Marathon
About the race
Marathon - Course Description
The start of the Marathon course has you with your back to Uluru – this means that you are perfectly positioned for an amazing “start line” photo!
Setting off and turning a left, you run on a graded track with Uluru on your left for around 1 1/2km before taking a right-hand turn towards the legendary Camel Corner (you may well see the camels resting for the day).
Many parts of the course have names (many created specifically by the race organisers for the race), and you will find yourself running past Lisa’s Corner, Dead Tree Corner, the Power Station and the Triangle as you make your way around. There are amazing views at the top of some of the small dunes, with harder-packed tracks awaiting on the other side. There are a few “trail-like” sections thrown in for good measure.
At 12km you will take a left-hand turn along the Longitude Loop, round the back of the world-famous (and ultra-exclusive) Longitude 131 hotel. A few small dunes await on this 3km section, but the views are worth it (check out the view at the top of Jem’s June).
Depending on the breeze, it is possible you can hear the music from the start/finish precinct at the 16km mark, and once past the Cable Track at around 17km, if your day has not turned out the way you expected it to, you will have the option to turn left here and complete the Half-Marathon if you feel you need to, and you will get a medal when you finish.
A 5km loop awaits you next, running on relatively hard tracks, before turning around and doing the course once again in reverse – it will look completely different.
Please note that the course, in some sections, can be quite “sandy” and soft underfoot, depending on the weather conditions in the previous couple of months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the date of the race?
The Australian Outback Marathon will always be held on the last Saturday in July. The dates for the next few years are:
- 2026 – 25th July
- 2027 – 31st July
- 2028 – 29th July
Can I simply enter the Australian Outback Marathon without purchasing a package?
Entries to the Australian Outback Marathon are only available as part of a Package and there are no “Entry Only” options available.
How can I participate in the Australian Outback Marathon if I am a local resident?
At the Australian Outback Marathon local participation is always welcome and this can take one of two forms:
- As an Entrant – Special provisions have been made for local entrants living in and around Yulara, as well as Alice Springs and the surrounding communities, to participate in the Australian Outback Marathon. If you are a local resident please contact the Australian Outback Marathon directly for entry details at sales@australianoutbackmarathon.com. Note that proof or local resident status will be required.
- As a Volunteer – Given the remoteness of the location, the Australian Outback Marathon could not be run without the involvement of the local community. If you would like to volunteer to help out on the day of the Marathon, please contact the Australian Outback Marathon directly at sales@australianoutbackmarathon.com
Can I transfer my booking to another person?
Once you have made your booking and the final payment has been made, the booking cannot be transferred to another person.
What are the different distances that comprise the Australian Outback Marathon?
There are four different events for you to choose from
- 42.2km Marathon
- 21.1km Half-Marathon
- 11km fun run/walk (approximate distance)
- 6km fun run/walk (approximate distance)
We strongly encourage ALL participants to get involved in one of the events
What time do the events start?
- The Marathon and Half-Marathon will both start at approximately 7:45am.
- The 11km fun run and 6km fun run will start at approximately 8:30am
