The Inspiration

For those who may not know you, could you tell us a little about yourself and how trail running became such a big part of your life?

I began my adult sporting life in the 1990s with triathlons and mid-distance fun runs. I completed my first of six Ironman triathlons in 1996, but I always felt a little like an imposter in that sport. In the early 2000s, I discovered the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker and found my love for running in the bush, eventually completing the event 18 times. Around that time, the North Face 100—now UTA—came along. I ran the inaugural event, with 128 entrants, and went on to complete the 100km race for 13 consecutive years. I also began competing in multi-day XPD and Godzone adventure races, in teams of four across mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and navigation in events around Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and Patagonia. Through trail running and adventure racing, I found my people. I’m still adventure racing, now in all-women teams, and I’m obviously still trail running.

Where did the idea for attempting the Larapinta FKT first come from?

My husband ran the first Run Larapinta event in 2015, just a week after I had completed a seven-day XPD adventure race. I went to Alice Springs as a spectator. During the event, Run Larapinta needed a sweep for day two, so I stepped in, ran on the trail, and immediately fell in love with the Larapinta. We returned to Alice every year after that for Run Larapinta, and for several years I swept every day of the long course. During that time, I met Simon Duke and Marc Woods, heard about their plans for the WMM, and signed up for 2020.

Because of COVID restrictions, that became the “not the Monster” year, where I ran sweep instead. In 2021, I entered the 231km event and was surprised not only to win, but to set the one-way FKT. After finishing the 231km WMM in 2022, someone said I looked so fresh I could probably run back—and that planted the seed. I knew the one-way FKT wouldn’t stay mine for long, but I didn’t think anyone else would be considering an out-and-back. I know I’m not fast, but I also know I can keep going. My plan was to complete the out-and-back in seven days: run about 65km, meet my husband Rhett at our van, rest for four to five hours, then continue to the next chunk of the trail.

Preparing for the Challenge

How long did you spend preparing for the attempt?

Years of involvement with Run Larapinta, along with completing the WMM three times, had made me very familiar with the trail. I had hoped to run my third WMM in 2023, but a serious mountain bike crash in February left me with a torn ACL and meniscus, as well as a fractured tibia. My running plans for 2023 were put on hold while I recovered and rehabilitated after surgery. As soon as I was running again, the Larapinta FKT started creeping back into my mind. I signed up for the 231km WMM in 2024, and once I completed it, I knew I was physically and mentally ready for the out-and-back FKT attempt.

What did a typical training week look like leading into the FKT?

I live in a beautiful part of the NSW South Coast and feel lucky to have the time for training adventures. At the peak of my training, I ran, mountain biked, kayaked, or did gym sessions most weekdays, often for up to three hours a day, then took on longer missions on weekends. My multisport training definitely supports my trail running, and my running gives me an edge in my multisport adventures.

What part of the preparation worried you the most—fitness, logistics, nutrition, sleep, weather, or something else?

Getting sick is the thing that worries me the most. I don’t often get sick, but when I do get sick, it hits hard, and I’m not very good at it. I can adapt to most things, but being sick is not one of them.

Looking back now, was there anything in training that gave you confidence you were ready?

Running the 231km WMM in May 2024 gave me a huge confidence boost, especially because I finished well within my plan and felt great. In the lead-up to the attempt, I spent three weeks volunteer campground hosting at Trephina Gorge. Most days, I ran an 18km loop in conditions and terrain similar to the Larapinta, and I loved every moment on the trail.

The Experience

Can you take us back to the start line? What emotions were you feeling in those final moments before setting off?

The day before the race, I came very close to calling it off. Crippling anxiety hit me hard: I couldn’t eat, and I couldn’t get out of bed to shop and buy the supplies I needed for the FKT. I slept until the afternoon, then forced myself to go shopping while telling myself I only had to start; anything beyond the first section would be a bonus. So when I left Telegraph Station at 9am, I was full of doubt. But by 9.05am, the switch had flicked. I was back in my happy place and, honestly, felt a bit foolish for worrying so much. What had I been so afraid of? I had this.

