From Friday, 19 September to Sunday, 21 September, runners and supporters will gather on Gomeroi Country at Pilliga Pottery, near Coonabarabran, for the fourth Pilliga Ultra. The event promises a weekend of trail running, on-Country activities, and family-friendly fun.
The Pilliga Ultra offers multiple trail runs, a kids’ race, and activities led by organisers and community members. Visitors are encouraged to check the event website for any last-minute program updates.
Armidale runner Kristy O’Neill is looking forward to the weekend.
“The Pilliga Ultra has been on my trail running to-do list for the last few years. I really like that it is a smaller grassroots trail running event that builds towards raising awareness for an important environmental cause,” she said.
Across the weekend, a Gomeroi-led yarning circle will provide visitors with the opportunity to listen, ask respectful questions, and learn more about the forest.
“Events like the Pilliga Ultra give us as Gomeroi Traditional Owners the opportunity to share our love and respect for the Pilliga Forest with the wider community. We want to protect the Pilliga because of its cultural significance,” said Gomeroi Traditional Owner Karra Kinchela.
Ms O’Neill echoed the sentiment.
“I have not visited the Pilliga Forest previously, so I am excited to visit this special place and learn more about its significance,” she said.
Families can enjoy the kids’ race, snap photos with people in koala costumes, and take part in a swift parrot painting competition. As always, parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise their children and follow volunteer directions at the start and finish areas.
Tours and talks, including a look at Santos’ existing exploration gas field infrastructure in the Pilliga, will also be available to participants.
Local runners Tyson Peterswald of Tamworth and Kristy O’Neill of Armidale are entered in the 20km distance.
“I’m mostly looking forward to just enjoying the run with my mates Jase and Sarah, who I am running with,” said Mr Peterswald.
“Having a really nice scenic trail run with changing environments and elevations that the 20km has to offer is something to look forward to. Adding in running with your mates who love to banter throughout the entire course makes it even more enjoyable.”
He expects the main challenge will be “the overall challenge of the 20km distance, piled with the elevation. Making sure you fuel yourself properly to last the entire 20km distance will be a challenge I always look forward to.”
Ms O’Neill is excited to experience a new course and event.
“I am really looking forward to experiencing a new course and event that I have not participated in before. The friendly trail running community are always a great bonus too!” she said.
She rates her readiness “About a 7 – this is my first trail running event since Ultra Trail Australia 100 in May 2025. I’m looking forward to getting back into it and starting another season of training. I have kept fit over winter through orienteering events across the New England.”
Some runners camp near the start line at Pilliga Pottery to soak up the weekend atmosphere.
“Being able to camp out for the weekend near the start line adds another element of excitement for the event,” said Mr Peterswald.
He trains on farm hills at Ogunbil and mixes in Parkrun and Flagstaff laps when he comes into town, noting the local elevation “puts Flagstaff to shame”.
For Wild Places coordinate the annual run and are ready for another action-packed weekend.
“We’re pleased to organise this event to give people a chance to get out to the Pilliga so they can see firsthand the impacts gas and fossil fuels are having on the environment and local community,” said CEO Hilary McAllister.
“There are few better ways to experience a place like the Pilliga than running through it, so participants will get an up-close look at what’s at stake and hopefully they go away with a real understanding of why it needs to be protected.”
In line with the message of environmental protection and activism, a giant “NO GAS” human sign will be organised on Saturday, with competitors and supporters invited to form the message on the Pilliga Pottery grounds. Coordinated by the Lock the Gate Alliance, this powerful visual statement aims to send a clear message to Santos and the NSW Government, urging them to halt plans for coal seam gas expansion in the culturally and environmentally significant Pilliga Forest. Organisers invite families and visitors to join in this symbolic act of solidarity and environmental advocacy.
For anyone heading to the event, Pilliga Pottery is located at 250 Dandry Road, Coonabarabran – please allow extra travel time due to rural road conditions. Don’t forget water, a hat, sunscreen, and cash or card for the pottery café and stalls. Also, check the event website for final start times before you go.
Full event details can be found on the For Wild Places website.
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