2017 ULTRA RUNNING STATISTICS
Alexis Oosterhoff • January 29, 2018
Using the data recorded in AURA’s results database, the following information about Australian Ultra Running races was compiled.
EVENTS
- There were a total of 140 individual races recorded during 2017:
- 111 were distance based,
- 29 were timed
- Of the 140 individual races 105 were listed by AURA.
- Broken down by state:
- VIC: 41
- QLD: 30
- WA: 22
- NSW: 21
- SA: 14
- ACT: 6
- TAS: 5
- NT: 1
PARTICIPATION
- There were a total of 9,018 individual performances, of which 2,986 (33%) were by women
- There were 6,467 unique people who participated, of which 2,185 (34%) were women
- Participation by distance:
- under 60km: 5,845
- 60km-85km: 704
- 85km-105km: 1,959
- 105km-180km: 371
- 180km+: 139
OTHER STATS
- A total of 631,189km was covered in these races , 200,095km ( 32%) by women.
- The longest individual distances were run by Mick Thwaites (404.560km) and Susan Keith (316.077km) in the Canberra 48h
- The longest individual completion times were by Zoe van Middeldyk and Christopher MacLean in the GSER 100mi
- The further distance covered over multiple races was by Kevin Muller (1647.204km) and Cheryl Symons (1362.523km).
- The most time spent participating over multiple races was by Cheryl Symons (8d:15h:4m) and Kevin Muller (8d:1h:31m)
contributed by sue robertson delirious west 100 miler - 8 April 2026
MAY 2026
The Delirious WEST 200 Miler on the Bibbulmun Track again proved brutal in 2026, with a small field of runners and a significant proportion recording DNFs as the days wore on. This year’s race reinforced the event’s reputation for high attrition, where long gaps between aid, tricky coastal sections and accumulated fatigue regularly stop experienced ultrarunners short of Albany. After two previous heartbreaks at Delirious WEST, Gabe Alves lined up in 2026 for a third attempt at the 200‑mile distance. This time he overhauled his entire approach, from pacing and sleep strategy to nutrition and managing the physical issues that had forced him out in past years. Between the mental battles of the long nights and the constant push to keep moving when everything says to stop, this video captures the reality of a multi‑day struggle where giving up isn't an option. Tag along to see Gabe face down unfinished business at the 2026 edition and find out if this third journey finally leads to the breakthrough he’s been chasing: Delirious West – Unfinished Business .
Results for No Time To Die, Sydrey's Frontyard, and the IAU 24hr Asia and Oceania Championships in Japan.
Expressions of Interest for AUTRA Selection Committee
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IN OTHER NEWS
contributed by sue robertson delirious west 100 miler - 8 April 2026
MAY 2026
The Delirious WEST 200 Miler on the Bibbulmun Track again proved brutal in 2026, with a small field of runners and a significant proportion recording DNFs as the days wore on. This year’s race reinforced the event’s reputation for high attrition, where long gaps between aid, tricky coastal sections and accumulated fatigue regularly stop experienced ultrarunners short of Albany. After two previous heartbreaks at Delirious WEST, Gabe Alves lined up in 2026 for a third attempt at the 200‑mile distance. This time he overhauled his entire approach, from pacing and sleep strategy to nutrition and managing the physical issues that had forced him out in past years. Between the mental battles of the long nights and the constant push to keep moving when everything says to stop, this video captures the reality of a multi‑day struggle where giving up isn't an option. Tag along to see Gabe face down unfinished business at the 2026 edition and find out if this third journey finally leads to the breakthrough he’s been chasing: Delirious West – Unfinished Business .
