Anna Pillinger takes a hold of the Duval Dam Buster

Kate Dzienis • October 30, 2023

Contributed by Anna Pillinger, AURA member (Fairlight, NSW)

DUVAL DAM BUSTER 50KM, ARMIDALE (NSW), 24 September 2023

I entered Duval Dam Buster 50km not really knowing much about it – but I had come across it on the AURA calendar when researching the route for our school holiday family road trip up to Queensland. Knowing I would be training for LMU 104km while we were away, I had a quick look to see if there was anything going on along the way that I could use as a training run. Being navigationally challenged a marked course is definitely preferable for longer trail runs in unfamiliar territory!

The race started a bit out of town and given I had my husband and 3 kids I just needed to work out the logistics of how to get to the start without having to drag them all out early in the morning in the freezing cold. Lee Anne (the RD) very kindly helped me out and found me a lift to the start with Tim (love the trail running community!).

The start was out at Dumaresq Dam, it was pretty cold but there was a great vibe out there and lots of activity getting everything set up. We had a short race briefing (with mentions of snakes and cows along the course – neither of which I am keen on!) and then we were off.

I started in gloves and thermal but it didn’t take too long to warm up as before long we were going up the first climb to the summit of Mt Duval. I started running with local running legend Hannah McRae chatting away and the kms quickly started passing. It was a mix of forest trails, fire trail, ups and downs, grassy paddocks and the dreaded cattle grids! I spectacularly failed on my first crossing and ended up flat on my face with arms and legs through the gaps – still running with Hannah at this point she just looked at me and “You can tell you’re from Sydney – but seriously, how did you not break your ankle?” (or something along those lines!).

A bit bashed up but still one piece I carried on and was much more cautious on the ones to come (approx 1 million more!). After a stretch of dirt and bitumen road came the grass airstrip we got to run the length of – that was pretty fun! One more steep climb about 40kms in which was definitely one to hike and by this time we were on the same course as some of the other distances so there were a few more people around.

After that it was mostly downhill to the finish back at the dam. I really focused on trying to get my nutrition right and felt pretty strong throughout as a result – really happy to come away with first female and 2nd overall (had no idea that the overall winner was less than a minute ahead of me until I finished).

The volunteers out on course were all great which really made the event what it was. After the presentation we headed to the local brewery, Great Hops, for lunch and a cheeky beer (& to pick up the case of beer which was one of the prizes) before continuing on our trip. Really fun morning out, great to run new trails and meet new people. Definitely one to do if you’re in the area next year!

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AUTRA News Report 11-09-2025

By Kate Dzienis • September 11, 2025

Run The River Half, Qld Murphys Creek Challenge, Qld Lighthorse Ultra, WA Kunanyi Trail Series, Rialannah, Tas Upcoming Events WEEKLY NEWS REPORT FOR 12-09-2025 As always, we're continuously on the hunt for your stories and reports, so get those race reports and photographs in to ultramag@autra.asn.au with the following information: Word document, single spaced Include the name of the event, the date and the location anywhere in the report (just a bullet point at the top is great) Please attach photographs to the email – do not put images in the body of your Word doc. You’ll just get me emailing you back asking for the photos sent in the correct way! As many photos as possible. With our new website, it’s now easier than ever to include a nice gallery in each race report No PDFs please And remember, it doesn’t have to be about an AUTRA-listed event specifically! You just have to be an AUTRA member for the 2025 year. Also too, if you’ve run in a non-AUTRA listed event anywhere on home soil or internationally, we’d love to include your race results and experience in our Member Updates, so please do reach out to us via email to kate.dzienis@autra.asn.au If any corrections need to be made in any of the results listed below, please alert me via email.

Team Manager 2025 IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships

By Gary Mullins • September 8, 2025

Location : Bangkok, Thailand Dates : November 21 - 24 2025 Role Type : Volunteer Position Time Commitment : Pre event planning + Travel Application Deadline : 17th 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 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 at 5pm 17th 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