Australian Outback Marathon Logo
Next Race 31st July 2021
  • Home
    • About Us
  • The Event
    • Marathon
    • Half Marathon
    • 11KM Fun Run
    • 6KM Fun Run
    • Spectators
    • Course Maps
  • Accommodation
    • Sails In The Desert
    • Desert Gardens Hotel
    • Emu Walk Apartments
    • The Lost Camel
    • Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge
  • Itineraries
    • Platinum Package
    • Diamond Package
    • Gold Package
    • Silver Package
    • Red Earth Package
    • Optional Tours
    • Package Inclusions
    • Pricing
    • Travel Partners
  • Extras
    • Travel Insurance
    • Race Results
      • 2019 Race Results
      • 2018 Race Results
      • 2017 Race Results
      • 2016 Race Results
      • 2015 Race Results
      • 2014 Race Results
        • 2014 – Marathon
        • 2014 – Half Marathon
        • 2014 – 11KM Fun Run
        • 2014 – 6KM Fun Run
        • No Time Recorded
      • 2013 Race Results
        • 2013 – Marathon
        • 2013 – Half Marathon
        • 2013 – 11KM Fun Run
        • 2013 – 6KM Fun Run
      • 2012 Race Results
        • 2012 – Marathon
        • 2012 – Half Marathon
        • 2012 – 11KM Fun Run
        • 2012 – 6KM Fun Run
      • 2011 Race Results
        • 2011 – Marathon
        • 2011 – Half Marathon
        • 2011 – 11km Fun Run
        • 2011 – 6km Fun Run
      • 2010 Race Results
        • 2010 – Marathon Results
        • 2010 – Half Marathon
        • 2010 – 11km Fun Run
        • 2010 – 6km Fun Run
    • Video
    • Testimonials
      • Ginta’s Story
      • Ashul’s Story
    • FAQ’s
    • Booking Terms and Conditions
    • Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • Photos
    • 2019 Photo Search
    • 2018 Photo Search
    • Photo Gallery
  • Contact Us

FAQ’s

The Different
Events
Book Now
for 2021

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:

2021 – 31st July
2022 – 30th July
2023 – 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 are 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:

1. As an Entrant
Special provisions have been made for local entrants living in and around Yulara 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@wp2.australianoutbackmarathon.com.

2. 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 Travelling Fit directly at sales@travellingfit.com.

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

Is there an entry criterion for any of the events?


The 6km fun run/walk and the 11km fun run are open to all ages.

To participate in the Half-Marathon you must be aged 15 years or older on race day and to participate in the Marathon you must be 18 years or older on race day.

Exceptions may apply so please contact us at sales@wp2.australianoutbackmarathon.com if you require any further information.

What time do the events start?


The Marathon and Half-Marathon will both start at 7:45am.

The 11km fun run and 6km fun run will start at 8:30am

Are the various distances accurate?


The Australian Outback Marathon is an adventure marathon run on varying terrain so, like other adventure marathons around the world, the course is not measurable to AIMS standards. However we have used the best available technology to ensure you run at least the advertised distances and both the Marathon and Half Marathon are fully AIMS accredited and AIMS member events.

Where do I pick up my race pack?


Your race pack will be waiting for you when you check in to the hotel. If you have elected to arrive at the Ayers Rock Resort prior to the start of your itinerary please let us know and we will organise to make your race pack available.

NOTE: for all activities that are included in your itinerary you MUST: be in possession of your wrist band which you will receive when you pick up your race-pack.  This includes all tours, transfers (other than upon your arrival), all meals (including resort breakfast) and transfers to and from the race start/finish area.

If you have elected to purchase a “No Accommodation” package, please ensure that you have notified us of your accommodation choice NO LATER than Friday 11 July.

Can I change my race distance prior to race day?


Race changes are permitted and all changes can be made prior to the mandatory race briefing the day before the race.  Please note that all race bibs will have your preferred name printed on them.  If you elect to change your distance prior to race day we will not be able to print your name on your new race bib.  All exchanged race bibs MUST be handed in at the time of exchange but we may be able to return them to you once the event is completed.

Will there be medical personnel at the Australian Outback Marathon?


