The ultimate physical challenge for any ultra or marathon runner is without doubt the Simpson Desert Australia, 15 stage, 15 day ultrmarathon. Starting at the geographical centre of Australia The Lambert Centre and finishing 15 days later at Birdsville.

In 2010 4 runners set out to prove it could be achieved after the experts said it would be impossible to run the 650km over 15 days with temperatures up to 50 degrees and having to cross over 1300 sand dunes. Of the 4 runners, 3 failed to finish with the elements and physical fatigue winning over, however one man came out on top proving that with the right training and mental discipline anything is possible. Barry Golding was that man and the first and only man to date to complete the 650km ultramarathon over 15 days.  

In 2011 the first Simpson Desert Ultra marathon race began with Barry Golding amongst the runners with his heart set on being the first man to win the Simpson Desert Ultramarathon.  The first 8 days for all the runner appeared to tough but for the experienced runner it was only the warm up for what was about to come. Unfortunately Barry Golding came down with a stomach bug on day 4 and had to pull out of the race, However in the true Aussie spirit Barry did whatever he could to support his fellow runners and help them achieve the ultimate challenge by completing the 650km Desert Race.

Day 8 proved to be the biggest disappointment of the year for the Runners. The National Parks and Wildlife closed down the national park  due to the Simpson Desert being on fire!  All runners having to head back in the same direction they had just come from. As a result of the fires the race was unable to be completed.

2012 the race is on again with runners from all over the world applying to enter for the ultimate prize to be the first to win the Simpson Desert 650km Ultramarathon  race and yes Barry Golding at age 59 is training and determined to be the first ever race winner.