PRESIDENT’S END OF YEAR LETTER

Kate Dzienis • December 28, 2020

A big thanks to all our members and volunteers who have made AURA a supportive and rewarding community.

Reading through the weekly news reports and monthly Ultramag for 2020, highlights just how much members squeezed into this uncertain year. Personally, I managed zero ultras as my planned races didn’t eventuate. It was great to live through members’ race reports and see the positive effect running makes in our lives.

It has been challenging a year with races rescheduled, cancelled and the uncertainty of restrictions around the corner. Race directors adapted their races to put on safe events and the second half of the year sure was a busy one. I feel for all the race directors who put so much work into their events which were then unable to be held, sometimes being cancelled days before the race date. The amount of work that goes into the planning and running of an event was multiplied as they were postponed, sometimes multiple times.

Only 1 of our National Championships was held as other races were cancelled or border locked. We are hoping next year Championships face a bit more luck and can be held with strong fields.

A highlight of the year was the virtual “IAU 6 Hour Global Solidarity Run” that 18 members participated in. At first, I was unsure as to the benefit of another virtual run but it became a great way to highlight members’ stories and the unique way they approached the event. Being an IAU event meant we got to connect with other countries and hear about the way they were coping with the pandemic.

It was also great to see a lot of AURA shirts worn in events as runners got behind the Australian ultra running theme. We have just had a refresh of our stock so hope to see even more next year.

Our 2021 membership has opened and it is great to see so many people jumping on board early. One of the committee’s goals is to increase member numbers so we simplified the structure and dropped the price to a flat $49. There is a lot of value to be had with race discounts, member benefits and the community around AURA.

Still to be announced are the event calendar, Australian Championships, members points comp, webinar schedule and annual awards.

Lastly, I would like to offer a huge thanks to all our volunteers and committee who’s hard work and large time commitment keep AURA being a rewarding part of the Australian ultrarunning scene.

Stay safe and here’s to big 2021.

Cheers
Ewan Horsburgh
AURA President

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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