Copy of WEEKLY NEWS REPORT 20/6/2019

Kate Dzienis • June 10, 2019

IAU/ITRA Trail World Championships, Portugal
Cleland 50 (National Short Course Trail Championships), SA
Gold Coast 100, Qld

Saturday our team of determined Aussies raced in the IAU/ITRA Trail World Championships held in the stunning Mirandha de Corvo, Portugal, and what an eventful day it was!

In the women’s division there were 159 finishers with French runner Blandine Lhirondel claiming the title of 1st Female when she crossed the finish line in 4:06:17.

Aussie Stephanie Austin from Merimbula, NSW took an amazing 19th Female with a time of 4:33:58, and she certainly has something to celebrate as her result was the best by an Australian woman in world trails history!

Jodie Earl from Bullaburra, NSW held on to 77th Female with 5:15:12.

Sydney’s Sarah Ludowici took 104th Female (5:29:41), Jessica Collins from Margate, Tas claimed 137th (5:56:47) and Lauren Rooke from Coromandel Valley, SA stood tall with 142nd (6:12:14).

With 204 finishers in the male division, our very own Ryan Lowe from Macmasters Beach, NSW claimed 105th with his time of 4:25:19.

The male winner was Jonathan Albon from Great Britain who ran the distance in 3:35:34.

Cleland 50 (National Short Course Trail Championships)

The Cleland 50, held on Sunday in SA, also doubled as AURA’s National Short Course Trail Championships.

The 50km route covered three different loops, heading to Mt Lofty and down to Waterfall Gully Road, and is considered a tough race.

Despite having injury issues in the lead up, AURA’s John Csongei from Aberfoyle Park, SA went in with a number of goals in mind, including hope of a podium finish.

He secured 1st Male (Overall) in the race, as well as 1st Male in the National Championships listing, completing the course in 4:53:38 and said on his socials he was not expecting a win.

“Lacking the fitness to finesse my way through the course how I would have liked, I had some friendly company as I was caught up by other competitors at various points,” he said.

“But hey, the size of the engine is only one part of the equation, and it makes for an exciting race.”

AURA member Graham Tottey from Adelaide, SA secured 2nd Male in the National Championships listing, finishing the race in 6:32:05.

For the women, it was Hannah McRae from NSW who took 1st Female in the National Championships, only 1 minute 20 seconds off Csongei’s time. It was a double celebration for the ultra runner though, as she claimed 1st Female out of all participants and 2nd Overall – a spectacular effort on such an arduous course and a course best by an estimated 27 minutes!

Her time saw her finish the race in 4:54:57.

Continuing with placings in the women’s National Championships through the Cleland 50, Ina Schapiro claimed 2nd Female with 5:27:11, Vicky Rounding took 3rd Female in 7:02:58 and Glenda Banaghan held on to fourth (7:03:41) while Vicki Shaw claimed fifth (8:07:37).

Congratulations to AURA finishers with Japanese citizenships Kazu Kuwata (5:39:53) and Atsushi Ogai (6:26:47).

Gold Coast 50/100

On to the Gold Coast 50/100 held on Sunday, and what fantastic results from AURA members at the race. Marita Eisler from Woody Point, Qld secured 1st Female as well as top finisher overall with her incredible time of 8:26:11 in the 100km. Right behind her was Corrina Black from Mermaid Beach, Qld who took 2nd Female and 2nd Overall with her event finishing in 9:03:20.

Malcolm Gamble from Mordialloc, Vic claimed victory for the men taking 1st Male/3rd Overall in 9:09:32 whilst Mick Francis, travelling from WA, held on to 2nd Male and crossed the finish line in 9:23:54.

Congratulations also go to Pam Muston (10:59:21) who ran the 100km, and John Nuttall who finished the 50km race in 4:54:50.

The next two events on the AURA calendar will both be held on June 15, including the Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Track Race (24hr, 12hr and 6hr) in Campbelltown, NSW and the last man standing format event Mirrim Wurnit Back Paddock Ultra in Romsey, Vic.

Pictured: The Australian team at the IAU/ITRA Trail World Championships in Mirandha de Corvo, Portugal. Photograph – Gary Mullins.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.

Team Manager 2025 IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships

By Gary Mullins • August 29, 2025

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