ALICE SPRINGS RUNNING FESTIVAL 2017

For several years this was the official site for the Alice Springs Running Festival.
Content is from the site's 2017 archived content.

The current site for the Alice Springs Running and Walking Club which will have the most up to date information about the Alice Springs Running Festival is found at: http://asrwc.com.au/

The Alice Springs Running Festival is the Red Centre’s pinnacle running event, held on the third Sunday in August. In its third year, the Festival has three key events; the 10km run & walk, half marathon and marathon (previously the Alice Springs Marathon).

The Alice Springs Running and Walking Club has been active since 1979, operating previously as Alice Springs Fun Runners, Alice Springs Harriers, Alice Springs Running Club and now Alice Springs Running and Walking Club.

The Alice Springs Marathon has been held every year since the Club's inception. The Marathon is recognised nationally and internationally as an extremely friendly and well organised event, attracting both interstate and international competitors in addition to local entrants.

Remembering:
I was in Australia several years ago visiting my college roommate during our spring break. She lived in a magnificent contemporary house on Scotland Island, located north of Sydney, in New South Wales. The house and its stunning views of Pittwater were absolutely breathtaking. I vowed that one day I too would have a house in such a picturesque location.
 

2017 Festival partners with the Baker Institute

The Alice Springs Running Festival is excited to announce that it will this year partner with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. The Baker Institute does incredible work improving health for Aboriginal Australians through vital medical research and outreach health services. The Institute has roots in Central Australia, being the first of its kind in Alice Springs when it established here in 2007.

When you register, you'll be given the option to make a small but very welcomed donation that will go straight to the Baker Institute to help them to continue their vital work. Don't forget that early bird registrations close 30 June 2017 - register before then to make sure you get your free Festival singlet!

REGISTER NOW

2017 Registrations open!

Register NOW for the 2017 Alice Springs Running Festival, to be held Sunday 20th August 2017.

This year we're bringing back all of the favourite events: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km Run, 10km Walk and the popular 5km Run/Walk. Register before 30 June 2017 to be eligible for your FREE Festival singlet.

We're delighted that running legend Steve Moneghetti will be returning as our Festival Ambassador and there will be a range of ways to meet and learn from Australia's greatest distance runner over the Festival weekend.

Registration

Course Maps

Race Day

Volunteers

RESULTS 2017

More Background On AliceSpringsRunningFestival.com

The Alice Springs Running Festival stands as one of Australia’s most distinctive and culturally meaningful endurance events. Set against the red-hued landscape of the Northern Territory’s heart, this festival transforms Alice Springs—a remote desert town surrounded by the MacDonnell Ranges—into a celebration of fitness, resilience, and community spirit each August. Its website, AliceSpringsRunningFestival.com, served for years as the festival’s digital hub, connecting runners, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors worldwide with up-to-date event details, registration options, and course information.

The festival offers participants of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of Central Australia through events ranging from a 5 km fun run/walk to the grueling 42.2 km marathon. The combination of extreme desert conditions, local Aboriginal culture, and the warm hospitality of Alice Springs residents make this event one of Australia’s most memorable running experiences.

Origins and History

The roots of the festival date back to 1979, when the Alice Springs Running and Walking Club (ASRWC) was formed. The club evolved from earlier incarnations known as the Alice Springs Fun Runners, Harriers, and Running Club. From its earliest days, the group promoted fitness and camaraderie through weekly runs and regional events.

The Alice Springs Marathon soon became its flagship race, running continuously since the club’s founding. Over time, the event gained recognition nationwide and abroad for its combination of challenging conditions and warm community atmosphere. The rebranding of the event as the Alice Springs Running Festival marked a strategic expansion—turning what was once a single marathon into a full weekend of multiple distances, community outreach, and health-focused activities.

By the mid-2010s, the festival had cemented itself as Central Australia’s largest mass-participation sporting event, attracting hundreds of runners from across the country and a growing number of international participants seeking to conquer a desert marathon.

