expansion of aura to include trail running

April 20, 2024

ultra & trail running, together as one

For the past year AURA has been in discussion with the trail associations in Australia to look at forming one large federation that recognises both ultra and trail as one. In November 2023 we held a conference to further investigate the possibility of bringing the trail community into our association and what the benefits would be for AURA and its members. What ensued was an overwhelming realisation that this move needs to happen to ensure the longevity of AURA. We saw only positives, and forged ahead with a plan to take AURA into the next decade and beyond as a strong and productive association, whilst still preserving its purpose and rich history which is of the utmost importance to us.

For years AURA has listed many, many trail races so by joining forces with the trail associations we continue to operate as AURA always has, but we will formally recognise that trail running is also part of ultra running, and ultra running is part of trail running – we want to work together as one.

Working together means AURA can have bigger stakeholder engagement as a larger group with more members, and then ALL members will reap the benefits from being a larger and continually growing organisation.

This move is fully supported by Athletics Australia, ITRA and the IAU.

The legacy that AURA has built over the past four decades will not change – AURA will not change – it will just be better and stronger. We will be able to provide more support to athletes, more opportunities for the running communities and events, and the potential for a much larger voice both nationally and internationally.

We have gone down this path due to the huge growth of trail running so that AURA does not get left behind. Having an already big involvement in trail running, we see that it is only a matter of time before a national trail body is formed and if we don’t do it, it’s only a matter of time before someone does. If it was to be another association it would have the capacity to severely impact the ongoing relevance of AURA. This is a critical time in the sport and we want to see AURA survive and thrive, not suffer and shrink to its bare bones which we discovered over this past year is a possibility if we don’t act.

Therefore we need your support as members as we push to go ahead with these small but important constitutional changes that will be presented at the next AGM on 28 May.

These changes are:

Name change from AURA to AUTRA (Australian Ultra and Trail Runners Association)
Purpose amendment – to include
Recognition of ultra and trail running by the highest level of athletics in Australia.
Representation of both ultra and trail running cohesively and on behalf of these running communities.
Respect for the unique histories and culture of both ultra and trail running.
To include the word ‘trail’ alongside ‘ultra’ throughout
A Trail Sub-Committee will be added to the current AURA organisation structure consisting of 5 members and sit below the executive committee. Positions will be filled by member vote at the AGM.

So as we move towards our next Annual General Meeting we urge all members to consider this and please vote yes so that we can help AURA continue to grow and further support the sport of ultra and trail running in Australia for many years to come.

Why should we have an Australian Ultra and Trail Running Association?

The expansion of AURA to include trail running, at any distance, recognises and acknowledges support for discipline crossover and the opportunity for athlete opportunities in different disciplines.
AURA has built a strong legacy. A unified and national representative body for ultra and trail running provides a consistent voice and strengthens the foundation AURA has built.
Together ultra and trail achieve greater stakeholder engagement as a larger group and existing AURA members will reap the benefits that come from a united and growing organisation.
Ultra and trail as one organisation expands the base of support already built by AURA and improves Athlete funding potential. Together the opportunities for Government support for our sport are strengthened.
Together as one, ultra and trail will have greater national recognition across the running community focusing on Australian, grass roots events which already significantly overlap in terms of communities, events and terrain.
The formation of a unified ultra and trail organisation in Australia
has the support of Athletics Australia, World Athletics, the International Association of Ultrarunners and International Trail Running Association.

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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