GET TO KNOW YOUR 100K WORLD TEAM – TIA JONES

Kate Dzienis • July 26, 2018

It’s little wonder that Tia Jones, who was named the 2017 Australian Female Ultra Runner of the Year, is on the 100k World Team heading to Croatia this September. Her stats include running the 10th best distance in the world for a 12hr (128.689kms/Aust W50 record) set at Canberra 12 Hour in March 2017* as well as the Australian W50 record of 200kms of 22:26:21 at the 24-hour race in Adelaide on July 9 that same year.

But would you believe that the now 52-year-old, who was born in South Africa, only started getting back into sports after having her first child?

“I used to play hockey and squash when I was at school, and later did a bit of volleyball,” she recalls.

“When I was in my late teens, I stopped all forms of exercise and only started up again after having my first daughter.

“I started with race walking, which I did for a few years, and then decided I would have a go at running the Comrades Marathon in 1999; I had no idea of what I was doing, or how to train correctly, and so ended up with severe ITB.

“I managed to run Comrades that year, but it was a struggle from beginning to end.

“At the end of 1999, we left South Africa and began our many years of expatriate travel to Qatar, Jakarta, Slovakia, and then Perth in 2009.

“I had stopped running from 1999, but when I arrived in Perth, I decided to start again from scratch.”

Jones moved to Brisbane in 2012, and then in 2014 her husband Bryan was transferred to Dubai, which is where she is currently living – until September of this year, when she will be returning to Brisbane.

Jones’ qualifying race to be a part of the World Team was the Canberra 12 hour in 2017.

“I was hoping to run a good 100km, and then run out the balance of time to get a decent total at the end,” she says.

“But the weather was hot, as it was again this year, and I managed the 100km in 8:57:42, which is not my best time.

“I applied for the team in the hopes that my past performances at last year’s Comrades (7:56:57) and Barcelona 6hr (74.671kms) would be taken into consideration by the selectors, and was surprised and delighted when they did select me for the team.”

Being one of the oldest women on the team, Jones encourages others to do the best they can.

“Don’t let age hold you back,” she explains.

“If you work hard and train sensibly, there are no limitations to what you can achieve.

“I am very proud to be representing Australia, and will do all I can to be well and truly prepared for the World Championships in September.

“We have a wonderful team of fantastic runners, and I know that we will make Australia proud.”

Pictured: Tia Jones at the Canberra 48hr in her 12hr race. Photograph – Supplied.

* Jones has since bettered her 12-hour record in Canberra this year, yet to be ratified but can be found here.

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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