From The President (JUNE 2025)

It’s an incredible honour to step into this role, serving a community that has shaped me just as much as I've contributed to it. I’ve participated in this sport, represented it, served as a race director, team manager, volunteer, coach, and held various roles within AUTRA.

Now, as President, my purpose is simple: to support and elevate every person who makes this sport what it is.

Ultra and trail running in Australia is more than just movement across terrain. It’s a heartbeat built on resilience, community, courage, and the kind of camaraderie you can’t fake. It’s raw. It’s real. And right now, it’s at a turning point.

Taking on this role for me isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about doing things differently. More connection. More energy. More joy. We’re not just here to maintain a sport, we’re here to shape a new era.

I’m incredibly excited about the team we’ve assembled on the committee. Geoff, Lisa, Dan, Ben, and David. They’re passionate, capable, and driven. We’ve hit the ground running, already holding two committee meetings in just our first four weeks. And together, we’ve begun shaping The Playbook, our roadmap for the future of AUTRA, which we look forward to sharing with you in October.

There’s no denying the challenges ahead, but they’re the kind worth facing. With the right mindset and a team first attitude, we’re ready.

To the first timers, those lining up nervously for their debut ultra or first trail race, you are the soul of this sport. Among you are the future leaders, race directors, the future Green and Gold representatives, the ones who will inspire others just by showing up and giving it a go.

To everyone involved in this sport, it is your sport, your journey, your time. Let’s take it further than we ever thought possible, together.

Let’s make it count.

Gary Mullins

President, AUTRA