PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Kate Dzienis • April 26, 2018
Earlier in April, AURA held it’s AGM in Perth, with a good group of members participating electronically from the eastern states. I had the opportunity to highlight some of the Association’s achievements for 2017, these included:
- The Association comprised 475 members in December 2017, approximately a 20% increase on 2016.
- There were 58 events listed on AURA’s calendar of events.
- Australian teams participated in IAU World Championships, representing Australia proudly at both the Trail event held in Italy in June and the 24-hour event in Belfast Northern Ireland in July.
- A research study was undertaken of AURA members, race organisers, elite athletes and the wider Australian ultra running community on wide ranging matters that will assist the Association with determining future initiatives.
- Sub Committees were formed in October to develop strategy recommendations addressing:
- awareness and interest
- equity
- membership acquisition and membership value propositions
- assistance and support for event organisers
- funding
- elite performance
A comprehensive strategic blueprint for AURA will be finalised from these contributions during 2018.
- A review was conducted of AURA’s event listing process by Andy Hewat, Kerrie Bremner and Greg Robinson. Significant changes in processes were recommended and implemented. An event Safety Standard document is currently being developed and hoped to be implemented in 2018.
- After consultation with AURA members a decision was reached to move the UltraMag magazine from a hard copy printed publication to one available online. The savings in printing costs helped fund the appointment of a contracted marketing officer.
- Discussions were initiated with Athletics Australia to formalise a relationship. A memorandum of understanding is currently being developed and will be implemented in 2018.
- A new website was developed and implemented, providing more of a focus on news both from AURA and ultra running as a sport. Access to some content was restricted to financial members only. As well as this, an online results system integrated with DUV was made live.
Elections were held for office bearers of the Association, and AURA’s new committee for 2018 is:
President: Rob Donkersloot
Vice President: Alexis Oosterhoff
Secretary: Pam Muston
Treasurer: Ness Hartge
State representatives were also appointed:
Qld: Susannah Harvey-Jamieson
NSW: Luke Mulley and Lou Clifton
Vic: Nikki Wynd
SA: Chris Glacks
WA: David Kennedy
AURA would like to thank outgoing committee members Elizabeth Bennett and Jodie C Oborne for their terrific contribution to the committee and to AURA for the last year. A profile on Elizabeth Bennett has been included in this edition of UltraMag to showcase her significant contribution over many years to AURA and to ultra running. I thank Liz on behalf of all AURA members.
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
Applications for the IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships, Bangkok, Thailand, 22-23 November 2025, are now open. About the Event The IAU Asian & Oceania 100 km Championships bring together the region’s fastest road‑ultra athletes. The race is being held in Wachirabenchatat Park, Bangkok. Applications are now open for AUTRA Members wishing to be considered for selection to the Australian Team. Please refer to the documents below for full details: Application Form Selection Criteria GIS Applications close: 8:00 PM AEST, Thursday 31st July 2025 Team announcement: Tuesday 17th August 2025 For any questions regarding the event, the selection criteria, or application process, please email: gary.mullins@autra.asn.au Representing your country is an honour few get to experience. I wish every applicant the very best as we move toward selecting a team that embodies the spirit, strength, and unity of Australian ultra and trail running. Yours in running, Gary Mullins President, AUTRA
OFFICIAL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🇦🇺 Australia’s squad for the 2025 IAU 24‑Hour World Championships Albi, France 18‑19 October AUTRA is proud to celebrate the athletes who’ve been selected to represent Australia in the 24-hour World Championships. The 24-hour World Champs has a rich history in Australia. 57 runners selected since 1990. We know the above athletes will represent with pride, and inspire the next generation. Follow our socials over the next three months and follow the journey of the team.
The AUTRA Committee and members would like to congratulate all athletes selected for the 2025 World Trail & Mountain Running Championships. THE LINE‑UP Female Team: Lara Hamilton Jessica Ronan Emily Bartlett Emily Rogers Ruby Smith Patricia McKibbin Jess Jason Sarah-Jayne Miller Miah Noble Nicole Paton Kellie Angel Cecilia Mattas Hannah McRae Male Team: Fraser Darcy Iain Best Nathan Pearce Michael Kernahan Toby Lang Alec Franzke Tadhg Nolan Robert Shannon Billy Curtis Blake Turner Brodie Nankervis Vlad Ixel Ben Burgess Matthew Crehan Andrew Gaskell Thomas Dade. Congratulations to the coaches and team managers as well. The link to the full team and distances, can be found HERE . Thank you to Australian Athletics in believing and backing our Aussie trail talent. Their support gets the green and gold to the start line in Canfranc-Pirineos. 🙌🇦🇺 Follow our socials over the next 2 months to get to know the athletes. Let’s show the world what Aussie grit looks like. ✊🏽?
Join AUTRA as a State Representative! Are you passionate about ultra and trail running? Want to make a real impact in your state’s running community? We’re looking for dedicated State Representatives to: Promote trail & ultra running locally Engage in the running community and run clubs. Support race directors and represent AUTRA at races including, volunteering, and sharing event highlights Maintain strong communication, share news, spotlight race results and upcoming events, & grow membership benefits What you bring to the team: A passion for ultra/trail running and your local running scene Excellent communication and community engagement skills Current AUTRA membership and availability for bimonthly meetings and weekend events Why apply? It’s a chance to foster regional trail/ultra communities, elevate athlete experiences, and contribute to AUTRA’s national growth. Role Description: State Rep Role Description Applications close: 5pm, Monday 28th July Apply here: State Reps Application Form
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IN OTHER NEWS
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
Applications for the IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships, Bangkok, Thailand, 22-23 November 2025, are now open. About the Event The IAU Asian & Oceania 100 km Championships bring together the region’s fastest road‑ultra athletes. The race is being held in Wachirabenchatat Park, Bangkok. Applications are now open for AUTRA Members wishing to be considered for selection to the Australian Team. Please refer to the documents below for full details: Application Form Selection Criteria GIS Applications close: 8:00 PM AEST, Thursday 31st July 2025 Team announcement: Tuesday 17th August 2025 For any questions regarding the event, the selection criteria, or application process, please email: gary.mullins@autra.asn.au Representing your country is an honour few get to experience. I wish every applicant the very best as we move toward selecting a team that embodies the spirit, strength, and unity of Australian ultra and trail running. Yours in running, Gary Mullins President, AUTRA
OFFICIAL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🇦🇺 Australia’s squad for the 2025 IAU 24‑Hour World Championships Albi, France 18‑19 October AUTRA is proud to celebrate the athletes who’ve been selected to represent Australia in the 24-hour World Championships. The 24-hour World Champs has a rich history in Australia. 57 runners selected since 1990. We know the above athletes will represent with pride, and inspire the next generation. Follow our socials over the next three months and follow the journey of the team.
