How Trail Running and Ultramarathons Are Booming in Australia
Sally Beggs spent ten hours traversing tough terrain during the Grampians Peaks Trail 50-kilometre ultramarathon, crossing the finish line in a personal best time of 10 hours and 24 minutes. As abc.net.au reported, the growing popularity of trail running and ultramarathons across Australia shows that more people are choosing endurance events in nature over traditional road running.
From Paddocks to Fifty Kilometres
Beggs began her running journey while holding a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other, answering a phone call from her sister to run a half marathon. Unfit and overwhelmed by small decisions, she initially ran laps of the paddocks on her family’s wool farm in regional Victoria to escape daily stress. Now, she competes in grueling trail events.
This race owes no-one anything,
Beggs told herself during the Grampians Peaks Trail race, noting that she allowed herself no stops for photos or dilly-dallying. Her involvement in the sport has led to significant lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.
Participation and Diversity on the Trails
John Claridge, president of the Australian Ultra and Trail Running Association (AUTRA), points out that trail runs and ultra races are experiencing a rise in full capacities, higher turnouts, and a more varied field of competitors. While the sport traditionally attracted runners in their 30s and 40s, Claridge notes an increase in younger adults looking for experiences beyond road running, alongside older runners valuing varied terrain and social aspects.
Events range from short introductory runs to ultras exceeding 300 kilometres that take days to complete. Claridge explained that success in trail running is frequently defined by completing a personal challenge rather than achieving a specific placing, given changing weather, terrain, and conditions.
The Grampians Peaks Trail 100 Miler and Global Appeal
As one of more than 100 structured ultramarathon competitions staged yearly throughout Australia, the Grampians Peaks Trail 100 Miler is additionally designated as a World Trail Majors event, part of a select group of 10 races that also includes competitions in South Africa, Spain, Japan, the USA, and Canada. The event traverses Gariwerd/Grampians National Park from Mt Zero to Dunkeld. Its main 100-mile event features 7,700 metres of elevation gain and is completed over four days through tumultuous weather.
Claridge emphasized that Australia’s landscape draws people in, combining physical activity with time outdoors and adventure. This sentiment is echoed by participants like Halls Gap police officer Greg Kew and his wife Nicole, self-proclaimed running addicts who travel globally for ultramarathons.
Camaraderie and Global Travel for Extreme Endurance
Greg and Nicole Kew served as each other’s support crew during the 2025 Grampians Peaks Trail 100 miler, running for almost 44 hours through wild weather and bitter cold. The couple met through the running community and regularly volunteer at local events.
Claridge noted that the supportive culture fosters a strong sense of belonging among participants who tackle individual challenges. For competitors like Beggs, the sport provides an outlet for personal transformation, family modeling, and physical recharge.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.