Event Schedule

2025 Event Dates: Friday 15th to Monday 18th August, 2025

Entries will open Monday 28 October, 2024


Provisional schedule for 2025 as below.

Thursday 14 August 2025

All dayCompetitors arrive and airport shuttle operates
4:30pmMapping app help session – at the Mercure
5:00pm – 6:00pmHappy Hour drinks and chance to chat with the Race Director – at Mercure Alice Springs
6:30pm onwardsDinner and drinks available at Mercure Alice Springs (user pays – bookings recommended)
That nightRecommended accommodation is at The Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs

Friday 15 August 2025

All morningCompetitors arrive and airport shuttle operates
11:00am – 3:00pmRegistration at The Mercure
3:00pmRace Briefing and Official Welcome at The Mercure
4:30pm/5:20pm Malbunka / Namatjira buses depart from The Mercure and Discovery Parks to start line at the Telegraph Station
5:30pmMalbunka START: Stage 1 – Old Telegraph Station
6:10pmNamatjira START: Stage 1 – Old Telegraph Station
6:30pmTake-away dinners can be pre-ordered through the Mercure (by 13th Aug)
7:30pm/8:30pmBuses ferry runners from the finish line at the Mercure to Discovery Parks
That nightRecommended accommodation is at Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs

Saturday 16 August 2025

5:40am/6:20amMalbunka / Namatjira buses depart Mercure & Discovery Parks Alice Springs to the start lines
6:40amSTART: Malbunka Stage 2 – Simpsons Gap
8:00amSTART: Namatjira Stage 2 – Standley Chasm
1:30pmBuses depart Standley Chasm (finish line) to return runners to Alice Springs
That nightRecommended accommodation is at The Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs
6:30pm onwardsEvent BBQ dinner at The Mercure followed by Presentations for Stage 1 and 2

Sunday 17 August 2025

5:35am / 5:45amCompetitor Buses depart Mercure & Discovery Parks Alice Springs to the start lines (Namatjira ‘slower-half’ of the field).
6:00am / 6:10amCompetitor Buses depart Mercure & Discovery Parks Alice Springs to the start lines (Malbunka runners)
6:50am / 7:00amCompetitor Buses depart Mercure & Discovery Parks Alice Springs to the start lines (Namatjira ‘faster-half’ of the field).
7:20amSTART: Malbunka Stage 3 – Birthday Waterhole turn-off
7:30amSTART: Namatjira Stage 3 – Birthday Waterhole Rd (slower half of field)
8:50amSTART: Namatjira Stage 3 – Birthday Waterhole Rd (faster half of field)
from 1:00pmShuttle buses operate to take runners from Standley Chasm (finish line) to The Mercure & Discovery Parks Alice Springs
7:00pmPresentations for Stage 3 on the grass at the Mercure (and online)
That nightRecommended accommodation is at The Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs

Monday 18 August 2025

5:00amMalbunka buses depart Mercure & Discovery Parks Alice Springs to the start line
5:40amNamatjira buses depart Mercure & Discovery Parks Alice Springs to the start line
7:00amSTART: Malbunka Stage 4 – Orche Pits
7:30amSTART: Namatjira Stage 4 – Counts Point turn-off
FINISH LINE: Ellery Creek – Gaps Kitchen Menu (bring cash!!)
1:00pm – 4:15pmShuttle buses depart Ellery Creek Big Hole (finish line) to take runners back to Alice Springs – Mercure & Discovery Park
6:00pm Official Event Presentation dinner at The Mercure
That nightRecommended accommodation is at The Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs

 *Please note start times may change pending final bus arrangements and weather conditions (earlier if it is hotter)

Tuesday 19 August 2025 – departure day

Competitors depart or embark on further exploration of Australia’s Red Centre. 
Airport shuttles operate taking people back to the airport.

“My mind has been blown. The run was bloody amazing…it has changed my life... I’ve never done a trail run before and it was out of this world!” – 2023 participant

“This fantastic event challenged me greatly, but also provided so much enjoyment and amazing scenery… I met some amazing people, including the event staff! I still don’t think it has sunk in yet what I achieved… :-)” Afy Afrouz