Australia’s five national trail running championships will be decided at a single event for the first time in 2027, on the slopes of Hobart’s Kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
The Kunanyi Mountain Run will host the long course trail, short course trail, uphill, downhill and vertical running titles across one three-day festival in March.
KMR won the hosting rights after a competitive bid process overseen by the Australian Ultra and Trail Running Association and Australian Athletics.
The event will run from March 19 to 21, 2027.
AUTRA president John Claridge said the decision was a significant milestone for one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.
“It’s the first time that we’ve ever had an event like this,” he said.
He said only a handful of Australian events could host all the disciplines and Mount Wellington stood out.
“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.
The championships will also help athletes qualify for the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in South Africa.
Claridge said the course was one of the toughest in the country and resembled the European-style terrain used at the world titles.
KMR founder and director Lincoln Quilliam said organisers had worked with Athletics Australia and AUTRA for several years to secure the event.
“We’re so honoured to be hosting the first ever combined Australian mountain and trail running champs at Kunanyi Mountain Run,” he said.
The three-day festival drew about 1,300 runners in 2026 and organisers expect 1,500 in 2027, rising further once the elite field arrives.
Quilliam said a new ultra course of about 84 kilometres with 4,800 metres of elevation gain would be added as the Australian Long Trail Running Championships event.
The 2026 edition brought $4 million into the Tasmanian economy and generated more than 8,000 bed nights across the state.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the championships would boost the visitor economy and lift Tasmania’s international profile.
“It’s such an exciting announcement and a really great opportunity to put us on the trail running map internationally,” she said.
