An iconic South Australian trail race, the Heysen 105 is an endurance event like no other in Australia. Traversing a 105km section of the 1200km-long Heysen Trail, competitors experience the best trail running has to offer in the state, taking in rolling farmland, sandy forests, rocky hillsides and lots lots more.

The views are spectacular through the magnificent conservation parks, with the backdrop of gum trees, abundant wildlife and wide open spaces making this a truly Australian experience.

Runners are tested over all sorts of surfaces and need to be prepared to use some self-navigation where parts of the trail are not obvious. As day becomes night they are rewarded with a run to the finish through the whispering pine trees of the Kuitpo Forest plantations.

Now in its fifth year, the spectacular South Australian Heysen 105 is back to inspire and awe runners who have wanted to come back to run the event again, or those who have been putting in the training with the goal of completing this run for the first time.

Is Brendan Davies' male race record of 9.51 safe this year? Will another female take down Jo Kruk's 11.43? How many will run their first ever 100km trail course at the Heysen? There will be only one way to find out: be there!

Starting at Newland Head and finishing at Rocky Creek campground, the course will undoubtedly throw up MANY challenges for everyone involved. There's sections of soft trail, sections of hard, steep single-track and stretches of open fire track. There's rocks, sand, dirt, grass, dozens of fence stiles, views, pine plantations, cows and lots and lots of camaraderie.

With the entire course almost completely bitumen-free you are almost sure to enjoy an environment that very few ever do, a genuine South Australian experience. Running the trails through this part of the country you are likely to see and hear lots of native wildlife. The "good" wildlife, not so much the "bad"!

The Heysen 105 is becoming an iconic event on the ultra calendar. Tired of running through forests and over mountains? Want to experience a different Australia? Then this is what the Heysen is. We might not have the elevation of our more well-known ultra cousin races, but we do have a great event, awesome people, and memorable experiences. So join in one way or another. Be part of the Heysen 105 party!