Was there a particular section of the Larapinta that stood out as the most beautiful?

There was a super moon for several of the nights I was out on the trail so those nights were spectacular. The climb up to Brinkleys on the return leg, in the early hours of the morning and sunrise on Brinkleys was probably my favourite section for the scenery.

What was the toughest moment of the entire journey?

Coming into Redbank on the way out was my lowest point. My feet were sore, I was tired of my own company, sick of my playlist, and seriously questioning my life choices. I was approaching the carpark from a direction I hadn’t used before, exhausted, with my light fading. The signage confused me, and I ended up in the hikers’ campground instead of the carpark. I couldn’t work out where I was or what I was seeing, so I spent more than an hour going back and forth through the buffel grass trying to find the carpark. By the time I reached the van, I was frustrated with myself for wasting so much time and energy.

Did you ever genuinely think you might not finish? If so, what was happening and what kept you moving?

Finding the van at Redbank I thought I’d have my rest, get up and summit Mt Sonder and then I’m done. No shame in that, nothing to prove

Was there one moment where everything seemed to click and you realised the record might actually be possible?

At the top of Mt Sonder, I paused to remind myself of the bigger goal. On the descent, every hiker I had passed on the way up seemed to know what I was doing, thanks to Rhett, and their encouragement began to shift my mindset from “one direction is still a good effort” to “I think I’ve got this”—even with more than 200km still ahead. Once I left Redbank for Ormiston, I started doing the trail maths and realised I might finish in under six days rather than the planned seven. I was moving comfortably and faster than expected, so I adjusted my planned stops to make the most of feeling good while still keeping the four to five hours of downtime that was working well. I also timed my arrival at Standley Chasm perfectly for the best burger and chips I have ever inhaled, followed by a four-hour sleep and the final push. By then, I was stunned to realise I was likely heading for a finish time of five days and change.

Were there any unexpected moments that you'll remember forever?

I spent a lot of time alone, but I never felt lonely. My mindset improved once I started engaging with the end-to-end hikers. I saw some of them twice—once on my way out and again a day or two later on the return—and their surprise at how far I had progressed gave me a real boost to keep going.

Beyond the Record

What did the Larapinta teach you about yourself?

At 60, I can still take on hard, incredible things. I can dig deep when it matters, make time to enjoy other people’s company and the remarkable places these adventures take me, and feel genuinely proud of what I’ve done.

Looking back now, what does this FKT mean to you beyond setting a record?

No one can take away the fact that I set the first FKT for the out and back on the Larapinta. Someone may run it faster one day, but I’ll always be the first.

Community

No big adventure happens entirely alone. Who were the people behind this journey, and what role did they play?

I could not have done with without the support of my partner, Rhett, who was at the end of every section with our van, food and coffee. Also his support in the days leading up to the run, managing my anxiety and my inability to function with calm and compassion.

Is there anyone you'd particularly like to acknowledge or thank?

Simon Duke for facilitating an impromptu stop at Hugh Gorge, the Lennies, Morgana and the lovely Dusty Divas of Alice Springs who all came out on the trail to offer support, and bakery treats!

Looking Ahead

What's next for you? Are there any adventures or races already calling your name?

Although I swore I would never do a backyard Ultra lap race, I’ve signed up for the Red Centre Wringer in August, to test my mental toughness as much as anything else. I have the 24hr Australasian Rogaining Championships, being held in Queensland at the end of August and a 24hr Adventure race on the NSW Central Coast in September.

Finally, if someone reading this is inspired to chase a dream that feels just beyond their reach, what advice would you give them?

Surround yourself with the right people and train hard to race easy. Do the work but don’t overthink the big picture. Do checkpoint to checkpoint, section by section, lap by lap.

Whatever it takes to break it down into manageable chunks.