW | Central Coast - A 14km & 21km trail run held within Bouddi National Park, only 1.5 hours North of Sydney, on the NSW Central Coast. A great mix of coastal views, rocky landscapes and inland trails. This is not a bad target event if you are looking to up your mileage on the trails.
December
With summer underway and Christmas approaching there tends to be fewer events in December. Keep the miles ticking in the festive season!
If you're looking for more inspiration this running calendar is a great place to search for events. Please comment on your favourites below!