From May 14 to 17, the second-largest trail running event globally and the first Major of the 2026 UTMB World Series — the HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB (UTA) — returns to the stunning Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales. Over 8,000 runners will gather in the town of Katoomba, nestled deep in the Blue Mountains, eagerly awaiting the 18th start gun. iQIYI Sports will provide free live streaming of the renowned 50km and 100km categories on Saturday, May 16, starting at 2:45 AM Beijing time. Don’t miss the action!
A Celebration of Landscape, Equality, Culture, and Community
This year’s UTA features six distances: 100 miles, 100 km, 50 km, 20 km, 11 km, and a 1 km kids’ race. Each course is meticulously designed to showcase the region’s breathtaking scenery — from sandstone cliffs and lush forests to cascading waterfalls and the legendary Furber Steps. The event also honors the deep cultural heritage of the Indigenous community through a Welcome to Country ceremony, traditional cleansing and smoking rituals, and yidaki players along the route.
Notably, UTA boasts one of the highest female participation rates in the UTMB World Series, with women making up 43% of the total field. In the 22 km and 11 km categories, women account for 55% and 61% respectively, adding a vibrant energy to the mountain trails.
Elite Runners and Rising Asian Power
The competition draws world-class athletes vying for the season’s first Major victory. The 50 km race is especially intense, with a stellar women’s field. Chinese trail running queen Yao Miao, the 2025 UTMB OCC (50K) champion, will face off against New Zealander Ruth Croft, a historic “triple crown” winner who conquered all three core UTMB categories (OCC/50K, CCC/100K, UTMB/172K). In the men’s 50 km, defending champion Dan Jones of New Zealand returns to retain his title.
A strong Asian contingent highlights the region’s growing influence in international trail running. Alongside Yao Miao, Chinese athlete Chen Lin, fresh from winning the 100-mile women’s title at the 2025 UTMB Kodiac Ultra Marathon, aims for another victory in Australia. In the 100 km men’s race, China’s Qin Guidu and Deng Guomin will compete, raising hopes for a repeat of Shen Jiasheng’s stunning debut victory last year. Japanese runner Hiroki Kai, winner of the 20 km category at the 2025 UTMB Thailand Chiang Mai, also enters the 50 km race.
Immersive Chinese Commentary Debuts on iQIYI Sports
On May 16, iQIYI Sports will broadcast the 50 km and 100 km events live and free for 12 hours, starting at 2:45 AM Beijing time (local time 04:45 AM). For the first time, the stream features dedicated Chinese commentary by Sun Ruiyi, a prominent KOL in China’s trail running community and founder of the running media outlet RunYeah. His expert analysis enhances the viewing experience for Chinese audiences. Commentary is also available in English (with Majell Backhausen and Jacqui Bell) and French (with Ugo Ferrari and Nicolas Martin). Tune in for a thrilling blend of fierce competition, stunning natural scenery, and unique cultural atmosphere this weekend.
Live Stream Details:
- Date & Time: Saturday, May 16, 2:45 AM – 3:00 PM Beijing time (local time May 16, 04:45 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Languages: English (Majell Backhausen and Jacqui Bell), French (Ugo Ferrari and Nicolas Martin), and Chinese (Sun Ruiyi)
