WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF – 15/8/18

Kate Dzienis • August 15, 2018

Two amazing races were held over the weekend on both sides of the country with brilliant results stemming from our very own AURA members.

The Bunbury Track Ultra 3/6/12/24hr in Bunbury, WA started on Saturday, and unlike last year’s torrential downpour, this year it was sunny skies throughout the two days. Even the freezing temperatures in the early morning, which saw ice cover some of the equipment, was more welcomed than the rains and winds that accompanied runners in 2017.

It was podium finishes all around for the 24hr and a whopping congratulations goes to AURA’s Robert Freitag from Wembley who conquered and took first overall/first male after completing 509 laps totalling 203.600kms.

Mark Williams from Hamersley held on to finish a strong third place following 450 laps and 180.000kms, and well done to Richard Avery who also attempted the 24hr and finished on 56 laps.

In the ladies division, AURA members took control of all three podium placings, and we congratulate the women who are climbing through the ultra ranks with incredible strength.

Cheryl Symons from Murrumbeena, Vic took first place having finished 447 laps and a total of 178.820kms, Jen Millum from Karnup claimed second with 384 laps and 153.600kms, and Cheryl Tatterton from Spearwood took third following 203 laps and 81.200kms.

In the 12hr event, AURA’s very own Myra Keep successfully clocked in at 244 laps and 101.420 to take home first overall/first female, and with a decent 19.39kms lead at that.

Graham Bell took second overall in the 6hr having completed 138 laps and a distance of 57.500kms, whilst in the 3hr Lee-Maree Gallo claimed third overall/second female with 79 laps and 33.080kms.

Congratulations also to Harmony Waite (31.680kms) and Emma Luscombe (28.380kms) who always finish their races with a smile on their faces.

Four teams took on the 24hr event with AURA members involved, so well done to Team Potato (first team) with 284.000kms, Team Ballsoutrunningworks (253.400kms), Team Treasure Troopers (212.240kms) and Team Tom and Fry (182.860kms).

Saturday also saw the running of the Berry Long Run in Bacchus Marsh, Vic which saw a 70kms event and 40kms event.

Team member for the World 100km Dion Finocchiaro from Chelsea took the title of first place in the 70kms after completing the distance in a speedy 5:58:38, whilst Hampton East runner Simon Neale claimed third overall following his time of 6:56:27.

Well done and high fives all around to Justin Scholz (7:07:22), Kevin Muller (7:22:25), Mark Falls (10:26:02), Mark Barger and Daniel Nunan.

We also had some AURA members take on the 40km distance and it was no surprise that Kellie Emmerson took control of the day, claiming first overall/first female with her time of 3:47:28, and great efforts were put in by Gabor Jakus (4:23:39) and Prasanna Sritharan (5:27:00).

The next races on the AURA-listed calendar are this weekend – the Rotary Rail Trail in Tasmania, and Run the Great Whitsunday Trail in Queensland.

Pictured: Robert Freitag taking on the 24hr event at Bunbury Track Ultra. Photograph – Ron McGlinn.

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Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships 2027

By Jin Kato • July 8, 2026

The world-class trails of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington will play centre-stage for one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, after the Kunanyi Mountain Run (KMR) was awarded the hosting rights for the first-ever combined Australian Mountain and Trail Running Championships (AMTRC). KMR was awarded the National Championships after a competitive bid process, overseen by the Australian Ultra and Trail Running Association (AUTRA) and Australian Athletics (AA). AUTRA President, John Claridge, said that KMR “offered everything we were looking for”. “World-class trails, proven event management and a passionate community. It provides the perfect stage for Australia's first combined National Trail Championships," he said. It’s expected that Australia’s elite mountain and trail running athletes, and support crew, will travel to Hobart, as they vie for a spot in the Australian team that competes at the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. "This is a landmark moment for trail running in Australia,” Mr Claridge said. "We're excited about what this championship represents; not just next year, but for the future of trail running in Australia... helping grow the sport and inspire the next generation of trail runners." The 2027 AMTRC at KMR will be the first time that all championship distances have been held together, at the one festival. “It aligns us more closely with the way World Championships are presented, creating a stronger pathway for athletes and raising the profile of the sport,” Mr Claridge said. KMR, a 3-day trail running festival which has been held annually since 2022, expects to draw more than 1500 runners and hikers from across Tasmania, Australia and internationally next year. The AMTRC will be embedded within KMR’s existing event program, allowing elite athletes to compete for the national titles, while sharing the same spectacular trails and event-experience as recreational runners. “We’re honoured to have been selected as host,” KMR’s founder and director, Lincoln Quilliam said. “KMR continues to welcome runners, and hikers, of all abilities. From the elites who want to represent Australia on the world stage, the group of mates or work colleagues who run the team relay together, the mums returning to running after having a baby, as well as those who are trying trail running for the very first time,” Mr Quilliam said. Tasmanian runner, Jessica Collins, who has represented Australia, said it was exciting news for KMR, Tasmania and the sport. “This is such a great opportunity for Australian athletes. I’ve run many of the KMR events and know the courses and the terrain are on par with what we see at the World Champs,” she said. The City of Hobart has supported Kunanyi Mountain Run since its inception, and Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said she was “thrilled” with the news. “Events like this not only showcase the natural beauty of our region but also reinforce Hobart’s reputation as a vibrant destination for world-class outdoor experiences.” The 2026 edition of KMR brought in $4 million to the Tasmanian economy, generating more than 8000 bed nights across the state, which Alex Heroys, Chief Executive of Destination Southern Tasmania, said was a “significant return for the visitor economy”. “Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is one of Tasmania’s great natural assets, and the Kunanyi Mountain Run shows exactly how powerful events can be in driving regional tourism,” he said. “We have an epic mountain right on Hobart’s doorstep, an airport less than 30 minutes away, and a city that is well set up to welcome thousands of visiting athletes, support crews and spectators.” “This event also reinforces Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class trail running destination. With steep, technical trails and real mountain terrain, Kunanyi offers conditions that are genuinely comparable to what athletes will experience at the World Championships, making it an ideal place to compete, train and visit.” For more information: Kunanyi Mountain Run Dates: 19-21 March 2027 Pic credit: David Nolan & Ryan Slater