We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 16 . 04 . 21 .

Hey there! It's Paige here, and I am excited to bring you an interview with my good friend and ongoing source of inspiration, Lucy Barthlomew.

A couple of weeks ago, Australian professional trail runner and smoothie extraordinaire, Lucy Bartholomew took on a huge project to set the FKT (Fastest Known Time) on the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory. Not only a feat of physical endurance, internal strength and mental resilience, this run traverses some remotes and rugged land untouched by many but sacred to others. We were lucky to have the chance to watch it unfold through social media and from early on, it was clear something special was about to unfold. If you lace up your shoes (or not) and respect your body, soul and mind, Lucy has demonstrated to us all what is possible.

Earlier this week I had a chat to Lucy about her experience on the trail, and we are excited to share this journey in wild places with you today! Thanks to the uber talented Josh Lynott for sharing these beautiful photos also.

LUCY BARTHOLOMEW'S FKT ON THE LARAPINTA TRAIL

First up, what is the Larapinta trail?

The Larapinta trail is a 231km track that runs either to or from Alice springs in the Northern Territory in Australia depending on which direction you run. Larapinta is the aboriginal name for the Finke river as it follows the river system into town.

What made you pick this trail for a project?

I have mostly been fascinated with the red, sandy centre of Australia then the actual track for many years. I had heard from so many people that it was a place that you really felt the history, felt the energy and once you got the sand under your nails you never left. I was curious to explore this feeling and community and the best way for me to do that is through running.

What were your intentions in the lead up or what did you set out to do/find?

My sole intention in coming to the Northern Territory was to keep eyes, mind and heart open. I wanted to listen more than I spoke and understand the history, significance and diversity that this region offers. For the run I wanted to experience the feeling of moving forward through sunsets and sunrises and just simplify life down to the basics for a little while. I wanted to explore the unknown both physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Have you spent much time in this part of the country before?

Me and my team I was with; Josh Lynott and Bryan Hynes had never been to the Northern Territory before and so it was pretty cool to share our first time together.

What was the most challenging aspect/moment?

There were many, it was such a wild roller coaster of highs and lows but running out of water for 7hrs was a challenge and trying to rebound from that really tested me. Following that, the second night after 170km, dehydration and heat exhaustion I had some really strong hallucinations that made me a bit scared and unsure with where I was and what was real. Doing this track alone and navigating was probably the biggest challenge for me.

We’re there any stand out moments? Big learning points?

Climbing Mount Sonder with Josh and Bryan to begin the journey was really special. This mountain is very significant to the indigenous and it was so beautiful to stand up and look out at the ridges and rugged terrain that towered between there and Alice Springs.

So many learning points that I think I am still absorbing and recognising but the one that stands out the most is that “if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”... I couldn't have done it without my team and the support from the community.

How did such an intimate interaction with the natural world shape your experience?

I feel very connected and privileged to this trail and this area. I left a lot of blood, sweat and tears out on the track and I wouldn't change a thing that went wrong or right. It was special to share a journey on foot, through nature, with the full moon, strong sun and wild energy.

Were there any environmental or social issues you came across during your time on the Larapinta or in the NT?

Alice Springs has had a hard time recently with the integration of indigenous and especially young teens' behaviours in the town. It’s sad to see but also interesting to be there rather than watch the low lights on the news to gain a different perspective. Environmentally it was wild to see the land so green and flooded from recent rain. Not an issue in itself but all the locals assured us this was a “once in a 100 year thing” to be free styling through gorges that are usually bare-bone dry.

Is there anything you will take away from this connection/reconnection with the natural environment? Has it changed your outlook towards the intersection of running and the environment?

I’ve definitely gained a greater appreciation for the land I call home and the diversity Australia offers. My respect for the communities that endure the harsh living conditions with the biggest smile is greater than ever.

Running will always be an amazing tool for exploration and challenge but the thing I learnt out there on the Larapinta trail is that when you stop worrying about trying to run every step, or running specific details you realise that no matter how you move through that terrain- you’re going to go places

Hear and see more about this epic feat and adventure on

Lucy's Instagram here.

INTRODUCING: THE REWILD RUN

The team at For Wild Places were stoked to announce our second event, The Rewild Run. This unique team event will take place at Mt Rothwell, a predator free sanctuary nestled behind the You Yangs in Victoria, where native Australian animals that are extinct in the wild roam free within the biodiverse rocky grasslands remnant woodlands, boosting population numbers and re-wilding once thought extinct species.

On Saturday 4th September 2021, get a group together and take your turn in tackling the 10km loop in teams of four, two or one, to complete the 41km route. 

Pop the date in your diary and pre-register now to stay up to date with event information. For more information, check out the website or Facebook event. Along with our event partner Odonata, we are super excited to help continue the vital work of the team at Mt Rothwell.

That's all from the For Wild Places crew for this week. Have an absolutely wonderful weekend friends - keep safe and connected to family and friends!

And as always, thank you for taking the time for wild places 🙏🏼

Paige & the For Wild Places crew.

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We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging. This email was created on the lands of the Gooreng Goodreng.

Always was, always will be.

By For Wild Places

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protect wild places we run on