Registrations Are Open For One Of Australia’s Most Challenging Marathon Courses
Tie those shoelaces and start limbering up, because the 44th Mindfull Aus Pichi Richi Marathon is fast approaching and there’s still time to secure your spot at the starting line for June 28, 2026.
Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most gruelling and challenging courses, it takes runners from Port Augusta at 14 metres above sea level through the spectacular Pichi Richi Pass and into Quorn at around 293 metres elevation. The route climbs steadily at an average incline of 3.3 per cent.
The marathon attracts nationwide participation, with around 80% of entrants travelling from outside the Flinders Ranges region, bringing with them a huge economic boost to the local economy.
Starting in Port Augusta, there are also shorter run or walk options available along the route—including the 1km Junior Dash for young participants.
Another fantastic option is to gather your mates or colleagues and enter as a team. There are great prizes on offer for the team that accumulates the most kilometres.
No matter where they start, every entrant gets the privilege of crossing the same finish line, now located in Quorn Town Square, accompanied by an emcee announcement of a “fun fact” about themselves, nominated during entry.
Beyond the challenge of the course itself, the event also supports Mindfull Aus, helping raise funds and awareness for mental health initiatives in rural and remote Australia.
Community Spirit is a Marathon Effort
The local support behind this iconic event is huge, and the marathon wouldn’t be possible without the valued input of a myriad of stakeholders.
Flinders Ranges Council staff organise the entire event, from entries, bibs and medals through to traffic management, buses, promotion and much more. The Port Augusta Lions Club are out bright and early at each starting line, handing out bibs and the all-important starting gun, before following behind to assist late runners and collect participants’ clothing.
At the other end of the course, the Quorn Lions Club man the famous BBQ, while the Quorn Area School Governing Council dishes out soup and damper. Students from the school are also involved, waiting at the finish line to hand out medals, fruit and water to everyone who crosses the line.
Along the route, water stops are manned by local volunteers and community groups, which is no doubt the most important job in the eyes of the entrants!
Possibly the most iconic piece of community support comes from the Pichi Richi Railway, which supplies a dedicated train service to The Willows, the starting point for the 10.5km run and walk. Where else can you catch a heritage train service to a start line?
Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner, a casual walker, or simply keen to soak up the atmosphere, the Mindfull Aus Pichi Richi Marathon offers a unique chance to challenge yourself and connect with others.
Mindfull Aus Pichi Richi Marathon
When: June 28 2026
Where: Port Augusta to Quorn
Events:
• Full Marathon
• Half Marathon (run or walk)
• 10.5km (run or walk)
• 5km (run or walk)
• 1km Junior Dash
• Team entries available across all events
Registrations: Close June 21
Find out more and register at www.pichirichimarathon.org.au
Turning the marathon into a getaway? Discover more stories, events and places to explore across the Flinders Ranges at Greater SA.
