President’s Report for December 2017

So, the last UltraMag of the year lets me reflect back on 2017 and AURA, as well as the incredible performances by our members.

With a new committee of Elizabeth Bennett, Jodie Oborne, Alexis Oosterhoff and myself being elected at the 2017 AGM in April, we had some clear initiatives and objectives we wanted to put in place, and I am happy to report we have gone a long way to achieving significant progress on most if not all of those.

These included:

– The commencement of the development of safety standards for AURA-listed ultra events.
– New race listing application processes.
– Development of a strategic plan for AURA, sub committees have been formed and a draft is expected to be released before the 2018 AGM.
– Discussions initiated with Athletics Australia regarding a formal relationship that will assist us in complying with matters such as drugs in sport.
– UltraMag has gone to an online publication, and a part time Marketing Officer was appointed to assist with its publication, as well as champion the promotion of the Association and our sport.

As well as the above, there was obviously ‘business as usual’ with successful Australian Championship events held in Queensland (Blackall and Gold Coast 100), South Australia (Yurrebilla), Western Australia (Bunbury 24 Hour) and the ACT (CBR 48 and Australian Running Festival 50km). Thank you to our race directors for putting on terrific events, and the runners who competed.

On the international stage we sent teams to compete at both the World Trail Championships in Italy in June as well as the World 24 Hour Championships in Belfast in July.

Congratulations to the athletes that took part and represented our country proudly.

To all our members, I trust you have enjoyed your ultra running in 2017 and hope you continue to support our incredible sport by renewing your membership for 2018.

Have a terrific Christmas and New Year.