Location and Setting

The festival’s courses weave through some of the most breathtaking terrain in the Red Centre. The start and finish line are located at Lasseters on Barrett Drive, adjacent to the Alice Springs Convention Centre and the Todd River. Participants are treated to panoramic views of the MacDonnell Ranges and the contrasting desert flora that frame the town.

Alice Springs itself sits roughly 1,500 km south of Darwin and 1,500 km north of Adelaide, making it geographically remote yet spiritually central in Australia’s cultural identity. The region is rich in Arrernte Aboriginal heritage, and many visiting runners describe the experience of running on this land as both humbling and deeply moving.

The timing—mid-August, late winter in the southern hemisphere—is carefully chosen. Early morning temperatures often drop below freezing, while midday heat can climb to around 30°C (86°F). This sharp thermal contrast adds another layer of challenge and strategy for competitors.

Organization and Ownership

The Alice Springs Running and Walking Club (ASRWC) continues to be the organizing body behind the event. The volunteer-driven nonprofit manages race logistics, partnerships, safety, and community engagement.

Over the years, the festival has partnered with numerous local and national sponsors, including hotels, tourism organizations, and health institutions. In 2017, the event notably partnered with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, a major Australian medical research organization with deep roots in Central Australia. The partnership underscored the event’s focus on public health awareness, particularly regarding cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Aboriginal communities.

The festival’s collaborative model—where local volunteers, athletes, and institutions contribute equally—has earned it a strong reputation for professionalism and inclusivity.

Race Structure and Events

The festival offers a range of distances and participation levels to attract a broad demographic. As of the most recent editions, the lineup includes:

• Marathon (42.2 km) – The flagship event, starting at 6:30 a.m. Participants face a mix of sealed roads and outback tracks, with aid stations approximately every 3 km.

• Half Marathon (21.1 km) – Begins at 7:00 a.m. and follows portions of the same course as the marathon.

• 10 km Run/Walk – A popular distance for recreational runners and walkers, starting at 7:30 a.m.

• 5 km Run/Walk – An inclusive, family-friendly event starting at 8:30 a.m., open to both locals and visitors.

All events begin and end at the same central location, creating a festive and community-oriented atmosphere.

Cut-off time for all races is 12:00 noon, after which a sweep vehicle ensures every participant is accounted for. Aid stations offer water, Vaseline, band-aids, and even jelly beans—an affectionate touch that underscores the event’s welcoming character.

Ambassadors and Notable Participants

One of the festival’s most beloved traditions is its association with legendary Australian athletes. Steve Moneghetti, one of Australia’s most accomplished long-distance runners and a four-time Olympian, has served multiple times as Festival Ambassador. His presence brings both prestige and motivation to participants, as he frequently holds talks, training sessions, and meet-and-greets over the festival weekend.

The event’s friendly reputation has also attracted recreational runners from across Asia, Europe, and North America. Many international participants include the race as part of broader Australian adventure itineraries, combining the run with visits to nearby natural landmarks such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon, and West MacDonnell National Park.

Cultural and Community Significance

The Alice Springs Running Festival transcends sport—it has become a symbol of resilience and community spirit in Central Australia. For local residents, it is a yearly ritual that reinforces the town’s sense of identity and vitality.

The festival also holds social significance in promoting health equity. Its collaboration with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute reflects a commitment to addressing chronic disease disparities in Aboriginal communities. By integrating physical activity with fundraising and education, the event strengthens ties between fitness and long-term wellness.

The festival’s volunteer culture is equally central to its success. Dozens of community members serve as course marshals, aid station attendants, and logistics coordinators, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants. Volunteers receive race packs, meals, and tickets to the presentation lunch as tokens of appreciation.

Event Atmosphere and Race-Day Experience

Race day begins before dawn, as participants gather under the pale desert sky. The starting area buzzes with anticipation, warmed by coffee stands and the hum of early-morning conversation. As the sun rises over the MacDonnell Ranges, the red earth glows, creating a surreal backdrop for the runners’ journey.

