KRUSE PBS AT MÜNSTER MARATHON

Kate Dzienis • September 27, 2019

Contributed by Nicole Kruse, AURA member

Münster Marathon, Germany
42.2km, 8 September 2019

On September 8 (Sunday), I started in the marathon in my hometown Münster, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It’s now part of my yearly visit to the country.

It was the second time I entered this event which consists of a full marathon, a four-runner relay and a 1.5km kids marathon.

I got up on race day to get ready for the run not sure what time to aim for as training was a bit hit and miss but I definitely wanted to better my time from the previous year (4:57:31).

Once I got to the start it was full of runners and excitement with music playing and cheerleaders to entertain the participants and spectators while everyone waited for the start gun to go off at 9am.

In total there were about 8500 runners with around 2200 runners doing the marathon and an expected 100,000 spectators.

We set off running to a famous German song called ‘Tage Wie Diese’ (Days Like These) and I was feeling a bit emotional walking to the start line. I waved one more time to my parents and off we went!

First we looped about 10km through the city centre with lots of spectators supporting us on the way before heading out into the countryside but even in the more remote areas were spectators cheering on the runners, with lots of people putting up table and chairs with drinks and nibbles and making a little event out of it. Names on the race bibs ensured strangers calling your name and cheering you on no matter if you were in the front or back of the pack.

We ran through several villages and in every village there was a stage with a band and someone announcing the runners over a microphone.

The whole course was lined with bands and performers, singing, drumming and dancing.

All went well for me but at the 10km mark I felt I was going too fast so I slowed to ensure I’d be able to finish the run.

I passed the half marathon mark in 2h 7mins and was still in reasonable shape.

As the relay runners changed every 10km there was always someone passing you on fresh legs to keep you going.

I also enjoyed the little signs which were at most kilometre markers. I can’t remember them all but some said ‘If marathon running were easy everyone would do it.’. At the 23km marker one said said ‘No point turning back now’ and I think it was at the 39km mark where another read ‘Your legs carried you so far they will get you to the finish too.’

At around 40km we entered again the city centre where the streets were lined with lots of people which made me feel a bit like a celebrity. After one final turn the finish stretch appeared and it was very special to run down the red carpet towards the finish line in front of all the spectators who competed with the music to see who was the loudest.

After getting my medal and having a refreshing non-alcoholic beer, I was very pleased to find out that I bettered last year’s time by over 20 minutes to finish in 4:35:13.

Pictured: AURA member Nicole Kruse at the 2019 Münster Marathon. Photograph – Supplied.

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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