For an Unforgettable Experience, Run Larapinta!

The Run Larapinta Stage Race is returning to Alice Springs for four days of trail running along the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory from 17 – 20th August, 2018.

The West MacDonnell Ranges boast incredible terrain for trail running with endless kilometres of single track stretching through an incredible landscape of striking colours and scenery. Run Larapinta has become a drawcard for both recreational and elite runners who are expected to come from across Australia and overseas to be part of this unique outback stage race. The event offers two different course lengths for runners – The Malbunka long course features stages of 20km to 45km each day, and The Namatjira provides a shorter option with stages between 11km and 30km.

Run Larapinta is known as more than a race; it’s an unforgettable running experience.

“I absolutely loved Run Larapinta, by the end I felt almost indestructible. I was on such a high. The scenery, the outback and the sense of achievement were fabulous,” said Danielle Clarke, 2017 competitor.

Scott Todd, who also ran Run Larapinta in 2017, said it was a fantastic experience from start to finish.

“The trails and scenery were magic. It is a beautiful part of the world and the event was well organised and made the most of the environment. It left me with a glow that has yet to fade,” Todd said.

Brisbane’s Troy Lum, winner of Run Larapinta 2017 said the best part was running with others and sharing the experience.

“As well as the actual racing, to share the scenery and see things I’d never seen before was what made it; it was fantastic, and the scenery is just amazing,” Lum said.

Run Larapinta was first held in 2015 when 78 runners took part, 116 participated in the 2016 edition and over 120 runners competed in 2017. 2018 will be the fourth running of the event, followed by The Redback Mountain Bike Stage Race, also in Alice Springs the next week. Rapid Ascent Adventure Event Management General Manager Sam Maffett said he was looking forward to welcoming runners to Alice Springs for Run Larapinta 2018.

“We love giving competitors experiences they won’t forget. The quality of the running along the Larapinta Trail combined with the incredible setting and the camaraderie between competitors makes it an exceptional experience,” Maffett said.

“Ultra marathons are growing in popularity around the country but we still have few stage races, so the Run Larapinta Stage Race is unique in Australia – it also provides the ideal opportunity for runners to combine their love of running with a visit to one of the most spectacular destinations in Australia, the Red Centre.”

For more information about the Run Larapinta Stage Race or to enter head to RunLarapinta.com.au