Spotlight On: Ben Duffus

Kate Dzienis • June 28, 2023

Introducing our monthly feature Spotlight On, where our AURA members get to know a little bit about some other AURA members!

Name: Ben Duffus
Age: 30
Location: Indooroopilly, Qld

FAVOURITE DISTANCE AND WHY

50km – short enough to push hard from the start, but long enough to feel like an adventure.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOU GETTING INTO ULTRA RUNNING?

After my first Junior World Mountain Running championships in Slovenia, I came away inspired to not just run up one mountain, but to link many together and explore the whole mountain range by foot!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ULTRA RUNNING EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

Mont Blanc 90km in 2014 – it’s a beautiful area and it was simply one of those days where everything clicked and felt effortless.

IF YOU COULD HELP PACE ANYONE IN A RUN/EVENT, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

My partner, Jasmine, is getting into trail running, so I really enjoy getting to share that experience with her when we occasionally run together.

AND NOW THE OPPOSITE. WHO WOULD YOU WANT RUNNING ALONGSIDE YOU?

I’ve been working with my coach, Andy DuBois, for over 10 years now, so he probably has a pretty good idea of what to do to help get me through a challenge!

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS WE WOULD ALWAYS FIND IN YOUR DROPBAG?

Water bottle/flask, water, and Infinit Nutrition – it’s a pretty boring answer, but I like to keep it simple.

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM RUN OR EVENT?

UTMB.

All images supplied.

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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.