The Pilliga Ultra is the first trail-running event of its kind near Narrabri designed to raise funds to preserve the ancient forest from mining company Santos' plans to drill 850 wells in the area.

The team was inspired after seeing the potential for new running tracks, For Wild Places director Simon Harris said.

"We spent a week or so up in the Pilliga and found the trails are a magical place to be," he said.

"We want to bring more runners to the area and get it known as a mecca for trail-running."

The July 31 event includes a five, 20 or 50 kilometre run on the Saturday and is limited to 100 runners who must raise $999 each.

Read also:

The purpose of the organisation is to inspire the outdoor community to protect the trails they are walking, running or biking on, Mr Harris said.

"The organisation came about a few years ago when I saw a video called Takana which is about a rainforest in north-west Tasmania, it basically inspired me to get off my backside and do something about the logging," he said.

"I've been able to see the power of connecting the love of being in nature and doing something to protect it.

"It's a powerful mix."

For information visit the For Wild Places website.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: