Paluma Ultra

Paluma Ultra

The Paluma Ultra is a 52 km ultramarathon trail run. The route is within the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics region of Paluma Range National Park, north of Townsville, Queensland. The event starts at the Gumburu Environmental Education Centre on Short Street in Paluma and finishes at the Paluma Village Green on Mount Spec Road.

The Course

The course primarily consists of single trails, dirt roads, and old logging tracks, with only a short section on bitumen. It traverses different landscapes, passing through wet tropical rainforest, past waterfalls, across creeks, and through dry eucalypt forest and open cattle country. The route has significant elevation change, climbing to the highest peak in the Paluma range, Mount Spec. The terrain is described as technical, fast, and flowy.

Event Information

The entry fee is $145. General registration closes before a late entry period begins on October 5, when the fee increases to $165. The minimum age for participants is 18.

Participants receive a race number with a timing chip, a necksock, and access to aid stations, medical support, and a drop bag service. A post-race barbecue and refreshments are provided, and professional event photography is available. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers. There is a finish line cut-off time of 11 hours.

Logistics and Rules

A mandatory gear list must be carried by all runners, including a hydration vest, water, nutrition, first aid supplies, an emergency blanket, a whistle, a headlight, a mobile phone with the course file, and maps. There are two aid stations along the course at the 20 km and 38 km marks. There are also cut-off times at these points and at the finish line.

Additional services, such as bus transfers from Townsville, shared accommodation, and meal packages, can be added during registration. The event acknowledges the Nywaigi people as the Traditional Owners of the land. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.