West Macs Monster returns to challenge toughest trail runners

One of the Territory’s most gruelling ultra-events is back with approximately 320 entrants ready to take on the picturesque Larapinta Trail as part of the West Macs Monster Trail Running Festival.

Now in its fifth year, the trail running festival, which will take place from May 19 to 21 2023, continues to grow. A handful of international competitors join the event for the first time, and more than half of the entrants are travelling from interstate to participate and many categories fully subscribed.

West Macs Monster Event Director Marc Woods said the unique event is the toughest trail ultra-marathon in Australia.

“Running point to point, entirely on single track sets this event apart from any other offering available,” he said.

“Showcasing the world class Larapinta Trail to the wider running community has been exciting. Watching people push themselves to their absolute limit, achieving goals they did not think were possible during this incredible experience is very rewarding.”

The West Macs Monster, set among the scenic West MacDonnell Ranges, is supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Event Company Event Funding Program.

Those intrepid athletes up for the ultimate adventure will attempt to traverse all 12 stages of the epic Larapinta Trail in less than 60 hours in the 231km Sonder Monster category. Four other categories – the 128km Ellery Monster, 65km Standley Monster, 25km Simpsons Monster and 5km Tele Monster – will test the fitness, skills and stamina of participants.

Shane Johnstone from Perth set the current course record in 2019. He took 40 hours, 55 minutes and 18 seconds to run the full distance, and there will be plenty of people hoping to steal his crown this year.

To find out more about this head to www.westmacsmonster.com.au