TAKING ON AN ACT FKT

TAKING ON AN ACT FKT

Kate Dzienis • December 20, 2021

Contributed by Allicia Heron and Nettie Sakova, AURA members

FKT in the ACT, 30 October 2021

As the clock struck 0411 on 30 October 2021 myself and Dionette (Nettie) Sakova set out from the Parkes Place Lawns at the front of Old Parliament House to attempt a supported FKT on the 143km Canberra Centenary Trail. 

The run began with some laughs and chatter, filled with nervous excitement of the unknown, and before we knew it we were watching a perfect sunrise atop of Mount Majura.

Soon we were met by Nettie’s awesome husband Yaro, daughter (and future ultra runner) Ruby, and fellow Ultra Mediocre Runner of Canberra (UMRoC) member Cian Gray at the first of their three aid stop locations. After downing some watermelon and vegemite sandwiches, we were off and back on our way. 

Up and down One Tree Hill we were met with smiling faces from passers-by, along the paths through Gold Creek and towards Belconnen where we were met by Yaro, Cian and Ruby again and more watermelon was to be had!

We were met at the base of Black Mountain Peninsula by Justin Hiatt, who was a breath of fresh air, and a mobile aid station, providing us with Coke, gels and filling our water as we headed up to the Arboretum. Over half way! Wow, we were feeling well, and headed into Stromlo with a smile. 

Here we said goodbye to Yaro and Ruby, and picked up Cian as a runner to join us. My husband James, and children Beth and Chloe provided three aid stops for the southern part of the run (Kambah Pools, Tuggeranong Town Centre and Fadden Pines). Each stop was met by excitement from the kids and smiles and helpfulness from James. More watermelon was had, plus pancakes, Coke, chips and potatoes.

We would like to thank Yaro, Ruby, James, Beth and Chloe for the fantastic crewing, and also the three members of UMRoC who joined them on the run. Matt Griggs ran from Anzac Parade to Mulligans Flat Car Park, Justin Hiatt ran from Black Mountain to Kambah Pool Road and Cian Gray ran from Stromlo Forest Park to Parliament House, all three providing a great distraction from the pain of running over 160,000 steps with their enthusiasm and cheer. 

The weather was near perfect, albeit a bit chilly in the early morning and evening. We were were in great spirits throughout the run despite Dionette rolling her ankle twice early on and Allicia pushing through a painful knee issue towards the end. 

It took us 18h 01m 56s and we finished where we started, ending with a celebratory and well-deserved ginger beer.

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.
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
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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.
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