LIGHTHORSE ULTRA RUN FOR MILLUM’S RAF PILOT GRANDAD

Kate Dzienis • May 31, 2018

Contributed by Jen Millum
Jen raced at the Lighthorse 12hr Ultra on April 28 and won second overall & second female.

Shaun Kaesler’s reputation for directing unique, out-of-the-ordinary races was the main drawcard for me entering the Lighthorse 12hr Ultra last month in Perth. I had no idea how I’d cope or what the 2.5kms loops of the course would do to my mind, and so it intrigued me.

In the few days prior to race day, my grandad aged 95 took a turn for the worse. He was an RAF pilot in WWII and I decided that this race was for him. I dedicated my Lighthorse run to him. He was such an amazing, strong man loved by so many.

I had no real race plan except that I wanted to keep running for as long as I could (which I managed), and to keep Margie Hadley’s lapping of me down to under 5 laps (she lapped me 5x at Larkhill Ultra). The lapping plan clearly didn’t work though. Margie is an amazingultra-runner! She bounced passed me over and over and over again and every time she did, we laughed. She was so lovely about it and continued to encourage me to keep going.

I began my race with Rockstar and Shitbury, however a recent injury reared its ugly head at the 15kms mark and I never saw them again. They disappeared into the night together. Well, that was until I lapped them! It was hilarious. The aid station was packed and the boys were walking (hand-in-hand apparently). I felt like the entire world was screaming for me as I ‘chicked’ them!

You know, the ultra-running community is such an awesome one. Running in an area foreign to me, in the dark, with people I barely know, sometimes on my own, never did I feel scared; except when a tiger snake slithered across my path! I couldn’t have run away anyway, I was too bloody exhausted!

The Lighthorse 12hr Ultra is a mentally and physically tough race with race director Shaun pushing us runners to do ‘just one more…’ and believing that we can.

I loved the fact the aide station had so many people; there was even décor with a sofas and a piano. I loved the distraction and challenge of finding real horseshoes that had been scattered throughout the course, and the changing direction every three hours as well as the intense crowds. I actually loved all the crap Shaun gave me as I came through and mostly, I loved the comradery amongst the runners!

Pictured: Jen Millum racing at Lighthorse 12hr Ultra. Photograph – Shannon Dale.

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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