Run Larapinta trail race to kick off outside Alice Springs this week

The four-day, four-stage trail running event promises to be a memorable experience for runners as they take to some of the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail.

Run Larapinta Stage Race 2023 is on between August 24 and August 27. Matt Hull / Forktail / Rapid Ascent

Excitement is building as 200 enthusiastic trail runners from across Australia head to the outback this week for the Run Larapinta Stage Race, starting on Thursday.

The four-day, four-stage trail running event promises to be a memorable experience for runners as they take to some of the most spectacular sections of the Larapinta Trail.

First established in 2015, Run Larapinta’s sold-out status is a testament to the event’s popularity, having cemented itself as one of Australia’s most coveted ultra trail running stage races.

The four-stage course is a captivating blend of natural beauty and physical challenge, and follows sections of the Larapinta Track in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, west of Alice Springs.

Two different course lengths make up the event, with the Malbunka long course featuring stages of 20km to 41km each day and the Namatjira stages ranging between 12km and 27km.

Based out of Alice Springs, participants will encounter breathtaking landmarks such as Standley Chasm, Brinkley Bluff and Simpsons Gap.

The final 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.

Event promoter Rapid Ascent’s general manager Sam Maffett said with “spectacular views at every turn”, it was no wonder Run Larapinta had “quickly gained a reputation as a must-do bucket-list event”.

“We can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with a new group of runners this week,” he said.

Mr Maffett said despite the breathtaking scenery, the attraction of the event was “more than just the landscapes”.

“The real beauty of Run Larapinta are the people from all walks of life that participate,” he said.

“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 lifelong friendships and will reset their limits of what they can achieve when they cross the final finish line.”

The 2023 event reached capacity within 24 hours of entries opening late last year and runs from August 24 to August 27 along the Larapinta Trail.