2026 Alice Springs Marathon - Jul 19

2026 Alice Springs Marathon - Jul 19 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2026 Alice Springs Marathon - Jul 19
CityAlice Springs
Date2026-07-19 at 07:00
Field Size~37 runners
Time Limit6 hours 30 min
TimezoneAustralia/Darwin
Official SiteAlice Springs Running & Walking Club
RegistrationRegister · 183 AUD

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature8°C / 46°F
Humidity40%
Wind10 km/h
Rain Chance5%
Typical ConditionsMid-July is the heart of the austral winter dry season in the Red Centre. Expect a cold, clear desert dawn around 3-8°C (37-46°F) at the 7am gun, warming fast to the high teens °C (mid-60s °F) by midday. Humidity sits near 40%, winds are light (~10 km/h), and rain is rare (~5% chance) — classic outback bluebird conditions.

What to Prepare: The big diurnal swing is the whole game here: you'll freeze on the start line and overheat by the finish. Wear throwaway layers or gloves you can ditch at an aid station, and start in a singlet with arm sleeves. The dry desert air dehydrates you faster than the cool temperature suggests, so drink to plan. Check your goal pace with the Pace Calculator.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 10 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course TypeOut-and-back (start/finish at Simpsons Gap)
Elevation Gain30m
TerrainSealed road through open desert bushland inside Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, with red-rock ranges and the Simpsons Gap formation as scenery.
ProfileGently rolling and fast — roughly 30 m total elevation gain, with a short climb up Darken Drive early and a net-flat character ideal for a PB.

Prepare for 2026 Alice Springs Marathon - Jul 19

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Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the 2026 Alice Springs Marathon?

The Alice Springs Marathon runs on Sunday 19 July 2026 as part of the Alice Springs Running Festival, with a 7am start. The course starts and finishes at Simpsons Gap inside Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, about 20 minutes' drive west of Alice Springs town centre in the Northern Territory.

How do I register and what does it cost?

Registration is open online via RaceResult through the official festival site at alicespringsrunningfestival.com.au. Entry is open (no ballot, no qualifying time) from around AUD 183. Early-bird pricing runs in February, and registration stays open right through to the July event — but the field is small, so enter early to be safe.

Is the Alice Springs Marathon a good PB course?

Yes for the terrain, with one caveat. The sealed out-and-back course is gently rolling with only about 30 m of total climb, and the cool, dry, low-wind winter morning is excellent for racing. The wildcards are the cold start and the large diurnal temperature swing, plus the remote, small-field atmosphere — you'll often run long stretches alone. It is not a Boston-qualifying race.

What is the time limit (cutoff)?

The marathon has a generous cutoff of about 6.5 hours, comfortably accommodating runners and walkers. With a small field of roughly 37 marathon finishers, the event has a relaxed, community feel hosted by the Alice Springs Running & Walking Club, founded in 1979.

How do I get to Alice Springs?

Alice Springs Airport (ASP) has direct flights from major Australian hubs including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin and Cairns. From the airport it's about 15 minutes into town, then roughly 20 minutes more to the Simpsons Gap start. There is no rideshare to the start line on race morning, so arrange a hire car or the event shuttle if offered.

What should I wear for the desert winter weather?

Dress for two races in one. Start with throwaway warm layers or gloves over a singlet and arm sleeves for the 3-8°C dawn, then strip down as it warms toward the high teens °C by the finish. Sunscreen and a cap are still essential — the desert sun is strong even in winter. Run the numbers on conditions with the Weather Score tool.

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