To keep everyone safe and the event running smoothly for its first outing, this year’s Ultra includes a few timed checkpoints.

The first key one is Checkpoint #3 at Clontarf Reserve. You should be past here by 8:30 am. This is the start area for the Experience and Enduro courses, and by then those participants will already be further along.

There’s also a cut-off at Checkpoint #5 at Manly’s East Esplanade. If you don’t reach it by 10:15 am, you’ll be redirected onto Victoria Street to finish along the Experience course.

To stay comfortably ahead of these cut-offs, aim to finish the Ultra in under 4 hours 15 minutes by maintaining roughly the following pace:

Section #1 – Sirius Cove Reserve to Clontarf Reserve (12.6 km, 1 hr 45 mins)
• 850m of swimming
• 2:00 per 100m in the water
• 7:00 per km on the run

Section #2 – Clontarf Reserve to Queenscliff Beach (13.9 km, 2 hrs 30 mins)
• 2.65 km of swimming
• 2:30 per 100m in the water
• 10:00 per km on the run

Because Section #1 has less swimming (850m vs 2.65km in Section #2), you’ll move through it faster. Keep a steady rhythm, and you’ll stay well clear of the cut-offs – leaving you free to enjoy the full Ultra adventure.

FYI: The Spit Bridge is a hard cut-off at 8:30 am. If you haven’t crossed before the bridge opens, you won’t be able to continue. Once it lifts, you’ll be too far behind the field and water safety coverage will no longer be in place.