Run the edge of the Blue Mountains on this unforgettable 17.5km point-to-point adventure along the iconic Grand Cliff Top Walk. Linking Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba via cliff top tracks, bushland and historic villages, this course delivers big views, flowing trail and World Heritage landscapes at every turn. Expect exposed escarpments, forest trails, waterfalls, and many stairs with 700m of elevation that rewards strong legs and steady pacing. A must-do for trail runners chasing scenery, challenge and a true Mountains experience, especially as a pre-UTA tune up! Walkers welcome too.
Sponsored by:
La Sportiva / Scenic World / Explorer Bus / Summit Gear / Skratch Labs / Woolworths Metro Leura
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Grand Cliff Top Race Closed
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A$135.00Feb 4 - Apr 10
Event details
Grand Cliff Top Race 2026 is the inaugural running event on the iconic Grand Cliff Top Walk, covering a spectacular 17.5km escarpment route from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba. This marks the first time a race has been held on this renowned walking track.
The race starts at the gateway to the Grand Cliff Top Walk in Wilson Park, Falls Road, Wentworth Falls at 7:00am and finishes at the Skyway Park at Scenic World, Katoomba. Kelsie King will open the event with by welcoming us to Gundungurra Country.
There will be one aid station located at Gordon Falls Reserve, Leura (10km).
The start will be staggered to reduce any congestion on single track. Select your wave when you register - note this is self-seeded and there are limits for each wave. Please choose an appropriate time for you.
- Wave A: runners aiming to complete the course in under 2:15
- Wave B: 2:15-3:15
- Wave C: 3:15-4:15
- Wave D: 4.15-6hrs
Minimum age: 18.
There is a 300m section of metal walkway where it is advised to walk. Gloves are recommended to protect your hands if you fall here or anywhere else on the route.
Cut-off times
• Gordon Falls (10km): 4-hour cut-off (11:15am, allowing for staggered starts)
• Scenic World finish (17.5km): 6-hour cut-off (1:15pm, allowing for staggered starts)
Drop bags may be checked in at the start and transported to the finish at Scenic World. All drop bags must be clearly labelled.
Please catch the train or carpool. DO NOT park at Wilson Park - parking is available at Wentworth Falls station - a short walk to the start line. Even better catch a train! You can drive/train to Katoomba station, catch a train to Wentworth Falls station and catch a train back from Katoomba at the end of the race.
Transport from Scenic World back to Wentworth Falls at the end of the race is available but must be pre-booked. The bus will leave hourly from 11am. Public buses and taxis operate regularly from Scenic World and all finishers receive an Explorer Bus pass, which can be used to return to Katoomba station. No event transport is provided from Gordon Falls, however public transport is available.
Parking is NOT available at Scenic World. Limited paid parking is available at Gordon Falls.
Toilets are at Wentworth Falls station car park and Wilson Park. Additional Portaloos will be available at Wilson Park. Toilets are on course at Gordon Falls, Echo Point and Scenic World.
Transfers will be accepted up to one week before the event (7am Sunday 5 April) via Race Roster and cost $5.
Cancellations will be accepted up to two weeks before the event (7am Sunday 29 March). There is a $25 cancellation fee.
Bib collection: from Summit Gear Katoomba during opening hours on Saturday 11 April OR at the race start from 5.30am to 6.30am on race day.
SKRATCH LAB NUTRITION PACKS FOR FIRST 50 ENTRIES!
AWESOME SPONSOR PRIZES FROM LA SPORTIVA, SKRATCH AND SUMMIT GEAR FOR OVERALL PODIUMS AND SPOT PRIZES FROM SPONSORS AND LOCAL TOURISM BUSINESSES AT THE FINISH LINE!
ALL FINISHERS RECEIVE A GRAND CLIFF TOP RACE BUFF, AN EXPLORER BUS PASS AND A MOUNTAIN CULTURE VOUCHER FOR A CELEBRATORY BEER!
Event profits go to Blue Mountains Tourism, the official local tourism organisation for the Blue Mountains, supporting local tourism businesses. Blue Mountains Tourism is an industry-led, membership based not-for-profit working with Blue Mountains City Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, First Nations and operators to deliver first class visitor experiences and advocate for sustainable tourism in the Blue Mountains.
This event is kindly supported by Running Wild NSW.
Blue Mountains Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Gundungurra Country, on whose land we work and live. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Grand Cliff Top Walk - links
Mandatory Gear
Compulsory mandatory gear:
- 1 litre fluid capacity (i.e. 2 x 500ml flasks or a bladder)
- Reuseable cup
- Mobile phone
- Snake bandage
- Emergency blanket
Recommended:
- Fingerless gloves to protect your hands if you fall - there is metal grating in multiple locations - gloves are highly recommended!
- Waterproof jacket if wet and/or cold
GPX GRAND CLIFF TOP RACE ROUTE
NB the route is subject to changes if any closures are put in place by NPWS or BMCC: as at 6 April one detour is in place due to Katoomba Falls Reserve closure - detour is along Cliff Drive, please keep inside the cones and follow directions of marshals on course.
