Sydney Ultra Marathons Introduces the SUM100
There’s no denying that trail running has taken off. The sport has had unprecedented growth over the last 5 years and what was once a daggy pursuit has somehow become cool. For newcomers, the loudest voice in the market is the UTMB brand. They bought many of the biggest events and have applied their cookie cutter approach across the board. Thankfully though, there are a few smaller players coming along. A new cohort of race directors that put the runners first and look to find new trails for us to explore. One such operator is the dynamic duo of Alex Treglown and Dave Bennie from 180 Cadence. With immense passion for the sport and loads of experience as both runners and race directors, they have created a series of races in the heart of Sydney, one of which, the Sydney Ultra Marathons, is set to become a bucket list experience for every runner.
“When both Dave and I met we each spoke about how we wanted a massive ultra marathon event in Sydney. Individually we’ve dream about it for a long time and we’re proud to finally have the SUM 100 launched and a breathtaking course to go with it.” Alex explains. The first year was a rousing success, but Dave always had something bigger in the back of his mind “We planned the 100km in year 1 but ended up not proceeding. I wanted to make sure we could ensure we had a successful race and there were a number of unknowns. Did we have the best course? Did we have the team behind us to pull it off? After a couple more Backyard Ultras and a wonderful SUM 80km under our belts, I knew 2026 was the year to introduce the 100km.”
The courses across the weekend are all stunning, but for Alex the 100 is the pick “The SUM 100 course has the most highlights for me. When you’re traveling through Garigal National Park you have to pinch yourself that you’re still in Sydney. The trails are wild, breathtaking and amazing. I’m constantly amazed with the section between The Cascades and Davidson Park (either side of Middle Harbour) it feels like you’re in another world. The Magazine Track is tough but filled with jaw dropping views and a personal favourite segment is the mountain bike trails in Bantry Bay Reserve. I love weaving through them. All three courses also travel down the Bobbin Head Fire Trail and you get an amazing view of the Bobbin Head Marina & Valley. That never gets old.”
As far as trail races go, every event has its own personality, strengths and weaknesses. For Dave, what sets SUM apart from other events is simple “Its location is a big factor. SUM exists to prove something simple, that Sydney, one of the world’s biggest cities, still has deep, wild bushland on its doorstep. And that you can run serious ultra distances through it without compromise.” Alex adds “The SUM offers Sydney based runners the opportunity to wake up in their own bed, run their races and get home without having to book expensive accommodation for themselves, family and supporters.”
Apart from adding the 100km race, in 2026 Sydney Ultra Marathons has some more great additions that Alex is excited about. “While the SUM 100 is a massive improvement we’re excited to announce a brand new 50km course for the SUM 50. It utilises more of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, removes the Mona-Vale Rd crossing and has limited crossover with the SUM 100, ensuring that there is zero trail clog. With the event spread across two days, we’re turning SUM into more of a festival with the edition of an event expo”
For anyone that hasn’t done a 180 Cadence event before, you’ll quickly discover why they have such a loyal following “180 Cadence was founded by two runners who were dissatisfied with existing events. Dave & I wanted to bring races to Sydney that no one had ever done before and we wanted to deliver them with passion and care. Inside 180 Cadence, there’s a saying that guides every single decision we make: ‘Runners first’. It means that no matter what, the runners always come first. If that means heading out into the bush at 2 am to mark a photography route so the best shots are ready for race day, that’s what we do. But we don’t like telling those stories because it’s what is required to put on a 180 Cadence event. But “runners first” also means that everyone at 180 Cadence is a runner first. Every person on our team trains, races, and feels that same start-line nervous energy as the people we organise for. And as a runner myself, I’ve had friends and family ask: “Why would you pay for that event when you can run there anytime for free?” It’s a great question and one we’ve built 180 Cadence around answering. Because every runner in our events gets more than a race. They get a meaningful medal, a free race shirt, free photos, and a world-class experience designed by people who genuinely love this sport.
If you’re looking for a race to target in 2026, then sign up for Sydney Ultra Marathons. If for any reason it doesn’t fit into your race calendar, then check out the other events 180 Cadence has to offer. You’re sure to find something epic!