The three day mountain festival kicks off on 27 March, and this year will be its most accessible yet, with a brand new 5km run designed to welcome more people onto Hobart’s iconic mountain and into the world of trail running.
It’s a deliberate step by the event’s director Lincoln Quilliam and his team, opening the sport of trail running to more of the community.
“Kunanyi Mountain Run is all about celebrating the mountain and our community,” Lincoln says.
“The five kilometre event gives more people the chance to experience our incredible network of trails in a supported, festival environment, whether it’s their first trail run or their fiftieth.”
KMR Run Director Lincoln Quilliam and his son Charlie loved the Kids Run last year, a perfect family-friendly event.Something for everyone
The event’s popular team relay returns this year too, and will see teams of up to six people split the 66km course into manageable legs.
“It’s perfect for families, friendship groups, sporting clubs and workplaces looking for a shared challenge,” Mr Quilliam says.
Daniel de la Motte and his teammates in the ‘OG Bandits’ will return for their fifth Kunanyi Mountain Run relay this year.
“I love doing our team's annual New Year to KMR training comps, for distance and elevation,” he says.
“I love the banter in the lead up to race day, rocking up together as the sun rises and spending the day on the road and the mountain together.
“It's always a highlight of the year.”
Lincoln says the City of Hobart’s recent upgrades to trails such as the Pipeline Track and the 4km of new trails behind Knocklofty Reserve provide the perfect settings for event training.
Yuki Morikawa from Hobart passing under the iconic Organ Pipes in last year's Ultra Solo 66km event.Choose your challenge
Kunanyi Mountain Run takes place from 27 to 29 March. It offers a Vertical Downhill (9km), Foothills 9km and Foothills 14km, Mountain Run 25km, Mountain Walk 25km, Alpine Marathon 46km and Ultra Solo 66km.
The City of Hobart is a major financial supporter of Kunanyi Mountain Run, providing $45,000 to the event this year, which is expected to have around 1300 runners and walkers.
The event continues to grow its reputation interstate and internationally, encouraging visitors to Tasmania specifically to experience the mountain and its trails.
“But the event plays an important role close to home too,” Lincoln says.
“We know it is playing a role in helping Hobart locals connect with Kunanyi and recognise the extraordinary icon that’s right on their doorstep.”
Keely Cooper and Elise Jeffrey from the run club Her Trails set off for the Alpine Marathon 46km.
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