Run Larapinta 2024
10th Edition of Run Larapinta Simply Sensational
Press Release / 27.08.2024
The Run Larapinta Stage Race celebrated its’ 10th edition of the event with a capacity field of 200 trail runners from across Australia heading to the Red Centre – Alice Springs, Northern Territory.
The simply sensational event was held over the weekend, beginning with Stage 1 on Friday 16 August, through to Stage 4 on Monday 19 August.
Over the course of four days and four stages, participants experienced some of the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, resulting in yet another successful and memorable event.
For many runners, they’re finally ticked off a once-in-a-lifetime adventure they’ve been dreaming of for years; whilst others returned for another two-footed pilgrimage in the Red Centre.
"You'll never find me not smiling on a trail!" – anonymous participant, Stage 1 reflection.
"This place just keesp stepping it up ... you're going to have to take us somewhere REALLY amazind to top this tomorrow!" – anonymous participant, Stage 3 reflection.
Two different course lengths made up the event; the Malbunka long course featuring stages of 20km - 41km each day and The Namatjira with stages ranging between 13km - 27km.
Organisers’ Rapid Ascent expressed their admiration for the runners' dedication and the sense of camaraderie that prevailed throughout the event;
“The enthusiasm pulsating from our competitors at Run Larapinta is the real beauty of this event” expressed Sam Maffett, General Manager of Rapid Ascent. “The courses were designed to be challenging, yet incredibly rewarding!”
Stage 1 set out beneath an orange sunset for a twilight run from The Old Telegraph Station on the outskirts of Alice Springs on Fridy 16th August. Competitors ran along the twisting trails that lead to a lively finish line at the official event hotel, the Mercure Alice Springs Resort.
“We loved seeing our 2024 cohort of runners breath in the rich red dirt, acquaint themselves with their trail companions and introduce their feet to the terrain they’ll come to love by Monday!” said Maffett as the racing began.
Day 2 saw an early start for competitors on Stage 2, hailed as the most challenging, beginning at Simpson Gap and finishing at Standley Chasm. Despite the difficult terrain of harsh rock and little shade, runners relished the opportunity to immerse themselves in a majestic and unique landscape.
“In all seriousness, the runner’s grit and determination was second to none out there today (Stage 2). And overhearing and seeing many words and acts of support for one other reaffirmed our belief that trail running attracts top notch humans!” said Maffett.
Sunday’s Stage 3 began near Birthday Waterhole for both course lengths, with competitors conquering the steep sides of Brinkley’s Bluff and being rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views imprinting in memories for years to come. Competitors then continued on through Reveal Saddle where the tectonic lines of the ranges showcased views outback peaks, ridges and cliffs.
Yun Phua, the Malbunka Stage 3 and eventual overall winner, summed up his experience as ‘awesome’ and ‘spectacular’;
“It’s just so awesome!” said Phua. “The terrain is so varied and vast; I remember one little section on Stage 3 just before you head up the hill, I noticed there’s this fluorescent type of moss throughout the trees – it looked amazing – and then at the top it’s a completely different environment – simply spectacular!” continued Phua.
The final Stage 4 on Monday 19 August encompassed two course highlights with the iconic Counts Point lookout before finishing at serene Ellery Creek Waterhole. The spectacular finish line location provided a victorious and celebratory conclusion, with many participants taking a refreshing dip.
“What another sensational conclusion to four days of true Australian outback running,” expressed Maffett. “We love seeing the smiles of satisfaction that are spread across everyone’s faces at the finish line.”
“We congratulate all runners on their personal achievements and hope they are as proud of themselves as we are,” added Maffett.
A presentation ceremony and celebrations will be held back at The Mercure which will round out the final night, as participants share stories and cement friendships for life.
The winners of the Malbunka long course over the four-stages were Yun Phua (Brisbane, QLD) with a total time of 12 hours, 47 minutes and 45 seconds; and sisters Jessica Jenke and Ariarn Huston (WA), who ran and completed the course together to claim a shared victory in 15:38:25 equally.
“Well Ari came up 2 years ago and won Run Larapinta, and I got obsessed with the scenery from the photos!” said Jenke. “So Ari has gifted me this race for my 40th birthday present!”
“For me it’s been a TRUE trail race. Spectacular. And to come here, it is very Australian,” continued Jenke.
Huston commented, “I know I’ve raced here before but once again it was more beautiful than I was expecting it to be.”
Gillian Turnbull and Brett Godden, both from Victoria won The Namatjira short course over the four stages, with Turnbull the outright overall winner!
Ticking of 10 years, the Run Larapinta Stage Race continues to hold its’ position as one of Australia’s most coveted ultra trail running stage races. Maffett extended his gratitude to all participants, past and present, for continually supporting and sharing in this truly magnificent event experience.
Remarkably, this 10th edition of the event sold out in a record-breaking four hours. Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed field limit of 200 runners with entries to the 2025 Run Larapinta event to open in late- October 2024.
The event was supported once again by the NT Government which has helped event promoters Rapid Ascent market the event at a national level and reach capacity fields.
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