President's Report (JUNE 2026)

John Claridge • June 29, 2026

APRIL 2026

AUTRA members,

As we move through another exciting period for Australian ultra and trail running, I am pleased to reflect on some outstanding achievements and look ahead to important milestones for our sport.

The highlight of the past month has undoubtedly been the success of our Australian World 24-Hour Championship team. Representing Australia on the world stage requires extraordinary commitment, resilience, and professionalism, and our athletes delivered performances that made the entire ultra-running community proud. Beyond the individual achievements and personal bests, the team demonstrated exceptional camaraderie and sportsmanship throughout the event. On behalf of the Association, I extend my sincere congratulations to every athlete, coach, and support crew member who contributed to this successful campaign. Their dedication continues to elevate Australia's standing within the global ultra-running community.

The performance of the team also highlights the strength of our domestic ultra-running pathway. From grassroots events through to national team selection, we continue to see athletes progressing and achieving success at the highest levels of competition. This is a testament to the collective efforts of race directors, volunteers, coaches, clubs, and supporters across the country.

Looking ahead, excitement is building as we prepare for the announcement of the Australian team for the upcoming Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships. Selection for national representation is always highly competitive, reflecting the depth of talent currently emerging within Australian trail running. We are fortunate to have so many athletes consistently producing world-class performances across a diverse range of trail disciplines.

The Asia Pacific Championships provide an important opportunity to showcase Australian talent against some of the strongest trail-running nations in our region. We look forward to formally announcing the selected athletes and supporting them as they begin their preparations for this prestigious event.

I would also like to acknowledge the continued efforts of our volunteers, officials, event organisers, and committee members. The growth and success of our sport rely heavily on your passion and commitment, and your contributions are deeply appreciated.

Thank you to all members for your ongoing support of the Association. Together, we continue to strengthen the future of ultra and trail running in Australia while creating opportunities for athletes at every level of participation.

I look forward to sharing further updates in the coming month and celebrating the achievements of our national team representatives as they continue to inspire the wider running community.