42km / 26mi
About the Run
Base camp is set up in Kulgera, the first and last town (and pub) in the Northern Territory. The 42km (26mi) out and back run starts at the turn off to Halfway Camp along Finke Road 115km (71mi) from Kulgera. Halfway Camp is an Indigenous settlement which you need permission to enter the traditional land. You will need the GPS pins to locate this turn off as it is not sign posted. Vehicles can be parked along the side of Finke Road.
Runners will run 8km (5mi) east along Finke Road to the 4WD turn off to the Lambert Centre. Turn left onto the track and continue running. At approximately 15km (9.3mi) runners will take another left turn. It is important to stick to the left side of the tack so you do not miss this turn-off (the track splits and rejoins multiple times and once on this track there are no more signs to show you which way to go).
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Be sure to look out for the native wildlife tracks dotted along the way.
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Upon reaching the Lambert Centre you can have your photo with the flag pole, sign the guest book and use the long drop (BYO TP!) if needed before heading back along the same track to Finke Road and then turning right to run the last 8km (5mi) back to the finish.
Climate
The climate is typical of a desert with dry air conditions and it sits at an altitude of 509m (0,31mi) above sea level. As with all of the Outback, the best time to travel is in the dry season (meaning the Autumn / Winter months in the Southern Hemisphere from May - September) with the temperatures ranging from 0 degrees celcius - 25 degrees celcius (32F - 77F). The wet season, or the Summer months see monsoonal rains and flooding which can make the area inaccessible and temperatures can get above 40 degrees celcius (104F).
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It is suggested to carry extra hydration / food for the run. There are no water taps at the centre and you will be unsupported unless you have pre-arranged a crew.
Getting There
Alice Springs is the closest airport with daily flights from the capital cities. Kulgera is a 2hr 30min drive south along the Stuart Highway from Alice Springs. You will need a 4WD vehicle for Finke Road (graded dirt road) and the track to the Lambert Centre. These can be hired from Alice Springs Airport and we recommend Hertz for sturdy 4WD's. It is important to read the booking terms as not all hire companies allow the car to be taken onto Finke Road or 4WD tracks.
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Accommodation can be found at the Kulgera Roadhouse which will be the base for the run as there are limited options in the area. Rates start from $65 / night for a budget room. Or the campsite from $10 / person. It is recommended to book at least one night here before your run. www.kulgeraroadhouse.com.au
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It is also important to note that phone reception drops out about 1km from the Kulgera Roadhouse. You will need at least one satellite for the journey. And it is advised to let the Kulgera police know your plans and have their phone number written down
in case you need assistance.
