Rumble in the Jungle 2026 showcases the best of the Eastern Dorrigo Plateau

A leap of enthusiasm during the Rumble in the Jungle Trail Run that took place on the picturesque Eastern Dorrigo Plateau - Photo Credits Keelan Birch

The Eastern Dorrigo Plateau came alive earlier this month as more than 500 runners from across Australia descended on Ulong and Bindarri National Park for the 2026 Rumble in the Jungle Trail Run. Now in its fifth year, the event reached another milestone with the successful staging of the inaugural 100km ultra marathon, cementing Eastern Dorrigo Plateau as one of Australia's premier trail running destinations.

As night descends, a determined runner conquers the inaugural 100km ultra marathon, exemplifying endurance and resilience in the event's most challenging events - Photo Credits Keelan Birch

Alongside the 100km event, runners tackled the 50km, 30km, 21km and 8km courses, all winding through the spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, mountain roads and rugged trails that make this region so special. For many participants, it was their first visit to Ulong. They arrived from across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and beyond, discovering not only the incredible trails but also the warm hospitality of our mountain community.

What makes Rumble in the Jungle unique isn't just the running. It's the way the whole community comes together. Many runners and their families made a weekend of it, camping under the stars at the Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall, enjoying the crisp mountain mornings and relaxed atmosphere that makes Ulong so welcoming. The Ulong Ex-Services Club was bustling throughout the weekend, serving meals to competitors, volunteers and supporters, while local businesses benefited from the influx of visitors exploring the region before and after race day. That community spirit is something runners talk about long after they leave.

Trail runners continue to be awed by the remarkable landscapes. From the majestic subtropical rainforest to the clear creeks and demanding climbs, Bindarri National Park provides an unforgettable adventure that highlights why Eastern Dorrigo is emerging as one of Australia's hidden gems for trail running - Photo Credits Keelan Birch

The trails themselves continue to leave a lasting impression. From towering subtropical rainforest and crystal-clear creeks to challenging climbs and flowing descents, Bindarri National Park delivered an unforgettable experience that showcased why Eastern Dorrigo is becoming recognised as one of Australia's hidden gems for trail running.

Amidst the towering trees and lush tree ferns of Bindarri National Park, a lone runner carves his path through the tranquil forest trail - Photo Credits Keelan Birch

The inaugural 100km ultra was a particularly proud moment. Fifty determined runners took on the biggest challenge the event has ever offered, pushing themselves through an entire day, and for some, well into the night, as they traversed some of the most spectacular landscapes on the Mid North Coast. Their achievements were celebrated by volunteers, supporters and fellow runners who stayed around to cheer every finisher across the line.

Every runner was enthusiastically cheered on by volunteers, supporters, and fellow runners as they crossed the line at the Eastern Dorrigo Community Hall - Photo Credits Keelan Birch.

Beyond the race itself, weekends like this create something much bigger than a sporting event. They introduce hundreds of people to a region they may never have otherwise visited, supporting local businesses, showcasing the natural beauty of the plateau and putting Ulong and the Eastern Dorrigo region firmly on the map as a destination for outdoor adventure. On behalf of everyone involved with Rumble in the Jungle, thank you to the Eastern Dorrigo community for embracing the event once again. Your support, generosity and enthusiasm are what make this weekend so special each year. We can't wait to return and continue sharing this incredible part of the world with even more runners in the years ahead.

Keelan Birch is a passionate trail runner and community builder based in the Orara Valley, where he spends much of his time exploring the local forests, fire trails and rugged backcountry on foot. Through his involvement with Coffs Trail Runners, he has helped foster a welcoming and adventurous trail running community, encouraging runners of all abilities to get off-road and experience the incredible landscapes in the Coffs Harbour Hinterland.