Paluma Ultra
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About the race
The Paluma Ultra is a 52 km ultramarathon trail run through the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics region of Paluma Range National Park. The point-to-point course starts at Gumburu Environmental Education Centre and finishes at the Paluma Village Green, passing rainforest, waterfalls, creek crossings, dry eucalypt country and old logging trails.
The course is almost entirely off bitumen, with only 492 metres on road and the remainder on single trail, dirt roads and historic logging or mining tracks. Organisers describe the route in eight sections, including rainforest single trail past Ethel Creek and Big Crystal Creek, technical old tin-mining trails around the DCK Shelter, the climb to Mt Spec, a 4WD section on Benham’s Track, a climb through dry timber country, and a final local loop through Paluma Village.
Runners must be self-sufficient and carry mandatory equipment that includes a hydration vest, adequate water and nutrition, two compression bandages, an emergency blanket, a whistle, a headlight, a mobile phone with the GPX file and paper maps, and a quality rain jacket in adverse weather. Two manned aid stations and bag-drop locations are provided at about 20 km and 38 km, stocked with first aid, fluids, fresh fruit and small snacks.
Entry fees, age minimum (18 years), cut-off points, additional services (shared accommodation, meals, bus transfers) and event rules are published by the organiser. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
