Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / Who’s faster over 100km – a Pro trail runner or a Pro Ironman? We are about to find out

Who’s faster over 100km – a Pro trail runner or a Pro Ironman? We are about to find out

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Published on

“Who’s faster over an 8hr trail event out of a Pro trail runner and a Pro Ironman?”

Australian triathlete Steve McKenna is asking that question ahead of the world’s second largest Ultra-Trail event.

That’s the Blue Mountains 100km or, as it’s currently known, the Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB which takes place on May 17.

Advertisement

McKenna goes back to where it all started

McKenna is a multiple winner in swim, bike and run – he triumphed at IRONMAN New Zealand last season and at IRONMAN Australia in 2023.

But with the bike courses at the next two World Championship events not playing to his strengths, he’s taking a break and focusing on running – and some unfinished business.

He explained on Instagram: “Starting my season by going back to where it all started for me and endurance – running.

“With KONA 2026 [the IRONMAN World Championship] more than 18 months away, I have a few itches I must scratch before it’s too late (I’m 33yo now).”

Steve-McKenna-taking-the-win-at-IRONMAN-Australia-2023-robot-pose
Steve McKenna does the ‘robot’ as he wins IRONMAN Australia [Photo credit: IRONMAN]

McKenna targeting marathon PB too

His race programme will start with him being a 2:20 pacer at the Ballarat Marathon and that will be followed by the Adelaide Marathon.

But then comes the Blue Mountains 100km in the pro field, which will answer that “who’s faster” question!

And McKenna readily admits that as he’s also trying to set a new marathon PB afterwards (by going as much under 2:20 as he can at the Gold Coast Marathon), his 100km training might not be optimal, saying: “I might start training for the 100km event one month out 🤦🏻‍♂️.”

He also added that it won’t just be about endurance at Blue Mountains either: “I’ll most likely get my arse handed to me with the technical running, but I want an answer to this question.”

It’s going to be fascinating to watch and we’ll cover it here on RUN247. Meanwhile McKenna says he’ll then head back to “full time pro triathlon life”.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

John Kelly start Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
‘Please don’t call me a hero’ – John Kelly honours the fallen on Memorial Day as he starts Appalachian Trail
Shaunna Burke is taking on the Everest Marathon
Researcher with incurable cancer tackles Everest again and the world’s highest marathon
Women top five Zegama 2025 photo credit GTWS
A ‘dream’ for Sara Alonso and ‘historic’ for Elhousine Elazzaoui – Zegama stirs the emotions again
Sara Alonso wins Zegama 2025 photo credit GTWS
Zegama-Aizkorri 2025 results: Statement wins from Elhousine Elazzaoui and Sara Alonso
Stephanie Case wins UTMB Snowdonia 2025 photo credit UTMB
Ultrarunner who went viral after remarkable Snowdonia win hopes to inspire other new mums
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...