Bring your friends and family – experience the Red Centre together
Quick links for information below:
You do not need a support crew to participate in the Run Larapinta Stage Race. Support crews are not permitted to provide any assistance to any runners on the course at any time.
That is not to say that support crews, spectators, families and friends are not welcome – oh no, you are as welcome to come and be involved with the event as the sun is hot. Spectators bring a very friendly atmosphere to events and we openly encourage anyone who is thinking of coming to the race ‘to watch’ to book a flight now and come up and join the fun.
SPECTATOR VANTAGE POINTS
Spectators will be able to see the runners off at the start and finish of each stage and at a couple of other vantage points on some of the stages. The list of stage start and finishes is included below and additional vantage points and times will be added nearer the race.
STAGE 1:
The Malbunka
- Start location: The Old Telegraph Station in Alice Springs
- Finish location: Mercure Hotel
The Namatjira
- Start location: Old Telegraph Station in Alice Springs
- Finish location: Mercure Hotel
STAGE 2:
The Malbunka
- Start location: Simpsons Gap – 25mins drive from Alice Springs
- Finish location: Standley Chasm – 45mins drive from Alice Springs
The Namatjira
- Start location: Standley Chasm – 45mins drive from Alice Springs
- Finish location: Standley Chasm – 45mins drive from Alice Springs.
STAGE 3:
The Malbunka
- Start location: Birthday Waterhole track / Red Centre Way road junction – 40mins drive from Alice Springs
- Finish location: Standley Chasm – 45mins drive from Alice Springs
The Namatjira
- Start location: NO ACCESS!! 4WD only
- Finish location: Standley Chasm – 45mins drive from Alice Springs
STAGE 4:
The Malbunka
- Start location: Ochre Pits – 1hr10mins drive from Alice Springs
- Finish location: Ellery Creek Waterhole – 1hr drive from Alice Springs
The Namatjira
- Start location: Counts Point track – 1hr drive from Alice Springs
- Finish location: Ellery Creek Waterhole – 1hr drive from Alice Springs
TRANSPORT TO / FROM EACH STAGE
Supporters are most welcome to drive runners to and from the start / finish of each stage. All start and finish locations are accessible via a 2WD car (except the Short course start on stage 3) and we will provide driving instructions and travel times in the event program nearer the event.
FUNCTIONS 2024
Supporters are most welcome to join us for any of the social functions conducted as part of Run Larapinta as listed below.
Book tickets to the dinners via the merchandise store HERE>>
Thursday 15 August
- 5:00pm – 6:00pm – Happy Hour at Mercure Alice Springs Resort Come and meet the Race Director for a chat to ask any questions you have
Friday 16 August
- 3:00pm – Official Welcome to and Race Briefing at Mercure Alice Springs Resort garden
- 7:30pm onwards – food available from the Mercure buffet (user pays)
Saturday 17 August
- From 6:30pm BBQ Dinner at Mercure Alice Springs Resort garden
- 07:00pm. Stage 1 and 2 presentations will be conducted at the same spot.
Sunday 18 August
- Competitors make their own dinner arrangements – We will suggest a variety of restaurants and eating places nearer the event
- 6:00pm – Stage 3 presentations will be conducted at The Mercure.
Monday 19 August
- 6:00pm – Final Event Presentations and Dinner at the Mercure
SIGHT SEEING
The MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding landscape is truly amazing and there is so much to see and do if you want to.
From short walks to gorges and water holes, to art galleries, wilderness centres, hot air balloons, desert parks and more… if you have not been to the Red Centre before then we can guarantee you will be amazed and will find plenty to do.
It is certainly possible for spectators and support crews to watch / help your runners AND to enjoy yourself by visiting some of the sites and attractions at the same time. Read the Travel and Accommodation page for more details.
