RUNNING

2016 Run Larapinta Stage Race

By Rapid Ascent

Entries for the 2016 Run Larapinta Stage Race are now open and runners from across Australia and overseas are expected to take part.
 
The Run Larapinta Stage Race is a 4-day, 4-stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, from Friday 12 to Monday 15 August 2016.
 
The event is 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.
 
The event offers two course distance options to cater for runners of all levels: The Malbunka – a long course option with stages of 20-45km each day, and The Namatjira - a short course option with stages of 11-30km each day. 
 
The quality of the running along the Larapinta Trail, combined with the incredible setting in Australia’s Red Centre, the friendly camaraderie amongst runners and the awe of the outback will give all competitors an extraordinary event experience.


Photo © Rapid Ascent
 
“It was tremendous. It was my first ever trail run and I had a great time. The stage format shouldn’t be underestimated. The camaraderie it breeds and the fun factor was a real attraction,” said Marty Nicholas from Sydney, a 2015 competitor.
 
The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most remarkable walking trails and trekking experiences as it traverses an iconic 223km route from the Historic Telegraph Station at Alice Springs to the lofty summit of Mt Sonder in the MacDonnell Ranges.

The trail is quickly emerging as one of Australia’s most popular and renowned treks and is well recognised internationally with travellers coming from overseas to experience one of Central Australia’s most unique and spectacular attractions.
 
“It was such a beautiful course. I can’t think of a course anywhere in the world so varied, it’s on par with other top courses worldwide,” said internationally renowned trail runner Shona Stephenson, the female winner of the 2015 event.
 
“The Stage 1 trails were like outback velvet; beautiful and soft. Apart from the scenery, the sunset and the mountain ranges there was lots of flowy single track, it was perfect trail running,” said Shona, who will be returning in 2016 to defend her title.
 
“I loved the terrain on Stage 3 with the big open valleys and a little touch of gorges but the course wasn’t too steep. It’s a fantastic way to see Australia,” said Joe Fagan from New Zealand after the 2015 event.
 
Run Larapinta competitors can choose to do the full course or just select individual stages that suit your schedule, which is great for competitors’ partners, supporters and local Alice Springs runners.
 

Photo © Rapid Ascent

Event accommodation partners have been appointed and all race logistics can be provided - including race transport, social functions and race support – to make the Run Larapinta Stage Race as easy as just putting one foot in front of the other!
 
For an extraordinary running holiday, check out the Run Larapinta Stage Race at www.RunLarapinta.com.au
 
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Friday 12th to Monday 15th August 2016
Where: Larapinta Trail in the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
What:  A 4-day, 4-stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail with two course distance options:

The Malbunka (the longer course):

• Stage 1: 19km around Alice Springs to the Old Telegraph Station
• Stage 2: 39km from Simpson’s Gap to Standley Chasm
• Stage 3: 29km from Ochre Pits to Ormiston Gorge
• Stage 4: 45km from Redbank Gorge to Mt Sonder and Glen Helen

The Namatjira (the shorter course):

• Stage 1: 11km around Alice Springs to the Old Telegraph Station
• Stage 2: 18km from The Old Hamilton Downs Station to Standley Chasm
• Stage 3: 22km from Glen Helen to Ormiston Gorge via Ormiston Pound
• Stage 4: 30km from Redbank Gorge to and Glen Helen