Big Red Run – 2016 reportThe Big Red Run is Australia’s only desert stage race where runners and “power trekkers” cover 250 kilometres through the Simpson Desert over six days at the end of each June. The event raises funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research and so far has raised over $800,000 since it began in 2013. The start line is right outside the famous Birdsville Pub as is the finish line, and that first beer after covering 250 kilometres through the desert is always welcome!

The course comprises dunes, clay flats, gibber plains, salt lakes and 4WD tracks with daily distances ranging from 30 kilometres right through to the 84 kilometres long day which has a maximum 21 hour time allowance. This year there was extensive rain throughout the outback, including all of the second day of the event. Runners and trekkers endured some wet and muddy conditions, which is unusual for the desert, but the upside was that they enjoyed the desert in a stunning state of green, with wildflowers in abundance.