The Australian Outback is one of the world's harshest and unforgiving environments. Runners on the Larapinta Trail will experience a range of emotions throughout the gruelling 160 kilometre course, and will need to come prepared for a range of adverse conditions.
Runner safety is the Elements Australia Ultra Running Series number one priority. If you are willing to take your mind, body and spirit to the absolute limit, then we aim to provide you with the best support possible on the trail.
Equipment
Each runner is required to carry the following equipment to participate, without exception -
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Larapinta Trail Map Pack
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Compass
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Straight Edge
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Pencil
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First Aid Kit
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Signaling Mirror
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Safety Whistle
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Water Treatment Solution
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Headlamp
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2 x Cyalume Stick
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2 Person Survival Blanket
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Warm Jacket and Pants
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Gloves
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Beanie
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Personal nutrition and hydration for feuling each course stage -
Stage 1 – Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap, 23.8 km
Stage 2 – Simpsons Gap to Standley Chasm, 38.1 km
Stage 3 – Standley Chasm to Ellery Creek, 64.9 km
Stage 4 – Ellery Creek to Serpentine Gorge, 13.8 km
Stage 5 – Serpentine Gorge to Serpentine Chalet Dam, 13.4 km
We have trialled and recommend the WWA Ultra Bag 20L to carry equipment.
Prior to leaving the start line and each support station Elements staff and volunteers will check each runner is carrying 24 hours of water, SPOT Gen3 battery power, satellite phone battery power and headlamp battery power.
Support Bags
Each runner is also required to prepare a support bag for Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5, including –
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Personal nutrition and hydration for feuling the stage
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Second headlamp (Stage 3)
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Spare socks (optional)
Each support bag will be available for collection at each support station.
Support Stations
The 160 km course is supported by four support stations, hosted by Elements staff and volunteers, situated at -
Stage 2 – Simpsons Gap, 23.8 km
Stage 3 – Standley Chasm, 61.9 km
Stage 4 – Ellery Creek, 126.8 km
Stage 5 – Serpentine Gorge, 140.6 km
Each support station will supply water, trail mix, bananas and sunscreen for runners to consume. Personal nutrition and hydration for feuling each course stage remains the responsibility and choice of each runner.
Support and Pacing Runner
A support and pacing runner is required to carry the same equipment as a runner.
On-Trail Water Supplies
In addition to water supplied at each support station, runners are encouraged to plan for the use of on-trail water supplies -
On-Trail Facilities
Runners are encouraged to plan for the use of on-trail facilities -