Time to Become One Trail by John Claridge

January 29, 2024

Some words from tasmanian trail running association president john claridge

Imagine you arrive home on Friday, from a long hard week at work, you have squeezed in a quick training run on your local trail. Managed to grab your family takeaway meals and you have all sat down in the comfort of your living room.

Flicking on the TV you gather around arguing over which of your favourite trail runners will take out the points in this month’s round of the Golden Trail series as you watch the spectacle unfold on prime-time TV.

How awesome would this be?

For many years most of us have not understood why trail running has not and is still not seen as a mainstream sport. From short explosive races of mixed and vertical type terrain to the awe-inspiring feats of those gliding through ultra events like they are out for a Sunday jog. Trail running has all the potential to captivate and spectate just like any other easily recognised sport.

Many have said that the commercialisation and global recognition of trail running would see our beloved sport lose what truly makes it what it is, the raw unadulterated act of simply going for a run in nature. This last decade has seen an uptake in trail running unmatched by any other sport, leading to what appears to be in many cases, knee jerk reactions and mimicking to cater for the explosion of participation.

It is for these reasons that many for the past few decades have been working toward, and called for, some form of national governance, assisting in unity, inclusion and cohesion for all that participate as a trail runner. Whether it be at a world championship representing your country, at a local race, attempting an FKT or simply moving through your favourite piece of nature, we need recognition and engagement at an international, national and state level to advocate for our continued and expanded access to all that encompasses trail running.

Many of us now believe this is the time move forward and form a group that brings all facets of trail running under the one umbrella. With our new bi-annual World Trail and Mountain Running Championships, a complete lack of funding for competitors at international level, access and approval with key stakeholders like parks services and councils getting harder by the day and lack of consultation on many largely impactful projects and trail builds.

Now is the time to join tracks and become one trail.

John Claridge

President
Tasmanian Trail Running Association

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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