22 – 25 April 2022
Run Larapinta is a 4 day, 4 stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Northern Territory. It was without doubt, one of the hardest things I have ever done. It was challenging, at times brutal, but the landscape is truly stunning and the camaraderie from fellow runners and encouragement from the race organisers and volunteers was truly wonderful.
There are 2 options for the event – The Malbunka (long course) and the Namatjira (short course – a relative concept). I signed up for the long course – a decision I questioned on more than one occasion.
Stage 1: 20 km around Alice Springs from the Botanic Gardens to the Old Telegraph Station. Elevation: 220m up, 220m down.
Stage 1 started at 5.30 pm which turned into a night run when the sun set at 6.15 pm. Learning #1: a couple of runs last year night round the local river (which is partially lit) is insufficient training for running on mtb single track in the pitch black outback.
Stage 2: 41 km Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm. Elevation: 1,300m up and 1,075m down.
With a 6.40 am start time and a 45 minute bus drive to the start, there was only a short turn around time to the start of the second stage. This was also the hardest stage, so it was always going to be a long day. There was a lot of rock clambering, rocky creek bed to navigate and overgrown trail sections due to recent significant rains. This stage truly lived up to expectations, enhanced by my stacking it early on leading to numerous grazes and bruises. Epic.
Stage 3: 33 km Birthday Creek turn off to Standley Chasm. Elevation: 870m up and 760m down.
Needless to say I was feeling the effects of the last two days at the start of this third stage. However I wasn’t the only one groaning. However after about 45 minutes I started to feel better and I really enjoyed myself on this run. After a cool start, it got pretty warm by the end and I was grateful for the mandatory fluid requirements.
Stage 4: 34 km Ochre Pits to Ellery Creek Waterhole. Elevation: 1000m up and 1050m down
A very cool and misty start to the final stage. Unfortunately I missed a turn off early on and gave myself an extra 3 km to run and wasted considerable time pfaffing about before making my way back to the turn off. I found this stage mentally the hardest of all – there were time I felt close to tears and my toes were killing me on every descent. Eventually I crossed the finish line, totally depleted both physically and emotionally. I was amazed to find a photo of me actually smiling during this stage!
A truly unique event – much gratitude to Rapid Ascent and their volunteers for the opportunity to traverse this amazing landscape.
Photos: Foxtail Films
Racecationing.com 