A “bucket-list” trail running experience through the heart of the Red Centre

Friday 14 – Monday 17 August, 2026

Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

ENTRY UPDATE (27/10/2025):

Entries to the 2026 Run Larapinta reached capacity for the “all 4 stages” Malbunka and Namatjira Races late on Monday evening (27/10/2025); with limited single stage entries available only.
A WAITLIST is available for those keen on the full “4-stages” race packages:

> CLICK HERE TO JOIN WAIT LIST (or enter a Single Stage) <

RACE SUMMARY:

Run Larapinta is a four-day trail running race through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre — it’s a race that challenges your body, stirs your spirit and unites runners in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

The Malbunka (long course)*	The Namatjira (short course)
Stage 1: 19.5km | Alice Springs: Old Telegraph Station to the Mercure Stage 2: 41km | 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 | Alice Springs: 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 >

Welcome to the run of a lifetime…

On the surface, Run Larapinta is a four-day stage race on the Larapinta Trail…

Just 19km–45km per day of boulder hopping, ridge-line scrambles, and “one-with-nature” running.

Dig deeper though, and you’ll realise it’s a formative journey for everyone who takes part…

Yes, it’s brutal.

Yes, you might suggest renaming sections “scramble Larapinta” or “trek Larapinta” mid-way through day two (this trail is no joke).

But here’s the thing…

Every year, after every stage, we’re surrounded by 200 high-on-life runners, telling tales about “how frickin’ awesome” it was and bonding over the experience they’ve shared. (Many come back year-after-year because they can’t get enough).

We reckon that’s because the harder something is >> the more life changing and meaningful it is – and the stronger the connection with the other people around you.

It’s the shared challenge that brings us together…

It’s the vulnerability of breaking yourself down that makes old relationships stronger and connects you to new friends like super glue…

Plus, there’s no sweeter taste in the world than that first bite of food after slogging it out in the outback for hours on end!

This trail is truly special. The people it attracts are even better. And, when you combine the two (with a good dose of hardship), the consensus is always unanimous:

“I’ve tasted the desert, I’m tougher than I thought, and there’s no place on earth I’d rather be“

Welcome to Run Larapinta.

We can’t wait for new tales and new friends in 2026.

The Rapid Ascent Team

“Run Larapinta is more than a run (or run hike if you’re me) it’s a journey through country which touches the soul. A truly breath-taking experience which every runner should experience.“ – Kim, 2025 participant

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 participant.