2023 AGM (Held May 28, 2024)

2023 AGM (Held May 28, 2024)

Simone Hayes • May 31, 2024

may, 2024

On Tuesday 28 May, 2024 we held our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The new Committee is pleased to announce that the following elections for positions took place, with the results as follows: 

  • President - Simone Hayes
  • Vice President - Corrina Black
  • Secretary - Stephen Redfern
  • Treasurer - Annabel Hepworth
  • Governance Officer - Myron (Zed) Zlotnick
  • Director of Events - Lisa Sherman


The two latter positions are newly created, propsed by the 2023 Committee and were voted on by the members at the AGM. Congratulations to all those voted in for the next 12 months!

In more exciting news, members voted to go ahead with the landmark name change from AURA to AUTRA - a powerful move that will bring cohesion to our sport, bringing unprecedented benefits to the grassroots of the sport and to elites alike. In due course, when the paperwork is complete, the organisation will be officially known as the Australian Ultra and Trail Runners Association.

Members also voted in favour of the changes to the incorporated association’s Rules to include the word ‘trail’ with ultra. This will formally recognise that trail running of all distances will be under the AUTRA umbrella and we will be a united and undivided sport. Ultra and Trail – Together as One.

Passionate trail runner Simone Brick summed it up well at the AGM: “As an athlete, I could not be more excited for the future of trail running, ultra running and just running in general in the country if we have this governing body and a voice to be heard and governed cohesively. Let’s put cohesive as the main word there.”

Also at the AGM, other Rules pertaining to changes (as shown in the draft mark up of the Rules that were communicated to members) were all passed by member majority vote.

The association was also lucky enough to have IAU President Nadeem Khan address the meeting. The good news is that AURA’s constant communication with the IAU has hopefully brought a resolution to the track certification issue and its looking like it will be resolved in the very near future. “We have been working with Aura for quite some time on finding solutions,” he told the meeting. Please be patient while the association works with them to finalise this.

There was also a special announcement as the association inducted ultra runner Dipali Cunningham in the AURA Hall Of Fame. She dialled in from the USA and was clearly very emotional and ecstatic.

All in all, it was a very successful AGM and the Committee thanks all of its members for their ongoing support and for entrusting the association with each Committee member for another year. You have the Committee's promise that it will continue to strive to make now-AUTRA a cohesive, strong and thriving association.

Special thanks to Alexis Oosterhoff for managing the unprecedented turnout to the online meeting and ensuring that all of the votes were collected seamlessly and transparently.

By Kate Dzienis July 25, 2025
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
By Gary Mullins July 24, 2025
Applications for the IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships, Bangkok, Thailand, 22-23 November 2025, are now open. About the Event The IAU Asian & Oceania 100 km Championships bring together the region’s fastest road‑ultra athletes. The race is being held in Wachirabenchatat Park, Bangkok. Applications are now open for AUTRA Members wishing to be considered for selection to the Australian Team. Please refer to the documents below for full details: Application Form Selection Criteria GIS Applications close: 8:00 PM AEST, Thursday 31st July 2025 Team announcement: Tuesday 17th August 2025 For any questions regarding the event, the selection criteria, or application process, please email: gary.mullins@autra.asn.au Representing your country is an honour few get to experience. I wish every applicant the very best as we move toward selecting a team that embodies the spirit, strength, and unity of Australian ultra and trail running. Yours in running, Gary Mullins President, AUTRA
By Gary Mullins July 23, 2025
OFFICIAL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🇦🇺 Australia’s squad for the 2025 IAU 24‑Hour World Championships Albi, France 18‑19 October AUTRA is proud to celebrate the athletes who’ve been selected to represent Australia in the 24-hour World Championships. The 24-hour World Champs has a rich history in Australia. 57 runners selected since 1990. We know the above athletes will represent with pride, and inspire the next generation. Follow our socials over the next three months and follow the journey of the team.
By Gary Mullins July 22, 2025
The AUTRA Committee and members would like to congratulate all athletes selected for the 2025 World Trail & Mountain Running Championships. THE LINE‑UP Female Team: Lara Hamilton Jessica Ronan Emily Bartlett Emily Rogers Ruby Smith Patricia McKibbin Jess Jason Sarah-Jayne Miller Miah Noble Nicole Paton Kellie Angel Cecilia Mattas Hannah McRae Male Team: Fraser Darcy Iain Best Nathan Pearce Michael Kernahan Toby Lang Alec Franzke Tadhg Nolan Robert Shannon Billy Curtis Blake Turner Brodie Nankervis Vlad Ixel Ben Burgess Matthew Crehan Andrew Gaskell Thomas Dade. Congratulations to the coaches and team managers as well. The link to the full team and distances, can be found HERE . Thank you to Australian Athletics in believing and backing our Aussie trail talent. Their support gets the green and gold to the start line in Canfranc-Pirineos. 🙌🇦🇺 Follow our socials over the next 2 months to get to know the athletes. Let’s show the world what Aussie grit looks like. ✊🏽?
By Gary Mullins July 21, 2025
Join AUTRA as a State Representative! Are you passionate about ultra and trail running? Want to make a real impact in your state’s running community? We’re looking for dedicated State Representatives to: Promote trail & ultra running locally Engage in the running community and run clubs. Support race directors and represent AUTRA at races including, volunteering, and sharing event highlights Maintain strong communication, share news, spotlight race results and upcoming events, & grow membership benefits What you bring to the team: A passion for ultra/trail running and your local running scene Excellent communication and community engagement skills Current AUTRA membership and availability for bimonthly meetings and weekend events Why apply? It’s a chance to foster regional trail/ultra communities, elevate athlete experiences, and contribute to AUTRA’s national growth. Role Description: State Rep Role Description Applications close: 5pm, Monday 28th July Apply here: State Reps Application Form
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IN OTHER NEWS

By Kate Dzienis July 25, 2025
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
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By Gary Mullins July 23, 2025
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