Yes, there will be several medically trained personnel at the start/finish area as well as at some of the aid stations, just in case they are needed. There is also a medical centre at the Ayers Rock Resort and the Australian Outback Marathon will have a medically equipped helicopter on standby just in case it is required.

It is highly recommended that ALL runners therefore have at the very least adequate medical insurance cover for the Australian Outback Marathon and generally for the Northern Territory.

How often will drinks be available?


Drinks will be stationed approximately every three kilometres throughout the Half-Marathon and the Marathon. There will also be three drinks station in the 11km fun run. There will be a drinks station for the 6km fun run/walk at approximately 4km. Each drinks station will have bottled water and some will have electrolyte drinks as well.

In addition, every drink station will have lollies, Vaseline and sunblock available

Can I take my own personal drinks?


Yes, personal drinks can be left at the 15km, 27km and 33km drinks stations for Marathon runners and at the 15km drink station for Half Marathon runners.

All personal drinks must be dropped at the race briefing between 4:00pm and 5:00pm on the Friday prior to the race.

Your personal drinks MUST be clearly marked.

Personal drinks will NOT be accepted on race day.

Can I change my itinerary after I arrive at the Ayers Rock Resort?


You will not be able to add additional pre-arranged tours or meals to your itinerary once you arrive at the Ayers Rock Resort. You can, of course, elect not to participate in a pre-booked tour or activity if you wish and there are many tour options to choose from once you are at the resort that can be booked independently.

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.

I am injured - can I transfer my booking to next year?


Once you have made your booking and the final payment has been made the booking cannot be transferred to another year without prior written approval from Travelling Fit, the event organisers of the Australian Outback Marathon.

Can I run the Australian Outback Marathon and raise money for charity?


The Australian Outback Marathon strongly encourages fund-raising by all of our competitors. We actively support several school groups within the Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park and we would be more than happy to discuss with you how you can also be involved.

Will there be food at the finish line?


Yes, there will be food provided for all participants at the finish line starting from approximately 9:30am.

There will be electrolyte drinks, sandwiches, muffins, tea, coffee and hot soup available all day.

How do I get to the race start?


Your transfer to the race start has been included as part of your package. Our private coaches will pick you up from outside your hotel in plenty of time to ensure that you are at the start line ready for your event.

Please note that for the safety of all runners and spectators,  private vehicles ARE NOT allowed at the race precinct unless prior arrangements have already been requested and approved.

How do I get back to the resort once I have finished?


Our private coaches will be operating a shuttle service from the race start/finish area back to the resort so that you can leave whenever you have finished your event.

All participants are encouraged to remain at the finish, however, to cheer in those runners who have elected to enjoy the wondrous scenery for just a little longer.

A good idea is to hop on the shuttle, go back to your hotel to freshen up and then hop back on the shuttle to go back to the finishing line to cheer in the last participants.

What else comes with my race entry?


Depending on the itinerary you have chosen, you will have various different tours and meals included as part of your Australian Outback Marathon experience. ALL participants who have booked an accommodation package have breakfast included for every morning that you are staying at the Ayers Rock Resort. In addition, everyone who has booked a package-based itinerary is invited to attend our Friday evening Carbo Load Dinner.

Everyone who has booked a standard package that includes Sunday night will also get to experience our exclusive Australian Outback Marathon ”Sounds of Silence” Celebration Dinner which will be held at a private, outdoor dining area.

All participants who have booked prior to the middle of May (the exact date will be confirmed each year) will receive a limited edition Australian Outback Marathon running top.

NOTE: The Australian Outback Marathon Celebration dinner will only be available to those participants who have booked a package of three nights or more that includes the Sunday night.  This is a private function and completely separate from the Sounds of Silence dinner that can be booked at the resort.

Tickets for our exclusive Celebration dinner are not available for sale once you have arrived at the resort.

What sort of clothing should I wear on race day?


Your normal running gear will be fine for the event. It will be reasonably chilly at the race start so you may want to consider running in leggings and a long-sleeved running top but these are optional and very few runners have opted for them in previous years.

