The Great Kanku-Breakaways Marathon and Fun Run is a unique and exciting event held in the breathtaking Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, located 30 kilometers north of Coober Pedy in outback South Australia. The park’s landscape is often compared to the moon, with its surface dotted with shafts and mullock heaps from opal mining activities. The event began as a casual conversation between two local residents and has since evolved into an fundraiser for local projects and worthy causes.
In 201, the Kanku-Breakaways Co-management Board took over the event to promote the park, encourage visitors to see it from a different perspective, and raise awareness of the cultural connection Aboriginal people have to the area. The event now takes place entirely within the conservation park, a registered Aboriginal heritage site, and winds through the spectacular colored hills, along the dog fence, and back to the lookouts.
Event Details
The Great Kanku-Breakaways Marathon and Fun Run offers various distances for participants, including .2km, 21.1km, 10km, and 5km races, as well as a 10km team event and a special 2.5km fun run for kids under 12 years old. In addition, the event features 36km and 72km bike ride distances, which will return in 2023.
The event is scheduled for June 11, 2023, with the following provisional start times:
- All bike riders (distances > 5km) - 9:00 am
- Marathon & Half marathon - 10:00 am
- 10km (incl Teams) - 11:00 am
- 5km Dash - 11:15 am
- Mini Bolt (run/walk) - 1:30 pm
Registration and Fees
Online registrations are open, and participants can register for the various distances at the following fees:
- 42.2km Marathon: $60 (Entrants 18 years & over)
- 21.1km Half Marathon: $40 (Juniors U16 $*)
- 10 km: $20 (Juniors U16 $5*)
- 5km Dash: $20 (Juniors U16 $5*)
- 2.5km Mini Bolt: FREE (kids under 12 years)
- 10 km Teams: No additional entry fees
- Cycling Options: Entry fee varies with distance ($40 or $20, Juniors U16 $5)
Registrations will also be accepted on the day prior to the start of each event.
Location
The event takes place at Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, Via Stuart Highway, 30km north of Coober Pedy, South Australia.
Course Map and GPX File
The 2023 course is an out-and-back track, running from the main lookout to Angkata, then back and down the hill, past Two Dogs, across the “moon plain,” and alongside the dingo fence. Participants can check out the route or download a GPX file from the event website.
Amenities and Services
The Great Kanku-Breakaways Marathon and Fun Run offers a range of amenities and services for participants, including:
- Finisher’s medals
- Unique hand-made trophies
- Electronic timing
- Merchandise designed by a local artist
- First aid
- Race hub
- Free community BBQ
- Free entry to the park for the day
- Free shuttle-bus service from/to Coober Pedy
Aid stations will be available along the 10.5km track, manned with first aid provisions, radios, drinks, nibbles, and toilets.
Prams and Dogs
Participants may push a pram or bring their dog on the course, provided that dogs are on a lead at all times and do not cause a nuisance. Children in prams must be registered for insurance purposes, but no entry fee is required. Competitors with prams or dogs must start at the rear of the pack and ensure they do not obstruct other runners.
Pre-Qualification
Competitors can enter any of the distances, with marathon runners required to be at least 18 years of age and riders in the 37.5 km or 70 km bike ride required to be 16 years or older. Participants are expected to be physically fit and suitably trained for their chosen event.
Entry Process
Online entries are now open, with late entries (including on-the-day entries) attracting an additional $10 fee. Late entries must be made at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each event and are cash only. All entries must be paid before race number collection.
Special Entry Rates for Local Young Runners
Thanks to generous donations from running enthusiasts around Australia, local young runners under 16 years of age can enter the 10km, 5km, or Mini Bolt events for free. For those wishing to participate in the Half Marathon, a discounted $5.00 entry fee applies.
Shuttle Buses
Free shuttle buses run to and from the park during the event, with competitors, families, and community members welcome to use the service. Competitors will be given priority on early buses. Children must be accompanied by a carer who is 16 years of age or older, and unaccompanied children under 16 will not be permitted to travel on the shuttle buses. A timetable will be provided prior to the event.
Competitor Handbook and Rules
The 2023 Competitor Handbook, containing all race details, will be emailed to participants the week before the event. The 2021 handbook can be viewed on the event website for reference
Stay Connected
Stay up-to-date with the latest event news and announcements by following the Great Kanku-Breakaways Marathon and Fun Run on Facebook.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or further information, contact the Marathon Coordinator, Glen Christie, at Tel: 0417 812 066 or Email: gchristie@cpcouncil.sa.
Experience the Great Kanku-Breakaways Marathon and Fun Run
The Great Kanku-Breakaways Marathon and Fun Run is a one-of-a-kind outback event that showcases a stunning piece of South Australia like never before. With various race distances and cycling options available, there’s something for everyone, from seasoned athletes to families and kids. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary event and experience the breathtaking Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park in a whole new way. Register now and mark your calendar for June 11, 2023!