Noosa Ultra-Trail returns for its second year from 23-26 March.
Following a sold-out inaugural event in 2022, Noosa Ultra-Trail has become the largest trail run event in Queensland, with a field of over 1500 runners set to traverse the spectacular Noosa Biosphere Trails located within Noosa Hinterland.
Event director Nick Stewart said, “Not only does this make Noosa Ultra-Trail Queensland’s most popular festival style trail run event, but it ranks the event as Australia’s third largest behind UTA and Kosciuszko, both of which are UTMB World Series events.“
“The support we have had from Tourism and Events Queensland, Queensland Parks and Wildlife and Tourism Noosa has been fantastic, and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase the Noosa Hinterland to people from around Australia and all over the world.”
One of the premier events on the Australian trail running calendar, Noosa Ultra-Trail offers runners a choice of six distances, including the Forest 15km, Cross Country 25km, Pomona Sundowner 30km, Out’N’Back 50km, Hinterland Traverse 80km, and the ultimate challenge – the Ultra-Trail 100km.
The diverse range in distances and terrain has seen the event welcome participants from a range of disciplines, such as road runners, triathletes, hiking and trekking, alongside traditional trail runners. The event is a UTMB Index level event, attracting some of the best trail runners from across the nation, including race ambassador Kellie Angel (nee Emmerson, a three x World Trail Running Championships Australian representative).
Joining Kellie as race ambassadors are Craig Alexander (five times World Triathlon Champion and 12 times Australian Triathlon Champion), Matt Golinski (nationally recognised celebrity chef and Noosa local) and Kat Harding (yoga instructor and Noosa local).
Across the weekend, a range of fantastic lifestyle activities give event participants the opportunity to experience the best of Noosa alongside ambassadors.
These activities include the fantastic Women in Sport Lunch, held Friday 24 March at Peppers Noosa, featuring guest speaker, athlete Simone Hayes (amongst many achievements, Simone completed the notorious Western States 100 mile endurance run in California in July 2022), a casual pre-race run and a complimentary yoga class for participants, family snd friends.
The event is a key drawcard for tourism to the Noosa region, with 85 per cent of participants located outside the area.
The festival nature of the weekend encourages participants to bring friends and family to enjoy the incredible food and beverage offerings, shopping and scenery that Noosa is famous for.
Race organisers have worked closely with Tourism Noosa to promote the unique and diverse natural landscapes of the locality, including the pristine Hinterland that is home to the ultra-trail itself.
As a leader in environmental sustainability practices, and a world recognised Biosphere, Noosa has a number of programs in place to reduce its waste, carbon footprint and impacts on flora and fauna in its national parks and state forests.
The Noosa Ultra-Trail Sustainability Strategy proudly supports these initiatives and encourages all participants to be considerate of the environment and conscious of their choices. In recognition of the natural inhabitants of the Noosa Hinterland, a photo opportunity with a koala will be offered on the morning of 25 March within the race precinct.
In what is believed to be a world first for adaptive athletes, Natasha Price, elite adaptive athlete (QLD State Champion, international marathon winner and Gold Coast Women of the Year Champion of Sport 2022) will make history when she completes a modified 10km version of the Forest 15km course with her coach Adam Sheppard.
This historic moment takes place within the Year of Accessible Tourism, part of the Towards Tourism 2023 Strategy to make Queensland a destination for people of all abilities.
Noosa Ultra-Trail participants have the unique opportunity to experience the best of Noosa Hinterland, running through the stunning landscape, along quiet country roads and taking in the exquisite charm of towns such as Kin Kin, Pomona, Cooroy and Tewantin.
The race precinct, located in Tewantin, welcomes runners back to an exciting atmosphere, with international food trucks and well deserved beverages from Noosa Hinterland Brewing Co and Dingo Creek Wines on offer.
The Noosa Ultra-Trail team look forward to delivering another successful event, continuing to drive sustainable tourism to the Noosa region, and encouraging everyone to experience the challenge and enjoyment of trail running.
For more information, visit noosaultratrail.com.au
