Destination: Australia – Running in the Australian Outback

On July 31 of this year, Michael Messerschmidt of Macungie combined two of his favorite pastimes, running and traveling, by competing in the inaugural Outback Marathon in Uluru, Australia.

Messerschmidt competed in this amazing race with 90 other runners from nine countries, including 22 from the United States.  Approximately the same number of people participated in the Outback Half Marathon and others participated in the 11K and 5K races.  The day of the marathon began with participants being bused approximately 10 minutes from the Sails in the Desert Resort where they viewed a spectacular sunrise with Ayers Rock in the background.

Prior to, and starting the event, runners were serenaded by a didgeridoo player, a pretty unique way to start a marathon.

The course was mostly flat and off-road.  The majority of the course was run on the “red earth” that can be seen all over Australia.  This unique soil was at times very compacted, almost like running on blacktop, and at other times very soft like running on a sandy beach.  The course consisted of a 13.1 mile loop which was completed twice.  In addition to regular photographers which are present at most marathons, runners in this race were photographed from a helicopter.  All pictures were made available to runners free of charge!  Finishing in 9^th place was the best showing for Messerschmidt in his 13 marathons.

The night following the marathon, runners were treated to another amazing experience in the Australian Outback, “Sounds of Silence.”  They were picked up at their resorts, which there are five of in Uluru including one campground, and bused to the Outback for an evening of camaraderie, celebration, and great food.  The evening started off with champagne and canapés being enjoyed while watching the sunset behind Ayers Rock. What an amazing view!

This spectacular show was followed by a great meal consisting of Caesar salad with crocodile, lamb chops and kangaroo.  Throughout the meal, photographs taken during all of the races were being displayed on a large screen.  After the meal, runners were presented with a detailed description of the spectacular constellations in the southern night sky.  The “star talker” provided a great lesson on the brilliant stars that provided illumination for millions of years.

This was Michael’s first experience with Marathon Tours, but it most certainly will not be his last.  He met so many great people who have competed in races all over the world; this marathon was his third continent.  The Florence, Italy Marathon was his first marathon outside of the United States.   Listening to their accomplishments has inspired him to investigate other international marathons with the goal of joining the “Seven Continents Club.”