14/05/2024
Hey runners, happy race week!
It was a wet weekend here in the Blue Mountains, but not as wet as we expected, and the weather for the upcoming week is looking positive – minimal rain, some cloud and wind, but overall pretty close to perfect running conditions.
We can now confirm some changes will need to take place to the courses for all distances, due to a slip located below Echo Point closing the Federal Pass track, blocking access to the base of Furber Steps.
For the UTA11, UTA50 and UTA100:
As runners exit the Katoomba Cascades park, they will divert up onto Birdwood Ave, then Panorama Drive, before running through Lilianfels Park to Echo Point. From here they will join the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, staying on the cliff tops all the way to Mt Solitary Restaurant, then down into the Leura Cascades, rejoining the planned courses.
For all races:
As runners pass the base of Fern Bower stairs and make their way through the Leura Forest, they will veer right onto Dardanelles Pass. Runners will continue along Dardanelles Pass and turn right onto the Giant Stairway. They’ll then complete the 923 steps (28 less than Furber!) up Giant Stairway, before making their way to Echo Point, then onto the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Upon reaching Witches Leap Lookout, runners will head down the Katoomba Falls Track, before joining the top section of Furber Steps (to make up for the lost 28 steps) to climb up to Scenic World and the finish line!
As always, courses are expertly marked, so all you need to do is follow the course markings, but knowing where you're going helps with your planning and keeps you on track come race day, so make sure to spend some time acquainting yourself with these changes – all of which are now published on our website.
Yes – this does mean no iconic 951 Furber Steps to climb up to finish your UTA race. We will miss them just as much as you, but if you feel the need to make the journey up Furber as a part of your annual UTA pilgrimage, we encourage you to take the Scenic World Railway down to the base of Furber Steps and climb all 951 of them. The added benefit? You’re not being timed – so you can stop and take in the views!
Thanks for your patience as we’ve reviewed the weather and trail conditions, and we look forward to seeing you all start to arrive in the Blue Mountains over the next few days!
