AUTRA News Report 18-03-2025

AUTRA News Report 18-03-2025

Kate Dzienis • March 18, 2025
  • Belair Marathon, SA
  • RunningWorks Lark Hill Party Ultra, WA
  • Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo, Vic
  • I'm Still Standing Sydney, NSW
  • Upcoming Events


WEEKLY NEWS REPORT FOR 18-03-2025

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.

Belair Marathon, SA

The Belair Marathon was held on Saturday, 1 March 2025 in Belair National Park, SA and kicked off the month of March with stunning surroundings, natural wildlife and epic running. On offer were 50km (65 finishers), Marathon (34 finishers), Half Marathon (91 finishers), 10km (54 finishers) and 5km (13 finishers) distances.

In the Women’s 50km, top spots were awarded to Yummi Ooi (5:29:37), Bridget Roder (6:02:47) and Rebecca Braganza (6:40:46). In the Men’s 50km, winners were Brodie Hudd (4:51:48), Ziggy King (5:11:27) and Jarrod Cooper (5:14:13).  

Congratulations to AUTRA members Rob Parsons (5:50:44) and Justin Halejko (9:42:59) who finished the 50km event, well done!

In the Women’s Marathon, podium finishes went to Samantha du Plessis (5:18:15), Kat-Arena Lean (5:18:54) and Lindsay Hewitt (5:44:10). Winners in the Men’s Marathon were named Patrick McNamara (3:46:04), Shaun Bennett (3:56:53) and Rory McComb (4:13:44).

Congratulations to AUTRA’s Dawn Parks who completed the marathon in 9:06:45.

Onto the Women’s Half, top spots went to Danni Vanderheul (1:48:38), Kate Staniford (2:07:54) and Brooke Montgomerie (2:08:54). In the Men’s Half, the winners were James Bond (1:42:34), Brett Kennedy (1:49:04) and Matt Gibson (1:53:12).

Winners in the Women’s 10km were Kathleen Zeidler (1:07:19), Kate Burns (1:10:29) and Ellie Collis (1:11:43), whilst podium finishers in the Men’s 10km were Simon Gray (1:00:00), Kosei Fujii (1:03:30) and Simon Cook (1:03:41).

In the Women’s 5km, winners were named Anna Pearce (22:12), Kim Wyett (29:18) and April Leverenz (29:18); winners in the Men’s 5km were Oliver Staniford (22:11), Justin Roberts (23:34) and Tim Langmaid (24:47).

The full list of results for the 2025 Belair Marathon can be found here.

Images: Hayden Archibald & Elizabeth Southwell

RunningWorks Lark Hill Party Ultra, WA

The RunningWorks Lark Hill Party Ultra was also held on Saturday, 1 March 2025 up at Lark Hill Sportsplex in Port Kennedy, WA where participants ran in a Mega Multi-Stage Rager (Stage 4) (5 finishers – 1F, 4M), 100km Blowout (6 finishers – 2F, 4M), 50km Wing Ding (18 finishers – 5F, 13M) , 25km Twilight (53 finishers – 27F, 26M), 8km Revelry (26 finishers – 15F, 11M), or 3km Kids Spree.

In the Women’s Mega Multi-Stage Rager, Kara Dougan took out the top gong having taken out Stage 4 in a time of 2:54:50.

For the Men’s Mega Multi-Stage Rager, the winners were Lee Fox (3:19:34), Mark Griffiths (3:43:40) and Pieter Verster (4:44:50).

AUTRA’s David Martin claimed 4th Male with a total time of 4:44:51, congratulations!

In the Women’s 100km Blowout, 1st and 2nd Female were won by Petra Jerejian (9:32:40) and Dionette Sakova (12:49:59).

In the Men’s 100km Blowout, the top spot was claimed by AUTRA’s very own Shaun Hall, who crossed the finish line in a great time of 9:19:12. Second and 3rd Male were won by Jordan Adams (11:30:37) and Levi Quinton (11:47:03) respectively.

In the Women’s 50km Wing Ding, podium finishes went to Sarah Paduano (4:58:06), Holly Taylor (5:33:07) and Cherle Pettit (5:49:11).

First Male in the Men’s 50km Wing Ding was Chris Balch (4:07:02), whilst AUTRA member Simon Bennett claimed 2nd Male with a total finish time of 4:13:30. Third Male was awarded to Michael Baluk (4:45:39).

Congratulations to member Jason Simpson who finished the 50km in a fantastic time of 8:03:25.

In the Women’s 25km Twilight race, top spots were awarded to Jodie Evans (2:16:35), Danielle Halliday (2:19:03) and Katharine Clark (2:31:39).

In the Men’s 25km Twilight, podium finishes went to Mitchell Clarke (1:39:30), Pearce Brezmen (1:51:21) and Milan Kucera (1:52:34).

Onto the Women’s 8km Revelry, winners were named Regan Ebony (36:14), Cindy McConnochie (41:22) and Bron Larner (43:39).

In the Men’s 8km Revelry, top spots were claimed by Radek Dzitkowski (31:06), Matt Ullbricht (32:52) and John Foley (34:32).

To see the full list of results from the RunningWorks Lark Hill Party Ultra, click here.

Images: Jeff Gotcha Running Perth

Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo, Vic

The Backyard Ultra Trial Series – Bendigo, hosted by North-Vic Backyard Ultras, was held on Sunday, 2 March 2025 in Shepparton, Vic.

Twenty-nine participants raced in the backyarder, with 26 completing 54.760km and 3 finishing 47.040km.

Well done AUTRA member Kevin Miller who raced in the North-Vic Backyard Ultra and completed a total of 53.760km.

Image: North-Vic Backyard Ultras

I’m Still Standing Sydney (Last One Standing), NSW

The I’m Still Standing Sydney Last One Standing backyarder was held on Saturday, 15 March in Heffron Park, Maroubra, NSW along a 6.71km loop course on a mix of grass and path with minimal elevation.

We are awaiting results from the event, and will post those as soon as they become available.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Choo Choo Run by David Martin

August 29, 2025
David Martin heads out with Kevin Matthews on WA's unofficial Choo Choo Run.

COACH'S CORNER - Get The Most From Your Aid Stations by Glen Smetherham

By Kate Dzienis • August 29, 2025
Learn how you can get the most out of your aid stations when competing in an ultra.

From The President (AUGUST 2025)

By Gary Mullins • August 29, 2025
Gary Mullins gives an update to members for the month of August 2025.

AUTRA News Report 26-08-2025

By Kate Dzienis • August 26, 2025
Weekly Report for Transcend Ultra, K2PD, Russell Falls Trail Run and Run The River Half.
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IN OTHER NEWS

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

Choo Choo Run by David Martin

August 29, 2025
David Martin heads out with Kevin Matthews on WA's unofficial Choo Choo Run.

COACH'S CORNER - Get The Most From Your Aid Stations by Glen Smetherham

By Kate Dzienis • August 29, 2025
Learn how you can get the most out of your aid stations when competing in an ultra.
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