WEEKLY NEWS REPORT 05-07-2023

WEEKLY NEWS REPORT 05-07-2023

Kate Dzienis • July 6, 2023
Transcend Ultra, WA
Australian 24 Hour Track Invitational, ACT
Lakes Trail Festival, NSW
Upcoming Events

We are always on the hunt for your stories and reports, so with June Ultramag coming out in the next few weeks, send in your incredible tales to ultramag@aura.asn.au And remember, it doesn’t have to be about an AURA-listed event specifically!

If any corrections need to be made in any of the results listed below, please do so via email by contacting Kate Dzienis at kate.dzienis@aura.asn.au

TRANSCEND ULTRA, WA

The Transcend Ultra in WA was held on Sunday, 25 June with runners entered in either a 65km (solo or relay), 40km or 6km. The ultra distance saw participants race from Walyunga National Park to Cobbler Pool, with a fair amount of the course on private land.

In the Men’s 65km, top spots were awarded to Justin Hill (6:53:22), Alan Biletic (7:04:07) and Olly Morell (7:06:18).

In the Women’s 65km, 1st Female was won by Helen Morgan (7:56:55) whilst AURA’s Jessica Smith from Perth took 2nd Female with a fantastic time of 8:10:44. Georgina Beech took 3rd Female (8:23:31).

Congratulations to all our AURA members who ran in the 65km at Transcend, including David White (7:50:32), Colin Moulden (7:52:46), Yevhen Kovalyshen (8:14:36), Mitchell Crook (8:43:03), Claudia Seke (8:50:58), Robert Parsons(9:27:07), Andy Thompson (10:27:22), Jacinta Homann (11:32:23), Kate Ashfaq (11:53:03) and Harmony Waite(11:53:06).

For the full list of results, including the 40km and 6km, click here.

AUSTRALIAN 24 HOUR TRACK INVITATIONAL, ACT

There were incredible performances at last weekend’s Australian 24 Hour Track Invitational, held at the AIS in the ACT from 1-2 July. As an elite level event targeted at supporting record setting and PBs, the Invitational was strategically created to provide runners with the most ideal conditions.

Additional to the Invitational is an Open 24 Hour event run at the same time but in a different lane; ideal for no qualifying standards.

All runners in the Invitational were AURA members and some records were set.

In the Men’s 24 Hour InvitationalMichael Hooker from East Perth, WA held on to the lead and finished with a total of 260.401km, a fantastic effort! Joe Ward from Manly, NSW secured 2nd Male after finishing with 240.803km and Luke Thompson from Crace, ACT took home 3rd Male with a total of 234.432km.

In the Women’s 24 Hour Invitational, top spot was won by Allicia Heron from Theodore, ACT who completed her race with a grand total of 225.428km. Second Female was secured by Louise Clifton from Mt Victoria who finished with 221.202km, and 3rd Female was taken by Sharene Blake from Busselton, WA who completed 218.228km. 

RECORDS (YET TO BE RATIFIED): Heron set two new W35 records – W35 200km 21:00:27 and W35 100mi 16:24:01; Clifton set a new W50 record – W50 200km 21:02:54

Big congrats also to Karen Mickle (191.331km), Ewan Horsburgh (66.000km) and Daragh O’Loughlin (24.400km).

The Open saw 5 runners (4 men, 1 woman) compete, one of whom was an AURA member.

In the Men’s 24 Hour Open, AURA’s Greg Wilson from Kyneton, Vic claimed 1st Male with a total distance of 175.034km and also claimed a new M70 record (yet to be ratified) – M70 100mile record of 21:47:42,

Ayden Boxsell took 2nd male (164.690km) and Jacob Garlick took 3rd Male (94.980km).

In the Women’s 24 Hour Open, 1st Female was won by Susan Marshall (161.528km).

LAKES TRAIL FESTIVAL, NSW

The Lakes Trail Festival in NSW was also held last weekend (1-2 July) and provided a variety of distance options for runners – 100km, 75km, 50km, 30km, 12km and 5km. The event allows participants to traverse the Great Lakes region of the NSW north coast, with the startline located at Hawks Nest.

In the Men’s 100km, AURA’s very own Richard Wales from Tumbi Umbi, NSW took home the top gong, coming in 1stMale with a brilliant time of 10:34:21. Second and 3rd Male positions were claimed by Jamis Turner (10:57:12) and Jacob Heggs (11:38:33).

In the Women’s 100km, all winning spots were won by AURA members. Congratulations to Melissa Robertson from Long Jetty NSW who took 1st Female with 12:22:07, Pam Muston from Wamboin, NSW who won 2nd Female in a time of 12:56:38, and Debbie Maher also from Wamboin, NSW who claimed 3rd Female with 13:38:04. 

Well done to all AURA members who ran in the Lakes Trail Festival 100km, including David Campbell from Sydney who finished in a time of 12:05:52.

In the Men’s 75km, top spots were awarded to Ian Burke (10:09:36), Jason Weatherby (10:30:23) and Liam Stodart (10:34:25). In the Women’s 75km, winners were Georgia Guthrey (9:40:19), Kathleen Dalladay (11:57:00) and Mhairi Elder (12:33:08).

Onto the 50km event, where winners in the Men’s 50km were named Ryan Degan (4:51:29), Darren Cotterill (5:10:42) and Brendan Dedal (5:11:23). For the Women’s 50km, it was Camilla Clarke (5:34:58), Ashley Kearney (5:37:26) and Sarah Grealy (5:37:26).

For the full list of results, including the 30km, 12km and 5km, click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The highly anticipated 3 Marathons in 3 Days starts 7 July also in Kuranda, Qld, and Ultra Adelaide by ioMerino in Adelaide, SA kicks off 8 July.

The Elephant Trail Race, always a spectacular event to be a part of, will see runners start on 14 July in Pembrooke, NSW whilst WA’s Yaberoo Trail Ultra in Neerabup begins on 23 July.

Kuranda to Port Douglas Ultra on 30 July in Kuranda, Qld kicks off 30 July, the last AURA listed event on the AURA calendar for the month.

Pictured: WA AURA member Sharene Blake at the 2023 Australian 24 Hour Track Invitational.


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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IN OTHER NEWS

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
August 29, 2025
David Martin heads out with Kevin Matthews on WA's unofficial Choo Choo Run.
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