When more than 1000 trail runners and walkers take to Kunanyi/Mt Wellington’s trails for this year’s kunanyi Mountain Run at the end of March they’ll be encouraged to “run with Kunanyi”, rather than run on or conquer the mountain.
It’s a subtle but important difference, says the event’s founder and director Lincoln Quilliam.
“Runners often have a habit of saying they’ll ‘conquer’ a mountain, but we like to focus more on the connections they’ll form while running. Connections with each other, with nature and the landscapes,” says Lincoln.
Kunanyi Mountain Run is a three-day trail running festival featuring seven different run events (plus kids races).
Starting on Friday 28 March and finishing on the Sunday, it is also a celebration of Hobart’s mountain and its stories, including those of the Palawa Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
Runners, their families and friends, as well as the local Hobart community, are encouraged to immerse themselves in these stories at the opening ceremony and through free activities at the runHub in Wellesley Park.
“We’re really fortunate to be able to offer special cultural walks where people can hear stories of the mountain that span thousands of generations,” says Lincoln.
Experienced tour guide and Yorta Yorta man Tasman Langford is offering guided walks that include a visit to the famous Octopus Tree, sharing stories of how the Palawa people used, and still use, the native plants and animals of Kunanyi.
“These cultural walks are the perfect way for people to connect deeper with the mountain, whether that be people who are running at kMR, or locals who like to hike on Kunanyi,” says Lincoln.
“We reckon the stories shared will stay with people forever, allowing them to reflect and draw on every time they run, or walk, with kunanyi.”
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Unforgettable experience
Last year Hobart local Helen Allsopp took part in her first Tasmanian cultural tour as part of the kunanyi Mountain Run event.
"Joining Tasman Langford from Blak Led Tours and kMR for a cultural walking tour on Kunanyi was an unforgettable experience that deepened my connection to this extraordinary place," she says.
"As a former outback tour guide in Western Australia, I have been privileged to learn and share local indigenous stories with permission, but I was eager to expand my knowledge of Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.
"Tasman, a Yorta Yorta man and an exceptional storyteller, led us through the mountain’s trails, sharing his knowledge of bush tucker and medicine, and the deep cultural significance of Kunanyi for the Palawa people. His knowledge, spanning many generations, brought the landscape to life and offered an insight daily life for the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
"Hearing how the Palawa people lived and thrived here, I gained a richer appreciation for the stories embedded in the mountain’s rocks, waterways, and forests. These stories, once shared, transform the way we experience place — not just as a landscape but as a living, breathing entity with history, spirit, and meaning.
"This experience reinforced my belief that understanding and respecting the cultural heritage of the land is essential in how we engage with and care for it, ensuring that its stories and significance continue to be honoured for generations to come."
Up there with best trails in the world
“I’ve travelled the world extensively and can confidently say that the trails and diverse landscapes of Kunanyi are some of the best in the world,” says Lincoln.
“Not every Hobart local has discovered that yet for themselves, but we reckon they’ll love it once they step out on to the trails.”
“Being active in nature, whether that’s running or walking, is proven to help people’s mental and physical well-being. It definitely keeps me sane, so I want to be able to share that with others too!”
kunanyi Mountain Run