TWO BAYS TRAIL RUN RACE DIRECTOR REPORT

Kate Dzienis • January 29, 2018

Contributed by Rohan Day, Race Director, Two Bays Trail Run

Just a few weeks after Two Bays Trail Run (January 14), also the AURA Short Course National Trail Championships. The annual delayed summer holiday. On a coast. Another coast. Anywhere but the Mornington Peninsula. Because there is no holiday prior to Two Bays.

Half a day off for Christmas, and keep it rolling.

Two Bays race day weather was brilliant. About 20 degrees with cloud. Rain the previous day had firmed up the sand on the infamous Wallermerriyong ‘road’ section of the course (loose sandy track.)

The highlight was Lucy Bartholomew’s F56 race record (4:33:58), taking nine minutes off the previous record.

The women settled into their podium positions quickly and then held them.

The M56 race was the entertainer.

Francesco Ciancio led a small pack of himself, Ash Bennett and Sasha Ruda.

They came into the midpoint together and then it blew apart on Arthurs Seat on the return – Ciancio withdrew. Ruda faded to 10th outright, Bennett came home in second, and Majell Backhausen, who had been running a minute or two back, came through for the win. Backhausen’s second half was only four minutes slower than his first half, which I’d argue is getting it right at this distance, on this course.

There was the disappointment of having to disqualify a couple of (otherwise) podium people in the 28kms.

Both transgressors of the 500ml-Water-Carrying-Device rule. Both were inadvertent errors, and while disappointed, they did take the situation well.

Inevitably the discussion with others goes along the lines that the front end 28kms runners on a cool day don’t need a water carrying device.

Correct.

Assuming all goes right, and assuming it’s going to stay cool.

And assuming it’s all about the frontend runners, which it isn’t.

That rule was written for the main herd who need to drink during the run, and in light of the fact that the run occurs in mid-January, in summer.

So should we go easy on the frontend about that rule?

No.

Firstly, it’s a race. And in the interests of a level playing field everyone carries the gear they signed up to carry, and that was listed on the website for the preceding 12 months (years, actually).

Secondly, the frontend are the local heroes and can lead by example.

I do feel a little sorry for frontend newbies to trail running though. The rules vary from race to race as the courses and logistical concerns vary from race to race. It’s a hard way to learn that you have to read the specific rules for each race prior to running, but I don’t see another way.

Personally, I know I’ve selected which events to enter based on mandatory gear requirements in the past. Though some entrants seem to prefer the Enter-Then-Whinge model.

On the AURA side of things, it was good to see that the entire M56 podium were AURA members and that in the F56 race it only had to roll back one position. Nice to have as little performance distinction between the two titles as possible.

There were 285 finishers in the 56kms race. We did hit a high of over 350 entrants in the 56kms, but as per usual many requested to be put in to the 28kms fun run as race day looms.

Slowly the percentage of women runners inches higher. We’ve had as low as 18% in the 56kms, but it was 25% this year (the 28kms run for comparison has 43%).

The 56km results can be found here, with full event results available on the event website. Next year’s event is scheduled for Jan 13, 2019.

Featured Top: Tash Fraser, winner of the women’s event in the 56kms. Photograph – Cassandra Gash.

Image Above: The AURA men’s podium finishers. Photograph – Cassandra Gash.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Choo Choo Run by David Martin

August 29, 2025

David Martin heads out with Kevin Matthews on WA's unofficial Choo Choo Run.

COACH'S CORNER - Get The Most From Your Aid Stations by Glen Smetherham

By Kate Dzienis • August 29, 2025

Learn how you can get the most out of your aid stations when competing in an ultra.

From The President (AUGUST 2025)

By Gary Mullins • August 29, 2025

Gary Mullins gives an update to members for the month of August 2025.

Team Manager 2025 IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships

By Gary Mullins • August 29, 2025

Location : Bangkok, Thailand Dates : November 21 - 24 2025 Role Type : Volunteer Position Time Commitment : Pre event planning + Travel Application Deadline : 7th 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 24 hour 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 on the 3rd 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