Along the route, aid stations every 3 km offer not just hydration but encouragement. Local musicians and families often cheer on runners, adding a communal energy reminiscent of major urban marathons—but with the intimacy of a small town.

At the finish line, Lasseters Hotel Casino and The Juicy Rump Bar & Grill host the presentation lunch, where medals are awarded and stories exchanged. Winners and casual participants alike share the stage, emphasizing the event’s inclusive ethos.

Temperatures climb rapidly through the morning, making hydration and pacing crucial. Discarded layers are collected at aid stations and returned to the finish area—another example of the event’s thoughtful organization.

Awards and Recognition

While the festival is not formally sanctioned as a World Athletics Gold Label event, it enjoys strong recognition within the Australian running community for its exceptional organization and scenic course. Its endurance challenge through desert landscapes has earned coverage in national outlets such as Runner’s World Australia, ABC News NT, and The Advertiser.

Numerous runners describe it as one of the “friendliest marathons in the country,” praised for volunteer enthusiasm and the small-town hospitality that greets every participant. The combination of a professional race setup and a community-driven atmosphere has made it a fixture in Australia’s annual running calendar.

Reviews and Participant Feedback

Participants consistently highlight the festival’s balance between challenge and charm. Online reviews often mention the surreal experience of running through Central Australia’s open spaces—the red soil, clear skies, and occasional kangaroo sightings.

Runners also note the festival’s logistical precision: accurate timing systems, well-marked courses, and exceptional volunteer support. The free downloadable race photos, provided by STS Photography, are an especially appreciated feature.

Critiques tend to focus on environmental factors—namely the unpredictable desert heat—but most acknowledge that the harsh climate is part of the festival’s allure. Many repeat participants describe it as a “bucket-list event” that defines what it means to run Australia’s outback.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The Alice Springs Running Festival contributes significantly to tourism and local business. With participants traveling from across the country, the event boosts occupancy in local hotels, restaurants, and tour services. Lasseters, in particular, benefits from its role as both the start/finish venue and a hospitality partner.

Tourism Northern Territory has frequently promoted the festival as a key sport-tourism attraction, aligning with broader goals to diversify the region’s visitor economy beyond traditional sightseeing. Many runners extend their stays to explore Aboriginal art galleries, bushwalking trails, and scenic flights over the desert.

Press and Media Coverage

The festival regularly garners coverage in regional and national media, including ABC Alice Springs, NT News, and Centralian Advocate. Stories often emphasize the diversity of participants—from elite marathoners to first-time runners—and the event’s role in uniting people across cultural and geographic divides.

In addition to print and broadcast media, the event enjoys strong social media engagement through Facebook and Instagram, where organizers share training tips, historical photos, and participant spotlights. This digital presence has helped maintain enthusiasm and visibility even during periods of travel restrictions or local challenges.

Legacy and Future Directions

Although the archived website AliceSpringsRunningFestival.com preserves the festival’s earlier editions, up-to-date information now resides on the Alice Springs Running and Walking Club’s official site. The transition reflects the natural evolution of a long-standing community event adapting to modern platforms.

Looking ahead, organizers continue to explore ways to enhance environmental sustainability, such as reducing plastic waste at aid stations and expanding partnerships with health organizations. There is also discussion of integrating cultural experiences—like local storytelling or art displays—along the course to further connect runners with the land’s heritage.

The Alice Springs Running Festival exemplifies how a regional sports event can embody both athletic excellence and cultural significance. What began as a small community marathon has grown into a world-recognized celebration of endurance, health, and local pride.

Its website once served as the digital front door to this experience, providing essential information while capturing the festival’s spirit of adventure. Even as technology and logistics evolve, the essence of the event—human perseverance amid the vast Australian desert—remains unchanged.

For runners, volunteers, and visitors alike, the Alice Springs Running Festival continues to represent not just a race, but a story of connection: between people and place, between fitness and wellness, and between tradition and renewal in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre.