“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.
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).”
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”.
