GET TO KNOW YOUR 24HR ASIA & OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM – TIA JONES

Kate Dzienis • November 27, 2018

IF THERE’S ONE PERSON WHO KNOWS HOW TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES, IT’S TIA JONES FROM SPRINGFIELD LAKES, QUEENSLAND.

Recognise the name? You’re not wrong there.

Jones was also part of the 100k World Team that ran in Croatia this past September, and in 2017 was named Australian Female Ultra Runner of the Year. At age 52, she has accomplished some amazing things, including running the 10th best distance in the world for a 12hr (128.689kms/Aust W50 record) set at the Canberra 12hr in March and taking the Australian W50 record at the 24hr race in Adelaide that same year.

Jones’ 100k World Team bio can be found here, but in the meantime, she just keeps racking up the distances. Her experience includes running Comrades seven times and focusing on timed track races, admitting she truly enjoys the 24/12/6hr format of racing.

Her qualifying race to get on the Australian team for the 24hr Asia & Oceania Championships was her very first 24-hour event – the Canberra 24hr in 2017, where she managed a whopping 210kms.

She reveals her fascination with the distance is all about how the body reacts when it’s pushed to its limits.

“It’s all about the challenge of pushing yourself mentally and physically,” she says.

“The mental side of long distance running is so important, and it’s amazing what you can achieve if you can get your mental focus right on the day.

“The body will do what your mind tells it to do, regardless of how tired you are.

“It’s always a great honour and privilege to represent your country, so I was delighted when I heard that I had qualified for the team.”

One of the things that attracts Jones to the sport, though, is how inclusive ultra running, or running in general, is.

“Running is a wonderful sport, and is for everyone,” she explains.

“It’s a way to get fit, make new friends, see the world and to challenge yourself.

“There’s no limit to what you can do; try new races and distances, the satisfaction and self-confidence you’ll gain will set you up to take on any challenges that life throws at you along the way.”

Pictured: Tia Jones racing in the 2018 Ned Kelly Chase. Photograph – Ned Kelly Chase website/Facebook.

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2026 AGM Notice (15 April 2026)

By Dave Martin • March 14, 2026

AUTRA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 15 April 2026

AUTRA statement regarding Snowies Trail Run Festival

March 12, 2026

AUTRA has been in direct contact with the organisers of the Snowies Trail Run Festival, In2Adventure, regarding a recent situation involving an athlete and the event’s in‑person safety briefing requirements. In2Adventure has confirmed that the situation was discussed directly with the athlete at the time. From In2Adventure’s account, and for the purpose of clarifying the public record, AUTRA notes the following points: At no stage was the athlete prevented from breastfeeding at the event. The organiser states that the following options were offered to enable the athlete to participate while still meeting safety requirements: a quiet and private space where she could breastfeed while still being present at the briefing; the option to receive the required briefing at the 30 km start line after the start; and the option to change her registration to the 21 km event, where the briefing is conducted on the start line. At no stage prior to event registration on Saturday night did the athlete contact the organiser to advise of her situation or request alternative arrangements, which limited what could be put in place at the time. Face‑to‑face safety briefings have always been a requirement for In2Adventure events due to the remote and higher‑risk nature of the trails. AUTRA was aware that in‑person briefings were used and had not raised concerns about that general approach. The organiser has indicated that this requirement is driven by safety, duty‑of‑care and insurance obligations, and follows previous experience where remote or online briefings resulted in athletes starting events without critical safety information. The organiser maintains that the event was not conducted in a manner that was intended to be non‑inclusive, inflexible or discriminatory, and that decisions made on the day were based solely on safety requirements that apply equally to all participants. AUTRA’s aim in issuing this statement is solely to clarify the context and ensure that the public record reflects the information provided to us by the organiser.