WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF – 30/10/2018

Kate Dzienis • October 30, 2018

Salming Runningworks Ultra, WA
Heysen 105, SA
Ned Kelly Chase, Vic

The weekend just zipped past, but at least we got amazing weather for the three AURA-listed events which all yielded great results.

Starting with Saturday, October 27 the inaugural Salming Runningworks Ultra 50k was held at The Spectacles over in WA, just 33-kilometres south of Perth, where runners completed laps of an Aboriginal heritage trail either in a 50k, 21.1k, or 8k distance.

For its first year, the ultra saw fantastic entrant numbers, with 20 participants in the 50k event and it was a fierce competition between two of the state’s finest ultra runners in Tony Smith from Tapping, WA and Henley Brook’s Margaret Hadley (WA) – both pictured.

Smith took the crown in overall first place after an intense time of 3:33:31, with Hadley right behind him and claiming first for the women/second overall in 3:44:17. Her time ended up being her new PB after shaving 12min off a previous race as well as catching a new marathon time.

With an early morning chill that soon disappeared thanks to the Perth weather heating up, well rounded efforts were performed by all participants. Congratulations also goes to Nicholas O’Neill (5:10:01), Mark Caldwell (5:46:29), Graham Bell (6:25:31), Fee Salmons (6:51:21) and Louise Wallace (7:24:35).

On Sunday, October 28 it was an all-out AURA podium in Victoria’s Ned Kelly Chase 100k and 50k events despite the chasers (cyclists) peddling in full force trying to catch up to runners.

Stephen Redfern from Heathcote, NSW took out the top gong, crossing the 1ook finish and squeezing in just under the eight hour mark with 7:57:39. A stellar effort from an ultra runner who has clearly made a name for himself along the eastern seaboard.

Victorian Kevin Muller, from Wodonga, was close behind Redfern, claiming second on the podium with his time of 8:16:18, while Mooroolbark’s Dan Beard (Vic) took third spot after finishing in 8:40:18.

AURA members continued to dominate with Nikki Wynd from Lysterfield (Vic) taking it home for the women, rounding out the figures with first female in 9:24:34 and Wamboin’s Pam Muston (NSW) holding it strong in second after finishing in 11:44:16.

Such an intense field at the Ned Kelly Chase with John Koon (fourth overall, 8:44:48), Mak Sawa (fifth overall, 9:11:24), Adrian Mannix (11:43:28), Phil Ryan (12:05:19), George Alexandropoulos (13:45:02) and Tony Wilms (18:48:44).

In the 50k, it was smiles all around as well-known Queensland ultra runner Tia Jones claimed the crown for the ladies, also taking second overall in a time of 3:48:53. Victorian Andrew Ross from Prahran hailed second male/third overall after crossing the finish line in a sub-four, with 3:59:08.

A podium finish also went to Amelia Griffith from Moonee Ponds (Vic), as she held strong on to second female after completing her 50k in 4:04:52.

Congratulations also goes out to all AURA members who ran in the event, including David Beasley (4:32:12), Ingrid Morrison (5:06:02), Leah Weeden (6:40:55), and Samantha Post (6:41:28).

We are still waiting for official results to be released in relation to the weekend’s Heysen 105, so stay tuned.

Pictured (feature): Kevin Muller racing in the Ned Kelly Chase. Photograph – Ned Kelly Chase/Facebook.
Pictured: Tony Smith and Margie Hadley accepting their first place finishings. Photograph – Serendipity Images/Facebook.

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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