2017 AURA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

AURA is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 AURA Awards.

Australian Female Ultra Runner of the Year For outstanding single or collective performances by a female.

The winner of this award was named Tia Jones, who smashed numerous records throughout 2017. Included in her repertoire was the 10th best distance in the world for a 12-hour (128.689kms/Aust W50 record) set at Canberra 12 Hour on March 18; Aust W50 record of 200kms of 22:26:21 at 24-hour race in Adelaide on July 9; Aust W50 100-mile record of 16:52:31 at 24-hour race in Adelaide on July 9; Aust W50 24-hour record of 210.648kms at 24-hour race in Adelaide on July 9, and; Aust W50 6-hour record of 74.671kms at 6-hour race in Barcelona on December 16.

Australian Male Ultra Runner of the Year For outstanding single or collective performances by a male.

The winner for this award has gone to Kevin Muller, who has had a massive year with multiple podium finishes on track, road, and trail including the Australian 24-hour champion in Bunbury with 230.261kms on August 12; three wins and two seconds in other events, and 229.6kms at the World Championships in Belfast. His races in 2017 included Coast to Kosci Ultramarathon, Nerang State Forest 100 Mile Run, Brisbane Track Ultra and Glasshouse. Kevin also came a joint first at Down Under 135 in 36hrs 34mins.

Helen Stanger Award For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a female under the age of 60.

Lucy Bartholomew, winner and race record of 10:52:35 at Ultra Trail Australia, arguable our most competitive trail event.

Bryan Smith Award For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a male under the age of 60.

Mick Thwaites, 404.56kms at Canberra 48 Hour, third best distance in the world for 2017. He also won this award in 2016, again for his performance at the same event.

Young Female Ultra Runner of the Year For outstanding single or collective performances by a female under the age of 25.

Lucy Bartholomew, winner and race record at Ultra Trail Australia.

Young Male Ultra Runner of the Year For outstanding single or collective performances by a male under the age of 25.

Joel Claxton, Great Ocean Walk 100kms (100kms trail) 3rd, Macedon Ranges 50kms trail run (50kms trail) 4th, Maroondah Dam Trail Run (50kms trail) 2nd.

Cliff Young Award For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a male over the age of 60.

Barry McBride, 30:48 at Coast to Kosciuszko for an outstanding run for 6th position. Barry beat the previous best M60 time by more than 4.5hrs, and has also won this award for 2015 and 2016.

Shirley Young Award For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a female over the age of 60.

No award.

Pictured: (Top left) Tia Jones, 2017 Australian Female Ultra Runner of the Year, and (bottom left) Kevin Muller, 2017 Australian Male Ultra Runner of the Year