25km Simpsons Monster

25km of awesome awaits!

The 25km ‘Simpsons Monster’ from Simpsons Gap to the Telegraph Station is the perfect trail run for people who want a memorable lifetime experience running on the Larapinta Trail that packs a punch without the pain and risks of an ultra-distance.

All single track with a great combination of flowy and technical terrain and one of the favourite runs in Central Australia for local trail runners. The views are spectacular, the trail is very runnable with only 2 real climbs that reward you with spectacular views and you can cruise or do it all on the redline!

Choose your own adventure!

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There are two waves for the Simpsons Monster that run along exactly the same course but do differ slightly.

The 9am RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) wave starts at a cooler time of day, has a cut-off of 9hrs and is meant for racing against yourself in that there is no podium for this wave, however all finishers still receive the same chunky finishers plaque! The 9am wave is perfect for those who want to experience a challenging walk or run on Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail but expect to finish in 4-9 hours. Additionally, $100 from every 9am wave entry is donated to the RFDS. Since 2024, West Macs Monster has donated over $20,000 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The CrossFit Alice Springs 12 Noon wave is the original 25km Simpsons Monster and has been going strong since 2019. The cut-off is shorter at 6hrs, the start time can make the run more challenging if the afternoon temp climbs above 25 degrees and there is a podium for the top 3 male and female finishers. This wave is perfect for those who want to experience a challenging run on Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail and expect to finish in 2-6 hours.

25km Simpsons Monster Event Comparison

25km @ 9:00 AM 25km @ 12:00 PM
Event Cap 175 175
Early Bird Price
(ENDS OCT 31st)		 $240
INCLUDES $100 DONATION TO RFDS		 $140
ENTRY STATUS SOLD OUT SOLD OUT
Race start Sunday 9am Sunday 12 noon
Cut-off 9 hrs 6 hrs
Start location Simpsons Gap Simpsons Gap
Sections of Trail 1 1
RACE BRIEFING MANDATORY AT START LINE MANDATORY AT START LINE
Drop Bags N N
Mandatory Gear Y Y
Pacers allowed N N
Finish Rate 98% 95%
PODIUM PRESENTATION N Y
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The 9am RFDS 25km Simpsons Monster has raised over $35,000 since 2025 and has helped the RFDS provide essential life-saving equipment and medical support to regional and remote communities.

$100 from every 9am wave entry is donated and you can also make additional donations at the link below.

DONATE HERE
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The 12 Noon CrossFit Alice Springs 25km Simpsons Monster is proudly supported by Alice Springs premier CrossFit & Hyrox gym. CrossFit Alice Springs offers a range of groups and options from the newcomer to experienced athlete in an inclusive and supportive environment!

25km Course Records

2024 - Piotr Babis (male): 2H 0M 53s

2024 - Holly Ranson (female): 2H 31M 02S

25km Simpsons Monster Event Details Below

Although the course has two reasonable climbs in it, they are very achievable and provide amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The trail is well formed and marked between the start and finish and is predominately downhill. You will travel initially up to Hat Hills Saddle – and wow!...first selfie moment – as you will have phone coverage from here on home. The trail sits at the base of Rungutjirba Ridge in the shade of the trees. Descending from this ridge you run through Bloodwood Flat on gently undulating and flowy single track. Once you reach Wallaby Gap, you can re-stock your water for the next 9km until you reach the next aid station Under the Bridge.

Now here is the climb! The iconic Euro Ridge… and yep it will feel like a big one, but just wait until you reach the ridge line. If you have never been here before, summiting this climb will reveal an unforgettable view of Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges and as far as the eye can see to the east and north as well. You will be amazed at how many mountain ranges and hills exist in the distance in all directions, all whilst running within metres of the cliff edge.

And that is most of the hard work done except that you might be a little tired by this point. From here you have about 12km of mainly downhill but still at times technical track to trot along to reach the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. On the way, we’ve snuck in another aid station at the Geoff Moss Bridge, about 5km from the finish line. You will most likely integrate with competitors who are running the longer 231km, 128km or 65km races, and have been on the trail for a number of hours or even days at this point. Support these people and provide all the encouragement you can. It is these experiences that make this event unique.

Summary

Designed to allow experienced trail runners to enter a shorter course option and challenge themselves, through to the trail novice, who will be surrounded by others, experiencing the trails and a great day out. Some navigation is required to confirm you are on the correct path at all times – and remember – follow the BLUE arrows at all times!

For those experienced trail runners – you will love this little taste of the full Larapinta Trail. For those who have not done anything like this before – you will not be disappointed and will be extremely proud of your achievement. Go for it….!

The 2026 Edition of WMM will be held from Friday 15 - Sunday 17th May.

Transferred registrations must be completed by 5pm Sunday 9th May.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All 25km entrants must carry the mandatory gear as per the list below and submit their completed 25km Mandatory Gear Declaration Form when collecting their Race Bib.

 

 

 

 

REGISTRATION COSTS:

Due to events normally selling out within 1-3 days, only the Early Bird price is listed. 175 entries available in each wave.

RFDS 9am Wave - Early Bird (before midnight October 31st) – $240 (event will donate $100 of this to RFDS)

CrossFit Alice Springs 12pm Wave - Early Bird (before midnight October 31st) – $140

Registrations available via transferred entry up until 5PM Friday 9th May 2026. Some conditions apply. There is no waitlist. In the unlikely event that more entries are made available after a distance has sold out this will be advertised on our socials and this website (be aware of scammers).

REGISTRATION CONDITIONS:

  • There are no pre-requisites for this event
  • Participants must be at least 14 years of age at the date of the event starting and if under 18 years of age have parental consent to compete. We will try and gauge the ability of your children and will not unnecessarily withhold entry. We prefer younger runners to complete alongside a responsible adult where possible.

In  May, the average daytime temperature is 23 degrees with overnight lows around 7 degrees. There is approximately 11 hours of daylight and a low chance of rainfall. Generally, people find that due to the low humidity of the dry desert air, they need to drink more fluids than usual.