2024 AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK MARATHON

FIT is excited to announce we are an official travel partner with the Australian Outback Marathon. Race weekend at Uluru is a one-of-a-kind, magical experience you do not want to miss; we know firsthand! Australia is a destination you do not want to miss and our team has extensive knowledge when it comes to Australia. FIT founder Kelly McLay, lived in and attended the University in Sydney, is a certified Aussie specialist, has finished AOM marathon twice, and has traveled to Australia 15+ times. Looking to explore Australia with your family? Looking for a one-of-a kind marathon and race weekend experience? Looking for camaraderie and a beautiful spot to run? Looking to complete a marathon on another continent? This event has it all! Reservations can be made directly via the Australian Outback Marathon website. Email us at kelly@fitnessinternationaltravel.com with any questions!

*Limited space still available for 2024. Don’t miss this iconic marathon. Payment due in full at the time of booking.

EVENT PACKAGES

The Australian Outback Marathon offers a travel package, stay accommodation and race event for everyone! Choose the itinerary and accommodations package that best works for you. For international travelers, FIT highly recommends the Diamond Package as it is the perfect combination of travel time, arrivals for race weekend, outback exploration, and includes the not to miss Sounds of Silence celebration dinner!

FIT can customize pre & post travel options around Australia to fit your travel needs!

  • DIAMOND PACKAGE

    DAY ONE | THURSDAY, JULY 25th

    Welcome to Ayers Rock Resort! After arriving at Connellan Airport, transfers are included to the hotel for 3pm check-in. This afternoon (4:15pm) opt to join your fellow AOM runners and guides on a shakeout training run before the poolside welcome dinner at 6:30pm this evening at Sails in the Desert.

    DAY TWO | FRIDAY, JULY 26th

    Early departure this morning (6:25am) to catch the gorgeous sunrise over Uluru. Afterwards partake in a 9KM walk around the base of Uluru and then a tour of the Cultural Centre before returning to the resort area. The rest of the day is free until AOM gear purchases, Opening Ceremonies and the Carbo Load Dinner at 6:30pm. Get a good night sleep tonight before tomorrow’s race!

    DAY THREE | SATURDAY, JULY 27th

    It’s RACE DAY! Early AM transfer to the starting line. The Marathon and Half-marathon will kick off at 7:45AM. The 11KM & 6KM will start at 8:30AM. Good luck to all the runners! This evening optional runner/spectator celebration at Outback Pioneer Pub (at own expense). Great day for optional tours!

    DAY FOUR | SUNDAY, JULY 28th

    Great day to add an optional tour in to your trip experience - from Sunrise Camel Tours (very popular and will sell out) to Helicopter Tours, to a hike through Kata Tjuta (departs at 10:30am returns at 3:30pm). This evening is the famous AOM celebration dinner (Sounds of Silence) beginning at 4:40pm - an event not to miss.

    DAY FIVE | MONDAY, JULY 29th

    Congratulations on your marathon experience! Time to journey home or opt to continue with FIT on our extension package to see beautiful SYDNEY!!

    For those departing, we hope that you enjoyed your time at the Australian Outback Marathon with FIT and we wish you a safe journey home!

  • SYDNEY EXTENSION

    DAY ONE

    After breakfast, transfer to Connellan Airport for flights to Sydney (flights are not included in the package and need to be booked on your own). Upon arrival, transit from Sydney airport to your hotel. This evening see Sydney from above with a bridgeclimb experience! Recommended overnight Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney or Intercontinental.

    DAY TWO

    After breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour of Sydney with local guide either walking or via bike. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city - take a ferry to Manly for a beach walk or to Taronga Zoo to see the animals, walk the Bondi to Coogee Cliff Walk, tour the Opera House, or just stroll through the Rocks or Darling Harbour and grab some coffee. Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney or Intercontinental.

    DAY THREE

    We recommend booking a full day tour out to the Three Sisters/Blue Mountains!

    DAY FOUR |

    Time to journey home or continue on your journey around Australia. FIT has a vast experience traveling Australia and happy to custom design extended itineraries- including time in the Hunter Valley wine region, diving the Great Barrier Reef, touring Byron Bay and Noosa or Hamilton Island, the WhitSundays and K’gari.

    We can easily put this program together for you pre or post AOM!

  • Experience more at the Rock with these added experiences:

    SATURDAY, JULY 26th

    ULURU SUNSET COACH TOUR – $48

    Available for: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Red Earth

    Platinum Package

    This is a great opportunity to make the most of your 3 day park pass!

