Reap the membership benefits

Kate Dzienis • December 21, 2017

It’s that time of year again when our AURA memberships are winding down, and we need to start looking ahead to 2018. Sure, some of us don’t even know what we’re doing tomorrow or this coming weekend, but I can guarantee you that most of us already have an idea of what races we’ll be entering, whether they be locally, in another state, or even across the seas in international territory.

In this age of social media where we are hyper-connected and can find information almost anywhere from just about anyone, there are still benefits to joining a membership organisation. With AURA, one of the biggest factors is you’ll be supporting a member-based group that promotes the sport of ultra running and as an individual, you’ll be helping build its growth in Australia.

Our mission is to not only advocate ultra running and boost its popularity, but maintain all channels of communication about events and rankings, as well as encourage the physical, mental and social well-being of Australians through the sport.

Joining a membership based organisation has other perks too, from members only discounts at AURA-listed events to networking and being a part of a family. When you wear your AURA singlet, shirt or cap at a race, and spot someone else wearing the same thing, don’t you feel a connection straight away? We already have strong bonds with others in the ultra running community, having met so many people along the way, but don’t you just love that sensation of happiness when you have a visual association from across the start line?

There’s really nothing that compares.

And honestly, the cost of joining is reimbursed with all the discounts on offer for AURA-listed events, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Ultimately, the sport of ultra running is part of the fabric of a community of people who are actively involved, and who are going to be healthier both physically, mentally and emotionally. Even spiritually. We always find ourselves gravitating towards other runners and enthusiasts, and runs become more fun (wait, more fun than what they are already?!).

So make sure your membership is renewed and ready for 2018!

Pictured: Aid station 1 volunteers at this year’s 6 Inch Ultra Trail in WA, most of whom are ultra runners and AURA members. Photograph – Alexis Oosterhoff.

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2026 AGM Notice (15 April 2026)

By Dave Martin • March 14, 2026

AUTRA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 15 April 2026

AUTRA statement regarding Snowies Trail Run Festival

March 12, 2026

AUTRA has been in direct contact with the organisers of the Snowies Trail Run Festival, In2Adventure, regarding a recent situation involving an athlete and the event’s in‑person safety briefing requirements. In2Adventure has confirmed that the situation was discussed directly with the athlete at the time. From In2Adventure’s account, and for the purpose of clarifying the public record, AUTRA notes the following points: At no stage was the athlete prevented from breastfeeding at the event. The organiser states that the following options were offered to enable the athlete to participate while still meeting safety requirements: a quiet and private space where she could breastfeed while still being present at the briefing; the option to receive the required briefing at the 30 km start line after the start; and the option to change her registration to the 21 km event, where the briefing is conducted on the start line. At no stage prior to event registration on Saturday night did the athlete contact the organiser to advise of her situation or request alternative arrangements, which limited what could be put in place at the time. Face‑to‑face safety briefings have always been a requirement for In2Adventure events due to the remote and higher‑risk nature of the trails. AUTRA was aware that in‑person briefings were used and had not raised concerns about that general approach. The organiser has indicated that this requirement is driven by safety, duty‑of‑care and insurance obligations, and follows previous experience where remote or online briefings resulted in athletes starting events without critical safety information. The organiser maintains that the event was not conducted in a manner that was intended to be non‑inclusive, inflexible or discriminatory, and that decisions made on the day were based solely on safety requirements that apply equally to all participants. AUTRA’s aim in issuing this statement is solely to clarify the context and ensure that the public record reflects the information provided to us by the organiser.