AusLeisure

Set among Northern Territory’s MacDonnell Ranges, the Larapinta Trail will see runners tackle one of Australia’s toughest endurance races this weekend at the West Macs Monster.

The Larapinta Trail offers a number of races from the impressive Ekistica 231km Sonder Monster to the Ekistica 128km Ellery Monster, the Ekistica 65km Standley Monster and ABC 25km Simpsons Monster. There is also a family orientated 5km Tele Monster fun run for those wanting to get involved.

Arguably one of the most gruelling, technical and scenic trails in Australia, the race event is expected to attract people from across the country who will not only run along an iconic trail but take the chance to see more of Central Australia.

2024 West Macs Monster Event Director Simon Duke enthused “now in our fifth year, it is exciting to see the West Macs Monster continue to go from strength to strength. The iconic landscape as well as the incredibly positive culture that the volunteer team has built and support from event partners and sponsors has put this race on the map for runners. It’s the Finke (Desert Race) on Foot that no-one wants to miss!”

In 2023 Alice Springs local Simon Duke smashed the record for the 231km race with a time of 39 hours, 56 minutes and 26 seconds. The female course record was also broken in 2023 by Perth runner Meghann Coffey with a time of 47 hours, 11 minutes and 38 seconds.

The ABC 5km Tele-Monster is still open for registrations and West Macs Monster organisers are also welcoming people to volunteer at the event, or come on down and enjoy the finish line festivities on Sunday 19th May at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

NTMEC Chief Executive Suzana Bishop shared“The West Macs Monster is quickly growing to become a must-do event for serious ultra-trail runners nationally. Set amongst the jaw-dropping MacDonnell Ranges runners will be blown away by the beauty of the Red Centre.

“Competitors and their support crews are encouraged to get out and experience Central Australia from dipping in the waterholes that line the Larapinta Trail to camel rides, hot air balloon rides to learning about the region’s Aboriginal culture."

To find out more head to www.westmacsmonster.com.au

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