Run Larapinta 2023
Run Larapinta Stage Race: An Unforgettable Journey in the Red Centre
Press Release / 21.08.2023
Excitement is building as 200 enthusiastic trail runners from across Australia head to the Outback this week for the Run Larapinta Stage Race, held Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 August 2023.
The 4-day, 4-stage trail running event promises to be a memorable experience for runners alike as they take to some of the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail in Australia's Northern Territory.
First established in 2015, Run Larapinta’s sold-out status is a testament to the events’ popularity, having cemented itself as coveted ultra trail running stage race in Australia.
“With spectacular views at every turn, it’s no wonder Run Larapinta quickly gained a reputation as a must-do bucket-list event and we can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with a new group of runners this week,” said General Manager of Rapid Ascent Sam Maffett.
The four-stage course is a captivating blend of natural beauty and physical challenge, and follows sections of Larapinta Track in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, to the west of Alice Springs.
Two different course lengths make up the event: the Malbunka long course features stages of 20km - 41km each day and The Namatjira stages of 12km - 27km.
Based out of Alice Springs, participants will encounter breathtaking landmarks such as Standley Chasm, Brinkley Bluff and Simpsons Gap.
The final Stage 4 on the Sunday finishes at the serene Ellery Creek Waterhole where participants will get to cool off and celebrate their achievements with a refreshing dip and impromptu ‘pool-float’ party.
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 all walks of life 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.”
“Participants will come away with life-long friendships and will reset their limits of what they can achieve when they cross the final finish line; it really is an amazing experience,” continued Maffett.
The 2023 event reached capacity within 24hours of entries opening late last year. Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed field limit of 200 to preserve the experience for all runners.
“We feel honoured to have created such an event and privileged to delivery it each year. THANK YOU to our runners and supporters for sharing our dream and the dust that comes with it!” said Maffett.
The event would not be possible without the support from the NT Government over recent years which has helped event promoters Rapid Ascent market the event at a national level and reach capacity fields.
For more information on the Run Larapinta Stage Race please head to the official website at www.RunLarapinta.com.au.
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