Entries for the four-day, four-stage Run Larapinta Stage Race to be held on 26 – 29 August 2021 have now sold out.
Event organisers Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed field limit of 200 runners to preserve an intimate experience for all participants with this cap being reached late last week.
“We feel it is very important to preserve the experience for all runners rather than compromise the course for the sake of more people,” said Rapid Ascent General Manager, Sam Maffett.
“The timelessness of the landscape and the quiet stillness of running through the Red Centre is at the heart of the event and that is something we respect above all else. To have more than our 200 runner limit would detract from that and compromise runners’ experiences which would be a great shame,” added Maffett.
A limited number of entries are however still available in the ‘2020 Run Larapinta’ that is being conducted on 21 – 24 April 2021 after it was postponed due to COVID last year. Entries in the April event are nearing capacity with approximately 50 places remaining.
The popular stage race has developed a cult status among trail runners after being conceived only six years ago, and Rapid Ascent suggest that anyone who missed out on August to adjust their plans and come in April instead.
“It’s definitely become a bucket list event for both recreational and elite runners across Australia with the race taking in some of the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Northern Territory,” said Maffett.
Two different course lengths are on offer: the Malbunka long course features stages of 19km – 46km each day and The Namatjira stages of 11km – 31km.
The race has been designed for runners of all types seeking a challenge in a spectacular part of the world.
“It is fair to say Run Larapinta is far more a running experience than a race. Yes, you can test yourself against your running compatriots and race for a place, but far more people will be in it for the spectacular experience of running through a timeless landscape,” added Maffett.
Participants doing the longer Malbunka stages will rack up more than 130kms of running in four days. Those choosing the shorter Namatjira stage will clock 80 kilometres of running on rugged terrain.
Run Larapinta was first held in 2015 when 78 runners took part. Exactly 200 runners are now expected to experience the red centre on foot in both April 21-24, and August 26-29 events.
For more information on the Run Larapinta Stage Race head to the official website at www.RunLarapinta.com.au.
ENDS
EVENT DETAILS:
Two Events in 2021:
- Wednesday 21 April to Saturday 24 April 2021 (this is the rescheduled ‘2020 event’ – ENTRIES OPEN
- Thursday 26 August to Sunday 29 August 2021 (this is the ‘2021 event’) SOLD OUT!!! – Join the waitlist HERE
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):
APRIL EVENT:
- Stage 1: 20km around Alice Springs to the Old Telegraph Station
- Stage 2: 41km from Simpson’s Gap to Standley Chasm
- Stage 3: 31km from Birthday Waterhole turn off to Standley Chasm.
- Stage 4: 32km from Ochre Pits to Ellery Creek Water Hole.
AUGUST EVENT:
- Stage 1: 20km around Alice Springs to the Old Telegraph Station
- Stage 2: 41km from Simpson’s Gap to Standley Chasm
- Stage 3: 30.5km from Ochre Pits to Ormiston Gorge
- Stage 4: 46km from Redbank Gorge Ridge Campsite to Mt Sonder and Glen Helen
The Namatjira (the shorter course):
APRIL EVENT:
- Stage 1: 11.5km around Alice Springs to the Old Telegraph Station.
- Stage 2: 22km from The Old Hamilton Downs Station to Standley Chasm.
- Stage 3: 20km Birthday Waterhole to Standley Chasm.
- Stage 4: 26km from Counts Point turn off to Ellery Creek Water Hole.
AUGUST EVENT:
- Stage 1: 11.5km around Alice Springs to the Old Telegraph Station.
- Stage 2: 22km from The Old Hamilton Downs Station to Standley Chasm.
- Stage 3: 22km from Glen Helen to Ormiston Gorge.
- Stage 4: 31km from Redbank Gorge Ridge Campsite to Glen Helen.
EVENT WEBSITE:
www.RunLarapinta.com.au
