One of the annual highlights of Australia’s biggest trail running event, Ultra-Trail Australia, is the Welcome to Country delivered by Gundungurra man David King.
The event, being held again this week, attracts several thousand runners to traverse the spectacular landscape of Gundungurra land in the Blue Mountains.
"Several years ago I was asked by the Aunties and Uncles to do a Welcome to Country for the 100km ultra-marathon,” said Mr King, whose mother was a Gundungurra woman born in the Katoomba Aboriginal community of The Gully.
“It is always encouraging when organisations seek to honour Aboriginal custodianship. On that crisp Saturday morning amidst the excited chatter, we did the Welcome and emphasised the message of Aboriginal management of Country. Since then we have continued the Welcomes and working together. Two years ago my Mother … did the Welcome, focusing on caring for pathways and each other. Each year the organisation, runners and supporters have consistently respected Country and we appreciate this. We aim to continue developing an excellent working relationship with UTA.”
The UTA festival kicks off on Thursday, May 12, with a two-day expo at the Katoomba Convention Centre open to the public featuring the best the Blue Mountains and the trail running and adventure worlds have to offer. As well as merchandise and food, there’s talks and performances plus a jumping castle and Kids’ Zone.