    Our exclusive coach will depart from your hotel at 5:20pm to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Enjoy complimentary canapés and sparkling wine as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is famous. The coach will return to your hotel at approximately 7:00pm. Don’t forget your camera!

    PLEASE NOTE: Don’t forget your park pass if you are on a Platinum, Diamond or Silver Package!

    A $27 additional fee will apply for the Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park pass for all participants (including children) on Gold and Red Earth Packages unless purchased in conjunction with another optional tour

    SUNSET CAMEL RIDE – $100

    Available for: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Red Earth

    Camel rides after the marathon, why not!! Begin your peaceful 1 hour camel ride over the big red sand dunes at sunset. A ride through this spectacular desert region brings you closer to nature and offers great views of Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park World Heritage Area. Skilled guides will describe the flora and fauna along the trail. A refreshing glass of sparkling wine or beer and tasty snacks wait at the end of the trail.

    The tour departs from your hotel at 4:35pm and returns at 7:20pm (times are approximate).

    Children under 5 years are NOT permitted to ride camels.

    Please advise if any guest travelling weighs more than 100kg.

    Places are extremely limited and are allocated on a first come/first served basis. This is one of our most popular tours – don’t miss out.

    SUNDAY, JULY 28th

    -SUNRISE CAMEL RIDE – $98

    Available for: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Red Earth (Very popular will sell out)

    Breathe in the cool morning air as you ride your friendly camel for one hour through the desert landscape as dawn breaks over Uluru & Kata Tjuta. Watch the desert come to life and learn about the flora and fauna along the trail from your knowledgeable cameleer. After the ride enjoy our freshly baked beer bread damper with quandong jam and a cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. Take some time to explore the camel museum and gift shop before we return you to your hotel. The tour departs from your hotel at 6:20am and returns at 9:00am (times are approximate).

    Children under 5 years are NOT permitted to ride camels.

    Please advise if any guest travelling weighs more than 100kg.

    Places are extremely limited and are allocated on a first come/first served basis.

    -KATA TJUTA (THE OLGAS) “VALLEY OF THE WINDS” WALK – $45

    Included on: Platinum

    Available for: Diamond/Gold

    You will be picked up from your hotel at 10:30am for your tour to Kata Tjuta where your driver/guide will explain the geological history of these giant domes. Your driver/guide will then escort you on a 2-3 hour moderate (at times strenuous) walk in the valley between the massive red conglomerate rocks. Marvel at the unique flora and fauna that has survived in this harsh environment. When you reach the Valley of the Winds Lookout, take some time to gaze out over the central valley of Kata Tjuta. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are recommended and please take plenty of water with you and cover up with a hat and sunscreen. The coach will return to your hotel at approximately 3:30pm – 4:00pm.

    * Lunch is not included on this tour so all guests are encouraged to purchase refreshments and additional water at the town square prior to the tour commencing.

    PLEASE NOTE: Don’t forget your park pass if you are on a Platinum, Diamond or Silver Package!

    **A $27 additional fee will apply for the Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park pass for all participants (including children) on Gold and Red Earth Packages unless purchased in conjunction with another optional tour

    -PROFESSIONAL HELICOPTER SERVICES

    MONDAY, JULY 29th

    (Diamond/Gold Pkg only)

    -PROFESSIONAL HELICOPTER SERVICES

    **Pricing is approximate USD pricing based on exchange rate as of 5/1/24

  • SAILS IN THE DESERT – 5 STAR LUXURY HOTEL

    In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Sails in the Desert hotel beautifully contrasts Uluru’s raw natural beauty with a decidedly luxurious outback holiday experience with its soaring white sails, Mulgara Gallery featuring Indigenous art, Red Ochre Spa’s and the gumtree lined swimming pool.

    Sails in the Desert Room Options: Deluxe Suite, Terrace Room, or Superior Room

    DESERT GARDENS HOTEL - 4 STAR DELUXE HOTEL

    Magnificent ghost gums and flowering native shrubs are the setting for this hotel. The Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel is centrally located to all resort and touring facilities and offers a range of accommodation, from shaded poolside rooms to deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. You can relax in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel’s pool, sipping cocktails from the Bunya bar.

    At Desert Gardens Hotel choose from: Garden View Rooms (2 doubles or Queen), Desert Deluxe Rooms (view of desert landscapes - 2 doubles or King), or Deluxe Rock View Rooms (only rooms in resort with views towards Uluru - 2 double beds or King).

