In a remarkable display of endurance and community spirit, the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko attracted more than 3700 runners from around the globe this year, showcasing the stunning landscapes of the Snowy Mountains while providing a vital economic boost to the region.

Among the participants was an 86-year-old runner, proving age doesn’t matter. The event saw 34 per cent of the competitors being female and 2776 first-time trail runners taking part.

The event not only highlights the physical abilities of its participants but also showcases the importance of such gatherings in revitalising the local economy during typically quiet periods.

Owner of Birchwood Café, Laura Stamp, described the event as a “fantastic opportunity” for local businesses.

Ms Stamp said they noticed even more people visiting the Snowies for the event this year, whether they were competing or supporting friends and family.

“Because of that, they booked local accommodation, ate in local cafes and restaurants, shopped in town, and supported a wide range of small businesses,” Ms Stamp said.

“For us at Birchwood, it created one of our busiest periods outside winter, we had our coffee van at the Perisher start line for two days, a very full cafe in town, and we were consistently busy for four to five days straight.

“The event also brings organisers, crew and some athletes into the region in the weeks beforehand as they prepare, train, and check the course, which gives businesses an extra boost leading into the event.

“Events like this inject much-needed revenue into our local economy during a period that is usually very quiet for trade and can often be a loss or break-even month for many operators, so having thousands of visitors here over several days made a huge difference.”

The Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB has been hosting this event in Jindabyne now for the past five years and serves as a catalyst for economic activity in a region heavily reliant on tourism.

Ms Stamp said the region relies heavily on tourism, so events like the Ultra Trail help keep businesses operating, keep staff employed, and keep money circulating in the local economy through staff wages and businesses like ours using local suppliers and local services.

“They also showcase the Snowy Mountains as a vibrant destination beyond winter, which is incredibly important for the long-term sustainability of our town,” Ms Stamp said.

Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president, Olivier Kapetanakos, echoed Ms Stamp’s sentiments, praising the organisation of the event and the enthusiasm of the volunteers.

Mr Kapetanakos said the Ultra-Trail event was exceptionally well-organised, the volunteers were friendly, and given the weather conditions, it was an extraordinary and meticulously planned event.

“Having personally hosted guests at my farm stay who participated and supported the event, they expressed their appreciation for the well-organised event and the scenic trails,” Mr Kapetanakos said.

“The views made the run unforgettable and in equal measure, they highlighted the hospitality of local businesses, at the same time they also thought the course was at times crowded.

“If Jindabyne is to successfully transition from a winter-only town to one that can sustain year-round economic activity, we require such events and without them, our progress will stagnate.”

The future of such events in Jindabyne is not without challenges, as concerns continue to be raised on the cost of hosting such events for the organisers.

Mr Kapetanakos said one would expect stakeholders such as Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to comprehend the cost-benefit ratio implications of their high fees.

“All the events that were once held in Jindabyne and had to re-locate due to the cost of organising events have become scarce, it is increasingly challenging to host events in Jindabyne,” Mr Kapetanakos said.

“If we aspire to become a premier outdoor destination, we must proactively understand the requirements of organisers and cater to those needs.

“It is imperative that NPWS returns goodwill to the region and SMRC comprehends that tourism must be championed at every stage of the tourism journey, they must provide support to local businesses and community groups to benefit from this vital resource.”

Owner of Design and Detail, Diana McInnes, said how good it is that Jindabyne gets to host the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko each year.

“A world class event in our backyard which traditionally is a very quiet time in the mountains; the professionalism, business, and people that it brings to our region is something wonderful,” Ms McInnes said.

“Let’s embrace these events, they are few and far between.”

The Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko serves not only as a challenge for athletes but also as a rallying point for local businesses to showcase their hospitality and commitment to a thriving future for its town.