So what UTA race distance should you enter?

UTA 11

This is a great race for everyone.With over 6 months to train you can start working on your stair and trail running technique now. It is a tough 11km, including a tricky descent down the golden stairs, and the final km is up the 951 Furber Stairs. This event won’t be a walk in the park, but it is definitely achievable.If you are new to trails, this event could take you up to 3 hours to complete. The front of pack runners finish this event in about 50 minutes. So it is a great challenge, with fantastic scenery, no matter what your level of experience.(NB: The UTA11 course is subject to change dependent on weather and track closures, but the alternative route is also like to include a lot of stairs and single track.)

UTA 22

This race is suitable for runners who have been running consistently for 6 months and are currently comfortable running 8km - 10km regularly without injuries.Following a proper base training and race training plan 6 months out from race day is enough time to get you ready to really enjoy this event. The winners complete this race in just over 90 minutes, with the majority of runners taking 3 to 4 hours.The event starts with a relatively fast run on road and fire trail for about 5km before you hit the first set of stairs. Then you are up and down like a yo-yo. Some specific up and downhill training sessions will be helpful for this event, plus some stair training and getting onto the trails for some of your weekend long runs.This really isn’t like any 21km road event you have done before!NB: The UTA22 course is subject to change dependent on weather and track closures, but the alternative route should be a similar mixture of fire trail and single track.

UTA 50

This event is suitable for runners who have been training consistently for at least 18 months and are able to comfortably run 17km - 18km regularly on undulating terrain without injuries.If you have not yet run 17km, you should consider training for the 11km or 22km distance.If you have been running for 18 months consistently, then 12 weeks of base training plus 16 weeks race training should just be enough time to prepare your body for this 50km race distance without risking injury, but you will need to get started soon and be diligent with some stretching, rolling and strength work on top of the running training.This is an exciting but tough 50km with 2500m of vertical gain across the course. Learn more about the UTA 50km course, with this detailed course description.

UTA 100

This distance is suitable for runners who have been training consistently for at least 2 years and are able to comfortably run 20km - 24km regularly on hilly trails without injuries. This race has 4500m of elevation which makes it a very challenging 100 kms. Ideally, you should already have competed in some 30km - 50km trail races before tackling a 100k event.If you can not, or have not, consistently included a 20km “long run” in your training program, you should consider training for the UTA50. Six months may not be enough time to prepare your body for this 100km race distance without risking injury.

UTA 100 Miles

This distance is suitable for runners who have been training consistently for at least 3 years and are able to comfortably run 30km regularly on hilly trails without injuries. You should be used to running on big hills and ideally you should have completed two or three 100km events already.This is not an event for the light hearted. Running 100 miles is more than twice as hard as running 100km. You need to be prepared to put in a solid 12-16 weeks of base training before moving to a 16 week race-specific plan that ideally replicates the terrain and vert of the UTA 100 miler.The miler is going to start in the Grose valley which has significantly bigger, steeper and harder climbs than the Jamison and Megalong Valleys. Make sure you are prepared for a long,tough and hopefully fun day out.

So what UTA race distance should you enter?

It will be a lot more fun if you get the distance right, so make sure you choose carefully.The UTA is such an incredible event with an amazing atmosphere. The sense of satisfaction when you hear the cow bells, see the crowd of people and cross the finish line is second to none.We encourage everyone to give the UTA a go, and with 5 different race distance options, you really can choose the right distance for you.To learn more about the type of training required for the UTA check out this articleBetter yet, start one of these UTA specific training plans and train smart all the way to race day.