MILLUM CONQUERS GRUELLING FERAL PIG

Kate Dzienis • December 12, 2018

Contributed by Jen Millum, 1st Female at Feral Pig Ultra (WA), 100 Mile

As I think back to the November 3 Feral Pig Ultra race (100 Miler), a sneaky tear pops out of my eye, because I’m hugely emotional and still physically drained even after almost one month.

The morning started with me losing my bib and race director Shaun Kaesler telling me to get off the bus and go find it!
Once all was organised and I’d found my bib, we kicked off the race at midnight, but it wasn’t long before I took a wrong turn at the 1km mark. It didn’t get any better either, as Perth’s weather decided to kick it up a notch and freak me out with thunder, lightning and pelting rain around the 20km mark.

It wasn’t until after sunrise that the race really began for me – yes, the race between myself and the bloody awesome ultra runner Beck Hefferon.

Coming into Brookton Highway she was hot on my tail and that’s how it was until the very end.

My pacers Chris and Jason kept me going, and they were just brilliant, keeping me positive and just staying with me.

I have to say, the sun and heat during the day was relentless.

I heard it got to about 35 degrees.

I remember at one point a volunteer at an aid station poured four buckets of icy water on my head, and Chris telling me that we couldn’t let Pam Mac (a friend running the 50km, which started later in the day) catch up to us.

Beck was somewhere behind me, always in the back of my mind, and it gave me the motivation to bloody climb up another ridiculous hill. I cried big tears as I ran into the Discovery Centre aid station (which doubled as the finish line following the last leg, which was an out-and-back) and asked myself, how was I going to do the last 36km?

Friends Mick, Val, Cheryle, Cyn, Michael and Jason were there, calming voices with gentle, firm hands on my chest. They re-filled my pack, which was just enough motivation for me to head back out and finish the last leg.
I was spent though! I had nothing left, nothing.

Pacer Jason and I got to the turnaround point at Jorgensen aid station, but it wasn’t there! I was so mad, so mad. Calling out with nobody answering, calling Shaun by which he just kept saying ‘go to the marquee’ but, eventually, we came across it.

Val and Mick told us Beck was just six minutes behind, and at that point I don’t know what happened but determination kicked up 50 notches and it was full steam ahead.

Jason and I just powered, soared, and grunted and I remember 700m from the end I tripped, but magically a hand grabbed my shirt and for a second I hovered horizontally to the ground.
I couldn’t believe it!

First female in 24hrs 31mins and a buckle.

What a tough race, and one I’ll truly never forget.

Pictured: Jen Millum racing head first into the WA Feral Pig Ultra 100 Miler on November 3. 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