2026 Event Dates

CONFIRMED DATES: Friday 14th August to Monday 17th August, 2026

2026 ENTRIES TO OPEN: Monday 27 October, 2025 at 12noon (AEDST)

2025 Event Review

• RESULTS: Daily Stage Results and Overall Placings View HERE >>

• PHOTOS: via Fortkail HERE >> (be sure to credit: Forktail; and tag #runlarapinta and @RapidAscent)
• MEDIA STORY: Read Here
• SOCIAL MEDIA: Summaries of each Stage and Images – HERE >>

Welcome

Welcome to Run Larapinta – an extraordinary trail running experience through the very heart of Australia.

This is a race through a landscape that transcends time, where the tectonic lines of the MacDonnell Ranges stand solid and strong as the Larapinta Trail weaves its route like a magic serpent in the dust. It’s a landscape of boundless beauty that leaves you in awe at every step.

But more impressive than the country we get to experience, it’s the people that make this race really special. Coming from all corners of the nation, of all speeds and specialties – everyone becomes equal out here as we share an experience you’ll never forget. Ever.

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WHEN:

Friday 14 to Monday 17 August 2026

WHERE:

Larapinta Trail in the MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia.

ENTRIES:

2026 ENTRIES TO OPEN: Monday 27 October, 2025 at 12noon (AEDST)

Entries expected to reach capacity within hours of opening. Be prepared.

FIELD LIMIT:

Run Larapinta has a field limit of 200 4-Stage Runners to preserve the experience for all.

THE COURSE:

The Malbunka (long course)*	The Namatjira (short course)
20km – 45km stages	14km – 30km stages
Stage 1: 19.5km around Alice Springs from the Old Telegraph Station to the Mercure Stage 2: 41km from Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm Stage 3: 33km Birthday Waterhole turn-off, to Standley Chasm  Stage 4: 34km Ochre Pits to Ellery Creek Waterhole	Stage 1: 13.5km around Alice Springs from the Old Telegraph Station to the Mercure Stage 2: 20km Standley Chasm > High Route loop Stage 3:22km Birthday Waterhole to Standley Chasm  Stage 4: 27km Counts Point turn-off, to Ellery Creek Waterhole
VIEW MALBUNKA DETAILS	VIEW NAMATJIRA DETAILS

*NOTE, the Malbunka course has selected minimum entry requirements and is aimed at trail runners. Walking the entire course each day will NOT meet the cut-offs.

“That was an amazing and unbelievable experience for me; I’ve never been here before and I just couldn’t believe how nice (and tough!) it is!“ – Corey Milner (Overall Malbunka Winner 2023)

Join us for an unforgettable trail running experience in Australia’s spectacular Red Centre.

VIDEO INSPIRATION

“Run Larapinta was an amazing way to see a beautiful part of Outback Australia. The trail is tough, but the beauty of the area, its vastness and majesty made every step worthwhile. I feel privileged to have seen a special part of our country and met some lovely people along the way.” – Karen, 2019 participant.

“Across mountain ridgelines, through dry sandy river beds and over endlessssss rocks in the heat of the sun – we overcame all these challenges on our way to the finish line! But what was an even greater standout for me was sharing the experience with everyone else. I’ve formed life long friendships for years to come!“
– Mary, 2022 event participant.

2024 EVENT WEEK REVIEW

• Stage Results – including GC: View Here >>
• Daily Facebook Summary with Images:
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Stage 4
• Post Event News Story: Read Here >>