Event Schedule

“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

Thursday 15 August 2024

All dayCompetitors arrive and airport shuttle operates
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
That nightRecommended accommodation is at The Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs

Friday 16 August 2024

All morningCompetitors arrive and airport shuttle operates
11:00am – 3:00pmRegistration at The Mercure
3:00pmRace Briefing and Official Welcome at The Mercure
From 4:30pmShuttle buses commence to start line at the Telegraphe Station
5:30pmMalbunka START: Stage 1 – Old Telegraph Station
6:10pmNamatjira START: Stage 1 – Old Telegraph Station
That nightRecommended accommodation is at Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs

Saturday 17 August 2024

5:50am/6:30amMalbunka / 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
12:30pmBuses 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 – 7:30pmEvent BBQ dinner at The Mercure followed by Presentations for Stage 1 and 2

Sunday 18 August 2024

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 12:30pmShuttle buses operate to take runners from Standley Chasm (finish line) to The Mercure / Discovery Parks Alice Springs
That nightRecommended accommodation is at The Mercure or Discovery Parks Alice Springs

Monday 19 August 2024

5:00amMalbunka bus departs Mercure / Discovery Parks Alice Springs to the start line
5:45amNamatjira 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
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 20 August 2024 – departure day

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

“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