Big Red Run is a 250km / 6 stages ultra marathon in Birdsville, Australia. Distance: 250km. Elevation: 800m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 43/100). DNF rate: 5%. Time limit: 60h. Surface: sand. Established 2010.
Big Red Run
Birdsville, Queensland, Australia
"250km through Australia's Simpson Desert — red dunes, outback charity, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service."
A 6-stage charity ultra through the Simpson Desert — 1,000 red sand dunes in outback Australia, raising millions for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The Course
A 6-stage, 250km charity run through the Simpson Desert in outback Australia. The course traverses red sand dunes, clay pans, and vast gibber plains. Fully supported with camp setup each night.
flat
point-to-point
4
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
18°C
4° – 28°
25%
5%
Outback winter — warm days, cold desert nights. Clear skies. Very dry with no shade.
Stats & Records
2010
150
35:00:00
Entry
AUD 5500
September
months
Lore & Trivia
The Big Red Run crosses Australia's Simpson Desert — a vast sea of red sand dunes stretching across the interior of the continent. The 250km multi-stage course follows the French Line track between over 1,000 parallel sand dunes, each requiring a steep sandy climb and descent. The race was created as a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctor Service — the medical lifeline for remote Outback communities. The desert silence, the red dunes against blue sky, and the star-filled nights make it one of the most visually stunning races on earth.
- ▸ The Big Red Run has raised over $10 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- ▸ Runners cross over 1,000 sand dunes during the 6 stages through the Simpson Desert.
- ▸ The Simpson Desert is home to the world's longest parallel sand dunes, stretching over 200km.
- ▸ Night temperatures can drop below freezing while daytime reaches 28°C.
- ▸ Established in 2010.
Red sand, blue sky, and 250 kilometres of absolutely nothing. The Simpson Desert is the most beautiful emptiness on earth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Big Red Run? +
Big Red Run is a 250km / 6 stages (250km) ultra marathon with 800m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on sand terrain.
How hard is Big Red Run? +
Big Red Run is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 43/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 5%. Runners have 60 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Big Red Run? +
Average temperature is 18°C (range 4°C to 28°C) with 25% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. Outback winter — warm days, cold desert nights. Clear skies. Very dry with no shade.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Big Red Run? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Big Red Run? +
The average finish time is 35:00:00. About 150 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 5%.
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