Oceania’s new UTMB World Series Major set to welcome over 8,000 runners to the Blue Mountains
From 15–18 May, the iconic Blue Mountains of Australia will welcome 8,000 runners for the 17th edition of HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia™ by UTMB®. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a trail running paradise, with rugged cliffs, lush forests and dramatic views. A strong local presence is expected once again, with almost 85% of registered runners coming from across Australia. Adding to the excitement in 2025, a challenging new race distance – the UTA Miler (100M) – will make its debut, joining the event’s popular line-up of races: UTA11 (11K), UTA22 (20K), UTA50 (50K) and UTA100 (100K).
UTMB World Series Major for 2025
Earning its status as a UTMB® World Series Major for the first time in 2025, the event now stands as one of the pinnacle races on the global trail calendar. As the largest trail running event in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers athletes from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region the opportunity to experience the atmosphere, competition, and prestige of a world-class event, right in their own backyard. HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB (Oceania) joins HOKA Val d’Aran® by UTMB (Europe), HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons™ by UTMB® (Americas) and HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB® (Asia-Pacific).
At each UTMB World Series Major, runners can collect double the amount of Running Stones compared to other UTMB World Series events, boosting their chances in the UTMB World Series Finals lottery. In addition, 210 automatic qualification spots for UTMB World Series finals are available for age-group category winners and the top 10 male and female runners in the 100M, 100K and 50K categories.
The spirit of the Blue Mountains: where trail running meets tradition.
Deeply rooted in the local culture of its iconic mountains, the event opens with a traditional Welcome to Country by Gundungurra Elder, Uncle David King, setting the tone for a weekend full of community spirit and connection. The event will also showcase local artisans and their products at the festival village, while dedicated volunteers will bring a true Australian energy and atmosphere to the trails.
Women at the forefront: HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia™ by UTMB sets the standard for gender inclusion in trail running.
With women representing over 45% of the sold-out field, HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB reaffirms its position as a leader in promoting gender equity and inclusion in trail running. This strong female presence is not only a reflection of the sport’s growing appeal among women but also of the event’s unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering race environment.
As part of its continued support for women in trail, the event will host a Women for Trail panel featuring influential voices in the sport who will share their stories, challenges, and achievements.
In addition to celebrating women’s achievements, HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB is implementing a series of dedicated initiatives to ensure the comfort, safety, and visibility of female participants:
- Feminine hygiene products will be available at all aid stations;
- Women-only toilets will be provided throughout the course;
- Female-only change tents will be accessible at aid stations with drop bag services;
- And each race will feature a designated space at the front of the start line for female athletes, guaranteeing equal representation from the outset.
HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB is proud to lead by example and continue building a space where all athletes—regardless of gender—can thrive.
"We’re looking forward to bringing our trail running community back to the Blue Mountains once again for HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB in the coming weeks. This is an event that means so much to so many people, and we have watched it grow from 157 runners in 2008 to the thousands of athletes, supporters, and spectators we’ve seen in recent years and will welcome once again for a sold-out event in 2025. This year the event will be going to the next level with it debuting as the UTMB World Series Major for Oceania and having a 100 Mile event join the schedule for the first time with runners to take on some of the best trails in the region for an event to remember."
Nick Christopher - HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB Race Director
Broadcast Live on Live.utmb.world
As the UTMB World Series Oceania Major, HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB will be broadcast LIVE, giving fans around the world chance to watch the action unfold and follow their favourite athletes. Follow the live stream and key race stats on UTMB Live platform.
"I'm excited to help host a world-class livestream at this iconic event that has brought so much to the Australian Trail Running community. I can't wait to help showcase this incredible race in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park of NSW with a Global audience, like never before. The racing, landscapes, culture, and community that Ultra-Trail Australia is known for will impress everyone who tunes into the inaugural livestream in 2025!"
Majell Backhausen, UTMB Live speaker (EN)
Date: Live on May 17th from 6am to 5pm Local Time (UTC +10)
Languages: Available in English (hosted by Majell Backhausen) and French (hosted by Alexis Rosset & Ugo Ferrari).
Platforms: Watch live here: https://live.utmb.world/fr/uta/2025. Also available on L'Équipe, Outside, DAZN, IQIYI.
