The Guzzler Ultra Trail is Brisbane’s premier ultra-trail running event, offering an epic mountain adventure right in the heart of the city. Runners will navigate a challenging course through Mt Coot-tha Forest, passing historic reservoirs and dense eucalyptus forests, experiencing both brutal climbs and breathtaking views.
This guide provides everything you need to know about The Guzzler Ultra Trail, including race details, course insights, training strategies, nutrition tips, and mental preparation techniques to ensure you’re fully equipped for race day.
A Trail Running Gem in the Heart of Brisbane
Unlike many ultra-trail races held in remote mountainous regions, The Guzzler Ultra Trail takes place just minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. Don’t let the city proximity fool you—these courses are rugged, hilly, and punishing.
Runners will follow a course weaving through the oldest reservoirs in Brisbane, including:
- Enoggera Reservoir (built in 1866)
- Gold Creek Reservoir (1882)
- Lake Manchester (1916)
With steep inclines, technical descents, and rocky single-track trails, The Guzzler Ultra is not for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re running the 105 km ultra or tackling the 10 km Dry Run, every race delivers a proper trail adventure.
Race Categories: Choose Your Challenge
1. The Guzzler Ultra (105 km) – The Ultimate Test
Distance: 105 km (65 miles)
Elevation Gain: 4,618 meters (15,148 feet)
Start Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Course Overview:
The Guzzler Ultra 105 km is Brisbane’s longest ultra-trail race, designed to push even the most experienced ultra-runners to their limits. With over 4,600 meters of elevation gain, this course features long, relentless climbs and highly technical descents, making leg strength, endurance, and mental resilience key to success.
Starting from Mt Coot-tha, runners will follow a looped course through thick forest, creek crossings, and ridgelines, covering some of Brisbane’s toughest and most scenic trails. Expect fast, runnable sections mixed with brutal climbs, especially in the second half when fatigue sets in.
Preparation Tips:
- Long Climbing Sessions – Weekly hill training and stair climbing will help condition your legs for the brutal elevation.
- Back-to-Back Long Runs – Simulate race fatigue by running on consecutive days, mimicking the exhaustion you’ll experience in the final hours of the race.
- Master Night Running – With the early morning start, you’ll likely run in the dark. Train with a headlamp on technical trails to prepare for low-light conditions.
- Dial in Nutrition – Practice fueling every 30-45 minutes, using a mix of real food, gels, and electrolytes to sustain energy levels.
2. The Glass Half Full (52 km) – A Brutal Mid-Distance Ultra
Distance: 52 km (32 miles)
Elevation Gain: 2,102 meters (6,896 feet)
Start Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Course Overview:
The Glass Half Full is the perfect step-up race for marathoners looking to go beyond 42 km. Though half the distance of The Guzzler Ultra, this race is anything but easy. With over 2,100 meters of climbing, you’ll be tested by steep ascents, rugged fire trails, and rocky single tracks.
The loop course takes runners deep into the Brisbane Forest Park, following much of the same technical terrain as the 105 km event. The hardest climbs hit late in the race, making endurance and mental toughness key to finishing strong.
Preparation Tips:
- Focus on Strength & Endurance – Incorporate hill sprints, weighted step-ups, and long back-to-back runs into training.
- Fuel Early & Often – Many runners hit the wall after 30 km—practice race-day nutrition to avoid energy crashes.
- Train for Technical Descents – Work on foot placement, braking, and quad strength to handle the steep, uneven downhill sections.
3. The Big Sipper (21 km) – A Tough Half-Marathon
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Elevation Gain: 711 meters (2,332 feet)
Start Time: Sunday, July 20, 2025
Course Overview:
The Big Sipper is a shorter but still demanding race, ideal for runners transitioning from road to trail. With over 700 meters of climbing, it’s steeper and tougher than your average half-marathon.
Runners will navigate technical single tracks, smooth fire trails, and steep climbs around Mt Coot-tha, with sections featuring loose gravel and rocky descents. The course is highly runnable, making it great for trail speedwork and developing technical skills.
Preparation Tips:
- Improve Agility – Work on ankle mobility and proprioception to handle rocky, uneven terrain.
- Short, Intense Workouts – Include hill sprints, fartlek runs, and fast downhill repeats to build speed and control.
- Hydrate Well – Even though it’s a shorter race, hot Brisbane conditions mean you’ll need proper hydration.
4. The Dry Run (10 km) – The Trail Running Starter Pack
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation Gain: 399 meters (1,309 feet)
Start Time: Sunday, July 20, 2025
Course Overview:
The Dry Run is a perfect intro to trail running, featuring manageable climbs, gentle descents, and smooth forest trails. Runners will experience a mix of single-track paths and wide fire trails, giving a taste of Brisbane’s best trail running terrain.
Though less technical than the longer races, the 399 meters of climbing still present a solid challenge. This race is great for road runners looking to transition to trails or first-time trail runners looking for a fun, supportive environment.
Preparation Tips:
- Train on Rolling Hills – While not as steep as the longer races, small hills will still add up over 10 km.
- Pace Yourself – The temptation is to start too fast—focus on maintaining a steady, controlled pace.
- Wear the Right Gear – Even for 10 km, trail shoes with good grip will make a huge difference.
Preparing for The Guzzler Ultra Trail
Strength & Conditioning for Trail Running
- Weighted Step-Ups & Stair Climbs – Strengthen quads, glutes, and calves for climbing efficiency.
- Single-Leg Stability Work – Improve balance and coordination for technical descents.
- Core Training – A strong core improves posture and prevents fatigue on long climbs.
Dialing in Race-Day Nutrition
- Consume 200-300 Calories Per Hour – Practice fueling with gels, real food, and electrolyte drinks.
- Hydration is Key – Brisbane’s humidity and warm conditions mean staying hydrated is crucial.
- Test Your Strategy in Training – Avoid race-day gut issues by practicing nutrition on long runs.
Mental Strategies for Success
- Break the Race into Sections – Don’t think of the entire race—just focus on reaching the next checkpoint.
- Develop a Mantra – A simple phrase like “Strong and steady” can keep you pushing forward.
- Visualize Success – Picture yourself tackling tough climbs and crossing the finish line.
The Guzzler Ultra Trail is one of the toughest and most rewarding races in Australia. Whether you’re aiming for 105 km or testing yourself on the 21 km Big Sipper, every race delivers an unforgettable trail running experience.
With smart training, proper nutrition, and a strong mindset, you’ll be ready to take on Brisbane’s hills, heat, and technical terrain.
Good luck, and see you on the trails of Mt Coot-tha!
