Run Larapinta - now April 2021
Entries Flooding in for 2020 Run Larapinta Stage Race
Press Release / 21.11.2019
Rapid Ascent is excited to announce the four-day Run Larapinta Stage Race will run from 26 - 29 August in 2020. And entries for the event are now open as if midday today.
The trail running race has become a drawcard for both recreational and elite runners across Australia. With trails taking in some of the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Australia's Northern Territory—west of Alice Springs in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges—it’s easy to see why.
On offer again are two different course lengths: the Malbunka long course features stages of 19km - 46km each day and The Namatjira stages of 11km - 31km.
Almost 200 runners competed in 2019 prompting race directors to cap this year’s numbers at 200. And if today’s entries are anything to go by then the 200 cap will be eclipsed in short time.
2020 will mark the 6th edition of the event with runners coming from across Australia and as far as Europe to compete and enjoy the camaraderie with fellow runners.
The long course is a real challenge with the final day a whopping 46km up and down Mt Sonder and across the finish line at Glen Helen Lodge.
But the Run Larapinta Stage Race is designed for all running types seeking a challenge in a spectacular part of the world according to race organisers at Rapid Ascent.
“It is fair to say Run Larapinta is far more a running experience than a race. Yes, you can bench yourself against your compatriots and race for a place, but far more people will be in it for the (incredible) experience of running through this timeless landscape”, said Race Director Sam Maffett from event organisers Rapid Ascent.
“You do not need to be an elite runner, nor a runner with a long list of ultra-marathon race finishes to your name… you just need to be an active person who is willing to chip away at the course and keep moving from start to finish” said Maffett.
Participants doing the longer Malbunka stages will rack up more than 130kms of running in four days. All the way from Alice Springs to Glen Helen and everything in-between.
Those choosing the shorter Namatjira stage will clock up more than 80 kilometres on rugged terrain. Keen trail runners can also enter individual stages of the race. This option is especially popular among local participants.
Regardless, the views are spectacular and it’s easy to see why Run Larapinta quickly gaining a reputation as one of Australia favourite multi-day trial running events.
Run Larapinta was first held in 2015 when 78 runners took part. More than 200 runners are expected to blaze the red centre in 2020 for the races 6th year of the event.
The multi-day event is shadowed by The Redback mountain bike stage race held the week before plus other running festivities taking place in Alice Springs in August.
For more information on the Run Larapinta Stage Race head to the official website at www.RunLarapinta.com.au.
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