It was a Hume & Hovell kind of weekend

Kate Dzienis • December 21, 2017

Contributed by Peter and Val FitzParick

The sixth Hume & Hovell Ultra was held on the weekend of October 14 and 15 in the spectacular mountains around Tumbarumba, in the Snowy Mountains foothills. There was a large contingent of 195 runners spread between the 22kms, 50kms and 100kms events with 16 participants tackling the 100-miler with the total number of entrants doubling last year’s numbers.

The weather was perfect with highs of 26 degrees whilst dropping to a character-building zero overnight. The track was in perfect condition too, giving runners every opportunity for a great run and the possibility of a PB – especially when compared to last years’ soggy conditions. The stunning scenery and abundance of native wildlife and wild horses surprise runners every year and 2017 was no exception with many runners stopping to take photos and appreciate Australia’s beauty. The rugged and challenging terrain, teamed with the area’s remoteness and isolation, provided everyone with a chance to pit their skills against the best that a trail run can throw at them.

Although challenging, the Hume & Hovell Ultra is perfect to begin a move into trail running due to generous cut-off times, the well-marked course, the amazing volunteers, and the support networks available to every entrant. Many took advantage of free camping at the start/finish line and building on the warmth and camaraderie of the event, with many finishers being cheered in through the night by fellow runners, volunteers and family.

In the end 14 belt buckles were handed out for the 100 milers with 147 runners completing the range of distances and being presented medals and various other prizes and awards. The weekend’s events were finished off on the Sunday morning with a complimentary hot breakfast, the sharing of war stories and the comparing of blisters.

Adam O’Rourke, who successfully completed the 50kms run had the following to say about his experience:

“Last weekend I had the pleasure of running the Hume & Hovell Ultra. The course is one of the most scenic, not to mention challenging, trails I’ve been on. It’s a very well-marked out course that takes runners through thick bushland on the outskirts of Tumbarumba, NSW. The aid stations were well stocked with plenty of food and drinks, and manned by some very supportive and uplifting volunteers.

“It’s also one of the most organised events I have attended. From the Friday night briefing to the Sunday presentations, everything just seemed to flow seamlessly. The atmosphere was fantastic on Saturday night, standing around the fire, cheering home the 100kms runners and listening to their stories was great.

“I highly recommend the Hume & Hovell to any trail or road runner thinking of making the jump up to an ultra or for anyone just looking for a weekend in some glorious countryside with a bunch of likeminded people.”

Visit AURA’s results page here for a full list of Hume & Hovell’s results.

Pictured: The finish line at this year’s Hume & Hovell. Photograph – John Philip Eyles/Facebook.

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Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships 2027

By Jin Kato • July 8, 2026

The world-class trails of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington will play centre-stage for one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, after the Kunanyi Mountain Run (KMR) was awarded the hosting rights for the first-ever combined Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships (AMTRC). KMR was awarded the National Championships after a competitive bid process, overseen by the Australian Ultra and Trail Running Association (AUTRA) and Australian Athletics (AA). AUTRA President, John Claridge, said that KMR “offered everything we were looking for”. “World-class trails, proven event management and a passionate community. It provides the perfect stage for Australia's first combined National Trail Championships," he said. It’s expected that Australia’s elite mountain and trail running athletes, and support crew, will travel to Hobart, as they vie for a spot in the Australian team that competes at the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. "This is a landmark moment for trail running in Australia,” Mr Claridge said. "We're excited about what this championship represents; not just next year, but for the future of trail running in Australia... helping grow the sport and inspire the next generation of trail runners." The 2027 AMTRC at KMR will be the first time that all championship distances have been held together, at the one festival. “It aligns us more closely with the way World Championships are presented, creating a stronger pathway for athletes and raising the profile of the sport,” Mr Claridge said. KMR, a 3-day trail running festival which has been held annually since 2022, expects to draw more than 1500 runners and hikers from across Tasmania, Australia and internationally next year. The AMTRC will be embedded within KMR’s existing event program, allowing elite athletes to compete for the national titles, while sharing the same spectacular trails and event-experience as recreational runners. “We’re honoured to have been selected as host,” KMR’s founder and director, Lincoln Quilliam said. “KMR continues to welcome runners, and hikers, of all abilities. From the elites who want to represent Australia on the world stage, the group of mates or work colleagues who run the team relay together, the mums returning to running after having a baby, as well as those who are trying trail running for the very first time,” Mr Quilliam said. Tasmanian runner, Jessica Collins, who has represented Australia, said it was exciting news for KMR, Tasmania and the sport. “This is such a great opportunity for Australian athletes. I’ve run many of the KMR events and know the courses and the terrain are on par with what we see at the World Champs,” she said. The City of Hobart has supported Kunanyi Mountain Run since its inception, and Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said she was “thrilled” with the news. “Events like this not only showcase the natural beauty of our region but also reinforce Hobart’s reputation as a vibrant destination for world-class outdoor experiences.” The 2026 edition of KMR brought in $4 million to the Tasmanian economy, generating more than 8000 bed nights across the state, which Alex Heroys, Chief Executive of Destination Southern Tasmania, said was a “significant return for the visitor economy”. “Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is one of Tasmania’s great natural assets, and the Kunanyi Mountain Run shows exactly how powerful events can be in driving regional tourism,” he said. “We have an epic mountain right on Hobart’s doorstep, an airport less than 30 minutes away, and a city that is well set up to welcome thousands of visiting athletes, support crews and spectators.” “This event also reinforces Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class trail running destination. With steep, technical trails and real mountain terrain, Kunanyi offers conditions that are genuinely comparable to what athletes will experience at the World Championships, making it an ideal place to compete, train and visit.” For more information: Kunanyi Mountain Run Dates: 19-21 March 2027 Pic credit: David Nolan & Ryan Slater