SPOTLIGHT ON: BERNADETTE BENSON

SPOTLIGHT ON: BERNADETTE BENSON

Kate Dzienis • July 19, 2023

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

Name: Bernadette Benson
Age: 54

Location: Wandiligong, Victoria

FAVOURITE RACING OR RUNNING DISTANCE

The last few years I’ve been leaning towards the ‘shorter’ races, whether road or trail, that are done within about 8-9 hours, as I enjoy the quicker recovery so I can be back playing on the trails again sooner.

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

I stumbled upon trail runners around 2006 after I’d been running roads for 5 or 6 years in order to try to earn my beer and chips credits. I had no idea running could be fun or that people could survive – let alone enjoy – running more than 90 minutes at a time. I nearly puked trying to keep up with others on that first trail run, and I was sore as heck afterwards, but I was hooked!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ULTRA RUNNING EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

That’s an impossible question for me to answer succinctly. I loved some of my first races simply because it was all such a wild, new, unknown experience for me. My first trail races in Europe and my first 24hr, for example. I love the beauty of the Matterhorn Ultraks course in Switzerland. I love the long distance point-to-point nature of the Transalpine Run multi-day trail race. That one has always been a team event until this year – now that there’s a solo category, I want to go back to experience that version as well.

IF YOU WOULD WANT ANYONE IN THE WORLD TO PACE YOU AT AN EVENT, WHO WOULD IT BE? 

If my partner ran at my pace, I’d love him to pace me because he knows me so well. I appreciate his wit and calm, rational nature. I would love to have the chance to run some miles with Ann Trason and have her share her wisdom and stories. She’s a legend and a pioneer in the sport.

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

2Toms SportShield, fuel by Hammer Nutrition, sunscreen. I try to race efficiently.

RECOVERY IS IMPORTANT – WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE OR BEST POST-WORKOUT/RECOVERY STRETCH OR EXERCISE?

Most critical to me is to get my protein/carb replenishment right after a long run (I use Hammer’s vegan Recoverite). I also invested in compression boots this year and they’ve become a regular part of big days, especially. And sleep! Sleep might be my most favourite of all.

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM RUN OR EVENT?

I am really interested in doing one of Lizzy Hawker’s high altitude multi-day semi-supported runs in Nepal. Wild, big, high, minimal, quiet. Those things appeal to me. The Lapland Arctic Ultra also appeals for similar reasons.

All images supplied. 

If you would like to be featured in our Spotlight On segment, email ultramag@aura.asn.au with your interest!

By Kate Dzienis July 25, 2025
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
By Gary Mullins July 24, 2025
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
By Gary Mullins July 23, 2025
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.
By Gary Mullins July 22, 2025
The AUTRA Committee and members would like to congratulate all athletes selected for the 2025 World Trail & Mountain Running Championships. THE LINE‑UP Female Team: Lara Hamilton Jessica Ronan Emily Bartlett Emily Rogers Ruby Smith Patricia McKibbin Jess Jason Sarah-Jayne Miller Miah Noble Nicole Paton Kellie Angel Cecilia Mattas Hannah McRae Male Team: Fraser Darcy Iain Best Nathan Pearce Michael Kernahan Toby Lang Alec Franzke Tadhg Nolan Robert Shannon Billy Curtis Blake Turner Brodie Nankervis Vlad Ixel Ben Burgess Matthew Crehan Andrew Gaskell Thomas Dade. Congratulations to the coaches and team managers as well. The link to the full team and distances, can be found HERE . Thank you to Australian Athletics in believing and backing our Aussie trail talent. Their support gets the green and gold to the start line in Canfranc-Pirineos. 🙌🇦🇺 Follow our socials over the next 2 months to get to know the athletes. Let’s show the world what Aussie grit looks like. ✊🏽?
By Gary Mullins July 21, 2025
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
LOAD MORE

share this

IN OTHER NEWS

By Kate Dzienis July 25, 2025
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
By Gary Mullins July 24, 2025
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
By Gary Mullins July 23, 2025
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.
ALL NEWS