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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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.
