Run Larapinta 2023

Run Larapinta Sells Out Within Hours of Opening Entries

Press Release / 28.10.2022

The 2023 edition of the Run Larapinta Stage Race has sold out less than 24 hours after entries opened with a rush of eager runners securing their names on the honour roll of Run Larapinta royalty.

The 4-day, 4-stage trail running event will be held on 24-27 August 2023 along the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Event Organisers Rapid Ascent have the self-imposed entry limit of 200 runners to preserve an intimate experience for all participants. The event has sold out for the last 3 years, and there was little doubt the 2023 event would follow the same pattern.

Rapid Ascent’s General Manager Sam Maffett felt a wave of emotions as the event reached capacity within hours of opening.

“If we make runners breathless with the courses we set, then they have made us breathless with their enthusiasm to enter!” exclaimed Maffett.

“There is no doubt that Run Larapinta is a special event and each year we look forward to it like a kid at Christmas and we are overawed that runners feel the same way,” said Maffett. “We are honoured to have created such an inspiring event and feel privileged to delivery it each year.”

Many say it’s the landscape that competitors get to experience that make the event truly special; the tectonic lines of the MacDonnell Ranges merging with a distant horizon; the steep sided gorges brought to life with waterholes at their base; and the simple timelessness of the outback just seeps into your soul.

Maffett says that it’s more than just the landscapes.

“The real beauty of Run Larapinta are the people from across the country that participate,” said Maffett. “No matter their varying speeds and abilities – we are all equal out there and the sense of camaraderie between runners is truly next level.”

Two different course lengths make up the event: the Malbunka long course featuring stages of 20km - 46km each day and The Namatjira offering stages of 12km - 31km.

The official courses follow sections of the Larapinta Track in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, to the west of Alice Springs. With spectacular views at every turn, it’s no wonder Run Larapinta, now heading in to its’ 8th year, has a reputation as a must-do bucket-list event.

Stage 1 and 2 will be based out of Alice Springs with competitors taking in landmarks such as Standley Chasm and the Simpsons Gap; before moving to Glen Helen for Stages 3 and 4 which will take runners through the incredible Ormiston Gorge and to the breathtaking views at Mt Sonder.

“The experiences shared, the life-long friendships made, and the memories forged will never be forgotten and we can’t wait to share our dream and the dust that comes with it next August,” added Maffett.

Previous participants also hold great enthusiasm for the stage-race:

Jess from the 2022 event says, “Wildly rugged, vast and intense. The country that you get to run through is amazing and it takes my breath away… actually there are times when it even brings me to tears… it’s just so insanely beautiful!”

 Fiona, also from the 2022 event says, “It was everyone we hoped for and more! Yes, there were a few tough moments out there but that’s all part of the adventure and makes the sense of achievement even better! We met some lovely people along the way and had the time of our lives!"

 Lonneke from the 2021 April event said, "You’ll come away from this event with a massive buzz and new running mates for life!”

A waiting list for the 2023 event has become active for interested runners, HERE.

For further event details on the Run Larapinta Stage Race please visit the official website at www.RunLarapinta.com.au.