SPOTLIGHT ON: JOSHUA DUFF

Kate Dzienis • April 30, 2023

Introducing a new feature we like to call Spotlight On, where our AURA members get to know a little bit about some other AURA members!

Name: Joshua Duff aka Smurf
Age: 34
Location: Cairns, Qld

FAVOURITE DISTANCE AND WHY

I am still in what I would call an ‘exploration’ phase of ultra running, so no definite favourites. But I have been hooked by the backyard ultra format.

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

I was involved in triathlons since I was at university and did my first tri in 2008. But running was always my strength. Come 2020, we had big triathlon plans including racing in Europe which were thwarted by COVID. After moping around for a couple of months, I got back into endurance sports running 1000km’s in 100 days and then ran my first ultra (Kuranda to Port Douglas 64km) on September of 2020. From that point, I was hooked – plus the “ease” of training for an ultra while juggling work, family and life was appealing as opposed 20 hours of Ironman training a week.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ULTRA RUNNING EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

Dead Cow Gully 2022. Beforehand, I had run no more than 100k in a single run. I then planned and trained for the backyard ultra format for 18 months before finally getting a shot at Dead Cow (following missing the Clint Eastwood the year before due to COVID). I managed 36 yards (240km+) and the assist to Barry Loveday. Although a surprise to many, we strongly believed I was capable of a result like this.

But the best part was sharing the experience with my wife, eldest daughter and our friend Kate. We experienced something special in a special place and we will be forever grateful for the experience.

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

I don’t have any big name stars I would choose. But this year at Dead Cow Gully, my wife Salome ran only 6 months after having our second daughter. We were able to run a lap together and that was pretty special. So one day in the future, perhaps we might get to run some big adventures together (maybe when the girls are a little older!).

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

One of the things I love about ultra running is the chance for friends and family to crew and be part of the process. Whether it was Salome crewing at Dead Cow last year, my mum helping to crew with Salome at BVRT 50 last year or my dad crewing at Dead Cow this year, these were all special. So it’s having friends and family running alongside or crewing that helps me get to tackle my big challenges.

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

SFuels Bars, Vaseline and Salt Tabs.

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM RUN OR EVENT?

My wife is Swiss, so we are planning on living and working in Switzerland for 6 to 12 months sometime in the near future. And while there, I would like to tackle my ultimate run event – SwissPeaks 360.

All images supplied.

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

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AUTRA News Report 11-09-2025

By Kate Dzienis • September 11, 2025

Run The River Half, Qld Murphys Creek Challenge, Qld Lighthorse Ultra, WA Kunanyi Trail Series, Rialannah, Tas Upcoming Events WEEKLY NEWS REPORT FOR 12-09-2025 As always, we're continuously on the hunt for your stories and reports, so get those race reports and photographs in to ultramag@autra.asn.au with the following information: Word document, single spaced Include the name of the event, the date and the location anywhere in the report (just a bullet point at the top is great) Please attach photographs to the email – do not put images in the body of your Word doc. You’ll just get me emailing you back asking for the photos sent in the correct way! As many photos as possible. With our new website, it’s now easier than ever to include a nice gallery in each race report No PDFs please And remember, it doesn’t have to be about an AUTRA-listed event specifically! You just have to be an AUTRA member for the 2025 year. Also too, if you’ve run in a non-AUTRA listed event anywhere on home soil or internationally, we’d love to include your race results and experience in our Member Updates, so please do reach out to us via email to kate.dzienis@autra.asn.au If any corrections need to be made in any of the results listed below, please alert me via email.

Team Manager 2025 IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships

By Gary Mullins • September 8, 2025

Location : Bangkok, Thailand Dates : November 21 - 24 2025 Role Type : Volunteer Position Time Commitment : Pre event planning + Travel Application Deadline : 17th September 2025 Thank you for your interest in supporting the Australian team for the 2025 IAU Asian 100k Championships. This role goes far beyond logistics. It’s about leadership, inclusion, and creating a positive, empowering environment for athletes competing on the world stage. AUTRA is committed to opening doors for those outside traditional pathways. We strongly encourage applications from coaches, former athletes, club leaders, volunteers, and passionate community members. You don’t need to have served on a board or managed a team before as we’re looking for people who genuinely care, are highly organised, and can proudly represent our athletes and country. Role Overview As Team Manager, you’ll work closely with AUTRA President Gary Mullins and Vice President Geoff Russell to prepare and support the national team before and during the championship. Pre-Departure Australia Act as the main contact for selected athletes and crew Assist with final entry forms and travel planning Prepare a Championships Agenda in alliance with the Team Managers Agreement Document Coordinate flights, uniforms, and team communications Help identify and organise crew support Attend online team planning meetings On the Ground in Thailand Be present and ready as athletes arrive Ensure all athlete needs are met so they can focus fully on their race Attend all technical meetings and represent the team professionally Coordinate team attendance at the opening and closing ceremonies Ensure the team and crew are prepared, organised, and calm Address any issues that arise with efficiency and discretion Provide hands on leadership and moral support throughout the race Support Provided Accommodation in Bangkok for 3 - 4 nights will be provided by AUTRA An official team uniform will be supplied A volunteer allowance of $1500 will be provided to acknowledge your time and service during the championship period. What You’ll Need Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Strong organisational ability under pressure A calm, inclusive, and athlete first mindset Commitment to AUTRA’s Code of Conduct Member of AUTRA Applying To apply for the role of Team Manager please CLICK HERE and fill out the Application Form. Applications Close at 5pm 17th September 2025. Selection Process Following the application deadline, the AUTRA Committee will review all submissions and select the most suitable candidate. All applicants will be contacted by Gary Mullins within 7 days of applications closing. Gary Mullins AUTRA President