kunanyi Mountain Run experiences massive growth in participation in its fourth year

It’s only in its fourth year but a popular Hobart trail running festival is attracting massive numbers of participants – and close to half of them are from interstate or overseas.

Keely Cooper, Conor Humphries, Lincoln Quilliam, event organiser, Alana Whitcombe, and Christie Work, who are all taking part in the kunanyi Mountain Run. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hordes of locals and interstate visitors are preparing to pull on their trail running shoes this weekend as the organisers of the popular kunanyi Mountain Run celebrate massive growth in participation.

Kicking off on Friday, the festival of running will continue until Sunday, with events including a vertical downhill run, an ultra marathon, a 25-kilometre run looping up and down the mountain, and shorter options for kids.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is only increasing in popularity.

Keely Cooper, Conor Humphries, Alana Whitcombe, and Christie Work ahead of the kunanyi Mountain Run. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Founder and director Lincoln Quilliam said there had been 25 per cent growth in participation and a significant 38 per cent of registrations were from interstate and overseas.

“In the first year, we had 26 per cent interstate and international [participants] … It’s a bucket list event and we are getting 60 per cent repeats, so runners keep coming back, telling their friends,” he said.

“It’s really popular interstate and that’s showing Tasmanians what an amazing asset we have here on our doorstep.”

The Hobart City Council is supporting the kunanyi Mountain Run with a $56,800 grant and Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock said there was a proven return on investment.

“We know from last year’s event just how valuable our investment is – not only for tourism and hospitality but also in reinforcing Hobart’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor and adventure experiences,” she said.

The 2024 event attracted 950 runners and a total of 2500 attendees over three days, with 660 being from interstate and overseas.

This year, 1100 participants are registered for the event and this number is tipped to climb to more than 1300 by the time the weekend rolls around.

Originally published as kunanyi Mountain Run experiences massive growth in participation in its fourth year