Note that these may prove to be quite warm as the race goes on, however. For those that are competing in the Marathon and Half-Marathon, you will be able to discard unwanted clothing at the any of the aid stations in specially marked boxes as you pass by.

All discarded clothing will be made available at Sails in the Desert on the day after the race. Be sure to mark all of your personal belongings so that you can easily reclaim them at the end of your event.

Please note that whilst every effort will be made to return your discarded clothing, the Australian Outback Marathon cannot guarantee that your items will be returned so we strongly suggest you do not wear your favourite clothes with the intention of reclaiming them later.

What type of surface will I be running on?


The course for the Australian Outback Marathon consists of hard-packed earth fire trails, soft sand, graded but unsealed roads and a small amount of sealed asphalt road.

Depending on the weather conditions in the preceding months there may be a varying amount of soft sand (the more rain the more compacted the tracks and trails) but, if you are able, we definitely recommend training on sand just in case

Do I need to wear a special type of shoe during the race?


We recommend that, as with any running race, the best running shoes to wear are the ones that you are most comfortable in. For most participants normal running shoes will be fine but you may also want to consider using a trail running shoe as the terrain is mainly hard and soft sand.

What is the expected temperature and humidity?


The average daytime temperature in July is 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) whilst the night-time temperature is only 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that on race day the temperature will be chilly just before and just after dawn but will be perfect once you are running. The humidity levels are usually less than 10%.

NOTE: the area can be quite cold in the evenings so be sure to bring something warm.

What do I do with my litter?


It is essential that NO litter is dropped on the course.

The Australian Outback Marathon will be conducted on private land and the course utilises areas that are not normally open to the public. In order to ensure that the environment is kept as pristine as possible we request that ALL litter that you need to dispose of is put only in the rubbish bins provided.

Any participant dropping litter on the course will be immediately disqualified from their event and removed from the course. This applies to water bottles and personal drinks bottles as well as any other litter you may need to dispose of.

What can I do with my free time?


Travelling Fit have already organise a number of optional tours at discounted prices for you to choose from. These include:
  • Uluru Sunset Coach Tour
  • Sunset Camel Ride
  • Sunrise Camel Ride
  • Uluru/Kata Tjuta Helicopter Tours
  • Kata Tjuta “Valley of the Winds” Walk
  • Ayers Rock Sky Diving
  • There are also a number of free activities that take place at the resort on a daily basis and a brochure will be in your race pack detailing what is going on

How far is it from the airport to the Ayers Rock Resort?


Connellan Airport (Ayers Rock Airport) is six kilometres from the Ayers Rock Resort and it takes about 10 minutes to transfer between the two.

All transfers are included as part of your itinerary.

Can I take an infant on the course in a stroller?


As each of the courses has some soft sand and a couple of small sand-dunes, we do not allow strollers on the course.  This is predominantly for safety reasons, both for the infant and also for other participants.

How will the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 11km and 6km races be signed?


All events will have distance markers at every kilometre. In addition, each kilometre sign will also have the distance in miles on the sign. Also, the entire course will be clearly marked with “arrowed” signage to ensure that you will always know which way to go when out on the course.

Each different event will have its signage colour-coded according to the distance

Marathon signs will be RED
Half Marathon signs will be BLACK
11km Fun Run/Walk signs will be BLUE
6km Fun Run/Walk signs will be GREEN

If I am travelling from outside Australia, where can I change money?


International currency can be changed into Australian Dollars at the reception of your hotel. In addition, there is also an ANZ bank in the shopping precinct at the resort.

Is there mobile phone coverage at the Ayers Rock Resort?


Mobile phones will work at Ayers Rock resort and for approximately a 20km radius around the resort. This means that your phone WILL work at Uluru but you WILL NOT get coverage at Kata Tjuta. If you do not have a mobile phone but want to get one for your stay, pre-paid mobile phones can be purchased from the Post Office situated in the shopping precinct.

Is there internet available at Ayers Rock Resort?


Yes, there is free wireless internet at all of the hotels.

AUSTRALIA 1300 728 296
INTERNATIONAL +61 2 4385 2455
Copyright Australian Outback Marathon 2020-2021
Privacy Policy
Website Design By Five by Five