From The President (AUGUST 2025)
Gary Mullins • August 29, 2025
AUGUSt 2025
aussies in chamonix
164 Australians will stand on the start lines in Chamonix this year, proof that our trail spirit is going global
Every August, the trail world heads to Chamonix, France for UTMB. It’s the biggest week in our sport, a festival of mountains, endurance, and community. And this year, Australians weren’t just part of it, we turned up in record numbers.
Across all the events, UTMB, CCC, OCC, TDS, PTL, MCC, YCC, and ETC, 164 Australians stood on the start lines. That’s a phenomenal presence. It shows just how far our trail and ultra community has grown, and how deeply the UTMB dream runs through our sport here at home.
What made it so special was the mix. It wasn’t only elites up front, it was everyday runners too. First-timers, veterans, and everyone in between. Some chased podiums, others chased cut-offs, but all of them shared the same experience of pushing their limits in the shadow of Mont Blanc.
That’s the heart of Australian trail running. We might not have the Alps, but we have our own rugged landscapes, our own brutal summers and wet winters, and a community that makes these journeys possible. Crews, volunteers, race directors, and coaches all play their part, and when an Aussie lines up in Chamonix, they carry that entire community with them.
164 Australians stood on the start lines in Chamonix, proof that our trail spirit has gone global.
A big thanks to the team at RunDais for pulling together the entry lists and showing just how many Aussies took part in UTMB 2025.
Congratulations to everyone who wore the green and gold, carried the Southern Cross, or simply ran with the spirit of Australia in their stride. You’ve inspired us back home and reminded the world that Aussies belong on the biggest stage in trail running.
Gary Mullins
President, AUTRA
David Martin heads out with Kevin Matthews on WA's unofficial Choo Choo Run.
Learn how you can get the most out of your aid stations when competing in an ultra.
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
Weekly Report for Transcend Ultra, K2PD, Russell Falls Trail Run and Run The River Half.
We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 IAU 50km World Championships, to be held in New Delhi on Sunday, December 7th, 2025 . In a major step forward, AUTRA has introduced marathon qualifying times as part of the pathway to selection. This allows more of Australia’s top marathoners to make the jump to the ultra stage. Qualifying Standards: 50k Women: A <3.30, B <3.40, C<3.50 Men: A <3.00, B<3.05, C<3.10 Marathon Men: Sub 2:30 Women: Sub 2:55 By including marathon times, AUTRA is opening the door to a wider pool of quality athletes while raising the standard of competition. Whether you are an established 50km specialist or a marathoner ready to test yourself over the ultra distance, this is your opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage. Applications are officially open and will close on Sunday, 31st August 8 pm . We encourage all eligible athletes to submit their intent to compete. Apply Here SelectionGuidelines GeneralInformation Sheet Together, let’s field the strongest possible Australian team for New Delhi 2025. Gary Mullins
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David Martin heads out with Kevin Matthews on WA's unofficial Choo Choo Run.
Learn how you can get the most out of your aid stations when competing in an ultra.
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
