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.