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- Kunanyi Mountain Run to host Australia’s first combined Mountain and Trail Running Championships
Southern Tasmania will welcome Australia’s best mountain and trail runners in 2027, with the Kunanyi Mountain Run (KMR) chosen to host the nation’s first combined Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
The landmark event will take place from 19–21 March 2027, with the championships integrated into the existing Kunanyi Mountain Run program, allowing elite athletes and recreational participants to share the same world-class trails and event experience.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for both the event and Australian trail running, with the championships jointly awarded by the Australian Ultra and Trail Running Association (AUTRA) and Australian Athletics.
AUTRA President John Claridge said Kunanyi Mountain Run was the standout choice.
“World-class trails, proven event management and a passionate community. It provides the perfect stage for Australia’s first combined National Trail Championships.
“This is a landmark moment for trail running in Australia.”
The championships will feature a range of mountain and trail running disciplines across Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, showcasing one of Australia’s most recognised trail running destinations.
Championship events will include:
Trail Running
- Short Course Trail – KMR Alpine Marathon (46km)
- Long Course Trail – KMR 80km Ultra (new for 2027)
Mountain Running
- Uphill – KMR Vertical Kilometre
- U20 Classic Up and Downhill – KMR Foothills 9km
- Open Classic Up and Downhill – KMR Foothills 14km
Alongside the national championship races, the broader Kunanyi Mountain Run program will continue to offer events for runners and walkers of all abilities, including the 25km Mountain Run, 66km Ultra Solo, 66km Ultra Team Relay, Foothills 5km and the popular Kids Runs.
Hosting the championships will also see Australia’s leading mountain and trail runners competing for national titles and the opportunity to represent Australia at the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.
While the event continues to grow, organisers say the heart of Kunanyi Mountain Run remains unchanged.
Held with the generous welcome of the Palawa people, the event encourages participants to connect with nature, community, culture and Kunanyi itself, while providing an inclusive experience for everyone, from first-time hikers and trail runners through to elite competitors.
The announcement is expected to further cement Southern Tasmania’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier adventure tourism destinations, drawing competitors, support crews and spectators from across the country to experience the region’s outstanding trails, hospitality and natural landscapes.
Registrations for the 2027 Kunanyi Mountain Run open in August 2026, with more details about the event program and the inaugural Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships to be released over the coming weeks.
For more information, visit https://kunanyimountain.run/.