The Track Australia

THE TRACK Australia

THE TRACK Australia is a multi-stage foot race held in the Northern Territory between Alice Springs and Uluru. The course covers 520 km over 9 stages and 10 days of competition. The route crosses the West MacDonnell National Park, continues toward Finke Gorge National Park, and finishes near Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Competition is conducted in food self-sufficiency. Each participant must carry food for the full 10 days, meeting a minimum of 2 000 kcal per day (20 000 kcal total), presented in two bags (days 1 to 5 and days 6 to 10) with similar weight. Freeze-dried meals should remain in their original packaging for transport. A list of compulsory equipment is checked before the start and includes items such as backpack, sleeping bag, headlamps, cooking kit, water bidons and a survival kit.

Terrain is a mix of pebbly and sandy tracks and single track. Organizers mark the course and provide maps; following the provided course is mandatory and absence of the map may result in penalties. Water is supplied at checkpoints and at bivouac, with 8 to 12 liters distributed per competitor per day; participants must bring their own bottles. Stage time limits range from 10 to 35 hours; competitors who exceed limits may continue and will be ranked by distance covered. During the race participants sleep in two-person tents. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.