    THE LOST CAMEL - BOUTIQUE / CONTEMPORARY STYLE

    The Lost Camel Hotel is a contemporary and fun, boutique-style hotel - a stylish mix of Aboriginal and urban themes. Soak up the sun by the hotel’s central swimming pool, browse the shops or enjoy a casual meal at one of the cafés located in the Resort Town Square.

    The Lost Camel offers: Standard Rooms - The hotel’s compact rooms are decorated in bright colours featuring a King Bed (can be separated into two single beds).

    OUTBACK PIONEER HOTEL – THE FULL AUSSIE EXPERIENCE - 3 STAR HOTEL

    Looking for traditional Aussie hospitality? This hotel is perfect for the demands of travellers looking for laid back surroundings. Taste Australia’s pioneering past, as you enjoy a beer and some outback delights at the do-it-yourself Outback BBQ, and swap stories of your day’s adventures.

    At the Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge - Standard Rooms are offered (One Queen & One Single Bed).

  • FIT recommends the Diamond Package as it is perfect itinerary for time out at Ayers Rock for the marathon, provides an extra day for any travel snafus/jet lag recovery, and aligns well for being onsite for race weekend and experiencing the beauty of Uluru. This program also includes the award winning Sounds of Silence Dinner (we highly recommend).

    You can make reservations HERE today. Please select Fitness International Travel as your agent referral.

    Rooms & entry are booked on a first come, first serve basis, until sold out.

    Entry only is not offered to the Outback Marathon.

    Flights are not included in the travel package and must be booked by all travelers. FIT is happy to assist!

    Transfers to/from the airport are included at Ayers Rock Resort.

    Non-runners deduct approx $65 from package pricing (although this is a great event for everyone to partake in as there is an event for all ages and levels - walkers to runners, kids to adults - we highly recommend everyone in the family partakes!).

    Entry to the Australian Outback Marathon is only provided along with a travel package.

    Payment in full is due at the time of booking.

    Sails Superior & Emu Apartments can fit up to 5 travelers. Children are considered ages 3-12. Children 2 & under sharing a bed are free of charge. Children requiring a rollaway will be charged an additional $35 per night.

    Clients are responsible for any visa & paperwork costs to travel to Australia. An electronic ETA visa is required for all US travelers to to Australia. Information is HERE.

    Pricing is quoted in USD to provide an approximate exchange for the program. Exchange rates are based on current rates as of 5/1/24. Exact pricing will depend on the date booked, exchange at the time, and any transaction fees for payment.

    PACKAGES EXCLUDE: Flights, Optional Tours which must be booked in advance, Meals where not specified, Travel Insurance, Tourist Visas (if applicable), anything not specified in the booked package.

    If you are seeking a travel option that is currently not available or for a shorter duration, please reach out to us via email regarding optional itineraries for this event.

  • PLATINUM PACKAGE (6 Days/5 Nights): JULY 25th-July 30th

    Includes Kata Tjuta hike, additional day at the Ayers Rock Resort to head out to explore the remarkable Kings Canyon.

    GOLD PACKAGE (4 Days/3 Nights): JULY 26th-July 29th

    Arrives day before marathon leaving little room for flight delays, but does include post-race Sounds of Silence dinner celebration.

    SILVER PACKAGE (4 Days/3 Nights): JULY 25th-July 28th

    Does not include Post-race/Sounds of Silence dinner experience; arrival on Thursday allows for flight travel buffer.

    PACKAGES IN PICTORAL VIEW: Comparison of the programs in a colorful PDF image format

 

Above FIT Recommended Package: Diamond Package

Pricing is per person, approximately priced in USD based on exchange as of 5/1/24, and includes services per the Diamond Package inclusions, race entry to the event, taxes, and processing fees. Pricing does not include any transaction fees as requirement when making payment. Child rate is applicable for child ages 3-12 inclusive sharing bed in room with adult. Children requiring a rollaway are charged $35 per day additional. Children 2 and under are free.

Above: Ayers Rock Extras Pricing. Pricing is per person, approximately priced in USD based on exchange as of 5/1/24. Pricing does not include transaction fees as required when making payment.

*Pricing is in USD and is approximate conversion of AUD to USD based on 5/1/24 exchange.

OUR PROMISE

The team at FIT carefully evaluates every trip we offer to ensure that our standards are met around the globe. We consider every element of adventure, searching for experiences that are epic, authentic, and socially responsible.