HILL’S LEAD UP TO CROATIA

Kate Dzienis • August 23, 2018

THIS WEEK WE GOT TO CHAT WITH AUSTRALIAN 100K WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM MEMBER DARRYL HILL, WHO GAVE US AN UPDATE ON HOW HIS TRAINING HAS BEEN GOING IN THE LEAD UP TO CROATIA ON SEPTEMBER 8, AND HOW HE’S FEELING.

DARRYL HILL:

Overall the last couple of months training has gone wonderfully. Despite a lacklustre run at the Gold Coast Marathon, an event I focus on every year, I’ve been pleased with my lead up. I’ve managed some very long race pace runs. One which was during a team training camp in West Sydney held late July. This saw team captain Brendan Davies, fellow Gold Coaster Corrina Black, Gary Mullins, Larissa Tichon and myself replicate race conditions and nutrition running up to 70km around Penrith Lakes.

The following day I got another chance to chew the ear off Brendan with a 30km run on his local trails. It was great to meet some of the others on the team and Brendan answered all of my many questions, all while enjoying doing what we love. The weekend certainly made World Champs seem real. It was made more exciting by the fact that I knew I was in good form.

A week after that trip I achieved a major goal of mine. I ran sub 2hrs 30min (2:29.00) in the Brisbane Marathon, finishing second. This was a huge confidence booster and those longer training runs made all the difference.

Unfortunately, two days following my last big run, which was an 80km mission from Paradise Point (Qld) to Pottsville (NSW), I acquired an injury. I am seeking professional help, but so far have been unable to run for a week due to mystery pain in my lower left leg. I’m remaining positive though and am mentally ready to take the line in Croatia in just over 2 weeks!

Recently I generated a GoFundMe page which to my surprise has attracted so much generous support from friends, family and fellow runners. Additionally, a friend created a fundraising Naked 10k event, whereby you run to a predicted time without the use of a watch (hence ‘naked’), to be held at Main Beach this Friday.

I have been truly taken aback by the encouragement and kindness of others along the way. It really reinforces how lucky I am to have so many awesome people around me. And the running community is just the best!

I can’t wait to get off the island, and will be fortunate enough to have my girlfriend and parents there with me. I fly into Rome a week before the race, and am spending a few weeks post race seeing Europe.

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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