AGE IS NO BARRIER FOR ULTRA RUNNER (EXAMINER NEWSPAPERS, WA)

Kate Dzienis • February 27, 2020

This story was featured in Examiner Newspapers and published 13 February, 2020

By Kate Dzienis

Kelmscott ultra runner Bernadette Benson has added yet another trophy to her mantlepiece, taking out the Australian Ultra Runner Association’s Helen Stanger Award (2019) announced last month for her inspiring athletic performance at an event last June.

The 50-year-old has a long list of achievements already on her running resume including being named AURA’s Female Ultra Runner of the Year in 2014 and breaking a multitude of Australian open and age group records in the 50km, 100mi, 200km and more.

The Helen Stanger Award is presented to an Australian for the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a female under the age of 60 and Ms Benson happily accepted the title from AURA for her Australian open women’s record for 100 miles (15:24:44) set at the Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour race in Campbelltown, NSW last June.

She said she was truly pleased and happy to be recognised in such a way.

“I had just finished a four-and-a-half hour endurance session when I got the news I had received the award,” she said.

“I had that slightly exhausted nature about me, finishing my run and balancing everything in life, but it turned out to be the best day ever; the timing was perfect.”

Ms Benson also said she was incredibly pleased in the last five years to see, within AURA and the wider community, a lot of changes in recognising women’s performances.

“I’m so thrilled to see that with more women in the sport of ultra running, there is a growth in recognition by sporting associations as well as naming awards after incredible pioneering women who have been role models for us in Australia,” she said.

“As women, we run differently to men and to just be recognised on our own it’s very cool to see the changes happening.”

Ms Benson said she would love to be seen as a role model for aspiring long distance female runners, especially the younger generation, and encouraged them to give running a go.

“I’m a 50-year-old woman, and I mean…where are the younger girls?” she said.

“I’m hoping a much younger runner will come along and blow my record/s out of the water; the right age, the right training and the right girl, well that open record should really have some movement.

“Inspiring those girls to go longer, give themselves a chance to do something different and really challenge themselves both physically and mentally, makes it all so worthwhile.”

Pictured: Bernadette Benson from Kelmscott won AURA’s Helen Stanger Award last month for an ultra running achievement last year. Photograph – Aaron Van Rongen.

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Location : Bangkok, Thailand Dates : November 21 - 24 2025 Role Type : Volunteer Position Time Commitment : Pre event planning + Travel Application Deadline : 7th September 2025 Thank you for your interest in supporting the Australian team for the 2025 IAU Asian 100k Championships. This role goes far beyond logistics. It’s about leadership, inclusion, and creating a positive, empowering environment for athletes competing on the world stage. AUTRA is committed to opening doors for those outside traditional pathways. We strongly encourage applications from coaches, former athletes, club leaders, volunteers, and passionate community members. You don’t need to have served on a board or managed a team before as we’re looking for people who genuinely care, are highly organised, and can proudly represent our athletes and country. Role Overview As Team Manager, you’ll work closely with AUTRA President Gary Mullins and Vice President Geoff Russell to prepare and support the national team before and during the championship. Pre-Departure Australia Act as the main contact for selected athletes and crew Assist with final entry forms and travel planning Prepare a Championships Agenda in alliance with the Team Managers Agreement Document Coordinate flights, uniforms, and team communications Help identify and organise crew support Attend online team planning meetings On the Ground in Thailand Be present and ready as athletes arrive Ensure all athlete needs are met so they can focus fully on their race Attend all technical meetings and represent the team professionally Coordinate team attendance at the opening and closing ceremonies Ensure the team and crew are prepared, organised, and calm Address any issues that arise with efficiency and discretion Provide hands on leadership and moral support throughout the 24 hour race Support Provided Accommodation in Bangkok for 3 - 4 nights will be provided by AUTRA An official team uniform will be supplied A volunteer allowance of $1500 will be provided to acknowledge your time and service during the championship period What You’ll Need Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Strong organisational ability under pressure A calm, inclusive, and athlete first mindset Commitment to AUTRA’s Code of Conduct Member of AUTRA Applying To apply for the role of Team Manager please CLICK HERE and fill out the Application Form. Applications Close on the 3rd September 2025 Selection Process Following the application deadline, the AUTRA Committee will review all submissions and select the most suitable candidate. All applicants will be contacted by Gary Mullins within 7 days of applications closing. Gary Mullins AUTRA President