AUTRA Committee 2025

voted in by the members in may 2025, the newly elected autra committee brings together a passionate crew of trail advocates, race veterans and community builders. get to know the team guiding autra into its next chapter - supporting runners, shaping the sport, and championing the runs we love.

With over two decades immersed in the world of endurance sport, Gary Mullins brings a rare blend of experience, vision, and authenticity to his role as President of AUTRA. From racing and coaching to directing events and building grassroots communities, he’s lived every side of the sport.

He proudly represented Australia, built high performance environments, and guided athletes to world championships across ultra, trail, and road disciplines. But for Gary, leadership isn’t about being in front. it’s about serving others. It starts with listening, and is driven by clarity, humility, and purpose.

As President, Gary is focused on strengthening the fabric of the sport at every level, from the first time trail runner to world class athletes, from race directors to coaches and volunteers. His vision is to create experiences, opportunity, and forward momentum across the ultra and trail running landscape of Australia.

And above all, it’s about giving back to the community, to the trails, and to the people who make this sport what it is.

"This isn’t about titles or egos, it’s about the people who show up, give their best, and help shape something bigger than themselves."

Geoff Russell
Vice President

Based in Brisbane, Queensland I have been passionate about trail running for nearly 15 years, with a longer history in athletics that began in sprinting during my youth. Since transitioning to trail running, I’ve competed in a variety of races across Australia and internationally, up to the 100km distance. While I now focus on sub-ultra events, over the last five years my energy has increasingly shifted toward the administrative side of the sport. 

I currently serve as President of the Trail Running Association of Queensland (TRAQ), having previously held roles as Vice President and General Committee Member. During my time with TRAQ, I have led or contributed to a number of key initiatives and milestones, including the push for inclusion of trail running in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, athlete development (Team TRAQ), environmental sustainability in trail running, co-ordinated Qld's first ever Trail Running Festival and numerous races and have advocated for D&I in trail running.

Over the past six months, I’ve also had the privilege of serving on AUTRA’s Trail Running Subcommittee, where we’ve been working on a draft National Championship proposal and Youth Guidelines. This experience has deepened my understanding of AUTRA’s operations and further solidified my commitment to its national mission. 

As part of the newly elected AUTRA committee, I intend to continue my efforts in Queensland while supporting AUTRA’s evolution into a truly national model, with UTR Associations established in every state. Under a state-based membership model, state associations would provide grassroots engagement and funding, while AUTRA would receive support from both state contributions and top-down funding from Athletics Australia.

My current work with Team TRAQ has shown me the importance of supporting our elite athletes. I believe it’s time to develop pathways and funding opportunities to professionalise trail and ultra running in Australia—especially with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon. This support should extend to athletes representing Australia at World Championships in ultradistance and trail running. Equally, I am committed to advocating for the everyday recreational runner. Their participation, passion, and support are foundational to our community, and their contributions must be recognised and valued through inclusive membership offerings and meaningful engagement. 

I'm excited to be part of the new committee, and as custodians of our great sports, I can't wait to meet our members, and also non-members to listen to their ideas and feedback, and look to implement our vision for the future and to further grow our sports.

Dan Symonds
Secretary

Since 2014, Dan Symonds has proudly contributed to AUTRA in various roles — as a State Representative, International Athlete, Merchandise Coordinator, IAU Label Officer, and now Secretary.

This journey reflects Dan’s deep passion for ultra running in Australia. Having witnessed AUTRA’s growth and evolution over the years, he is eager to bring his unique perspective and commitment to help shape its future.

Benjamin Anchor
Treasurer

Ben is honoured to have been elected as Treasurer of the Australian Ultra and Trail Runners Association following his tenure as South Australia’s State Representative. 

Since taking up running in 2019, encouraged by friends, he has completed 26 marathons and 10 ultramarathons, including three 6-day events.

Ben’s initial involvement as State Rep was driven by a desire to give back to the sport he loves and to support the race directors who have supported him. Now, as Treasurer, he is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive running community across Australia.

Ben is very much looking forward to connecting with runners of all levels and reminding everyone that the organisation isn’t just for the frontrunners, but for everyone who loves running.

David Martin
Governance Officer

David Martin is a fresh face in both the ultra and AUTRA scenes, having spent over a decade competing in road half marathons and half ironman’s before discovering his passion for trail running in 2024. That same year, he completed his first event, the Feral Pig Ultra, and quickly embraced the sport’s unique challenges and rewards.

With a professional background in finance and technology, David has worked across public health, finance, and media organisations. He credits ultra running with helping him maintain mental and physical balance, as well as deepening his appreciation for the natural world and sharing it with his family.

Since taking up ultras, David has completed the Feral Pig (50km), 6 Inch (47km), Yaberoo (50km), Lark Hill Ultra (50 miles), and Delirious West (100 miles). He aims to finish two more ‘Milers’ this calendar year and plans to return to Delirious West in 2026 for the formidable 200 Miler. When not competing, David is often found volunteering at events, helping others experience the camaraderie and challenge of this remarkable sport.

“For me, it’s about discovering my limits and pushing past them. I hope to use my time at AUTRA to raise the visibility of trail and ultra running, and to show people just how amazing this sport and community can be.”

Lisa Sherman
Director of Events

A nutritionist, recreational running coach, ultrarunner and race director, Lisa combines her passions for running and eating well and is driven by what the human body and mind is capable of. Having run ultras for many years, including two Coast to Kosci finishes, Lisa loves the diversity and growth in trail and ultra running across Australia.