WEEKLY NEWS REPORT 07-08-2023

WEEKLY NEWS REPORT 07-08-2023

Kate Dzienis • August 7, 2023
Birdy’s Backyard, WA
kunanyi Trail Series, Tas

Rumble In The Jungle, NSW

Insider Updates

Upcoming Events

BIRDY’S BACKYARD

Birdy’s Backyard kicked off last week on Friday, 4 August at Lake Towerinning, WA (about 245km south east of Perth) with the Last One Standing Format. As always, every participant DNFs except for one.

This year, the title was earned and won by AURA member Margie Hadley from Henley Brook, WA who finished a total of 46 laps. What a stellar effort from Margie, congratulations on your win.

AURA’s very own Rob Parsons from Somerville, WA walked away with the Assist – an incredible performance.

On a side note, all runners experienced not only seriously freezing temperatures, but the shakes of a Magnitude 5 earthquake that was recorded near Gnowangerup (140 east of Lake Towerinning) at 5:34am on Sunday, 6 August.

Well done to all our AURA members who ran in Birdy’s Backyard, including Glen SmetherhamTim BondHeath WatkinsAndy ThompsonJessica SmithGabe AlvesJagpawan DhillonDel ThompsonNancy WilliamsRob ParsonsBrad HallsShaun KaeslerMark LawrenceFrank ChauveauGeoffrey LanghansTristan CameronAnya MullinDavid PattersonDave Romanin and Phoebe Hurliman.

KUNANYI TRAIL SERIES – TOLOSA HALF & QUARTER

The kunanyi Trail Series Tolosa Half (Enduro) and Tolosa Quarter (Sport) event was held on Sunday, 6 August in beautiful Glenorchy, Tas.

In the Men’s Half, 1st Male was won by David Bailey whilst 2nd Male was taken by AURA’s very own Andrew Gaskell from Lindisfarne, Tas. Third was won by Connor Ryan.

In the Women’s Half, top spots were awarded to Annabel De Jong, Bree Hunter and Anna Goodwin.

For more info, check out the kunanyi Trail Series Facebook page.

RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE

Rumble In The Jungle was held on Sunday, 6 August in Ulong, NSW and was hosted by Coffs Trail Runners. On offer was a 50km event for endurance runners, along with a 30km, 21km and 8km.

In the Women’s 50km, AURA’s Clare Palmer from Glenreagh, NSW took 1st Female with a time of 5:14:04. Kylie Salm took 2nd (5:37:09) whilst AURA member Melissa Robertson from Long Jetty, NSW claimed 3rdFemale when she crossed the finish line in 5:57:10.

In the Men’s 50km, top spots were won by Daniel Stein (4:23:00), Nathan Roberts (4:52:11) and Aaron Dower (4:53:20).

Congratulations goes out also to AURA’s Simon Turnbull, who finished his 50km in 8:59:32.

For the full list of results, click here.

INSIDER UPDATES

Race Directors: AURA are currently seeking applications from race directors who wish to apply to host National Championship events in 2024. Applications are now open and will close on 11 August 2023, with an announcement on the successful events on 18 August 2023.

Events open for applications include:

  • 50km Road
  • 100km Road
  • 24 Hour Track
  • 48 Hour Track
  • Short Course Trail (40-60km)
  • Long Course Trail (80-100km)
  • 100 Mile Trail


24hr Team Announced: AURA has announced the 24 Hour Team for the 2023 IAU 24 Hour World Championships which are due to be held in Chinese Taipei on 2-3 December. This year, the selection committee had an incredibly difficult time with one of the highest scoring list of qualifying applicants ever. Congratulations to the following AURA members who are announced as team members:

Men: Kevin Muller (Captain), Michael HookerMatthew GriggsGrant BrisbinJohn YoonJoe Ward

Women: Allicia Heron (Captain), Sharene BlakeCassie CohenMaree ConnorJenny WhiteChrissy Redwood

New Merchandise: All merchandise has been restocked, and we are now selling brand new women’s racer back singlets. Head over to our online shop at store.aura.asn.au to check out how best you can represent in the green and gold.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Berry Long Run will be held in Blackwood, Vic this Saturday, 12 August.

The Unreasonable EAST kicks off 22-27 August from Cairns, Qld and the long awaited Run Larapinta covers four days from 24-27 August in Alice Springs, NT. The Bright Running Festival finishes the month of August with its weekend of events held from 25-27 August.

Pictured: Margie Hadley becoming the Last One Standing at the 2023 Birdy’s Backyard. Photograph – Astrid Volzke.


By Kate Dzienis July 25, 2025
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
By Gary Mullins July 24, 2025
Applications for the IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships, Bangkok, Thailand, 22-23 November 2025, are now open. About the Event The IAU Asian & Oceania 100 km Championships bring together the region’s fastest road‑ultra athletes. The race is being held in Wachirabenchatat Park, Bangkok. Applications are now open for AUTRA Members wishing to be considered for selection to the Australian Team. Please refer to the documents below for full details: Application Form Selection Criteria GIS Applications close: 8:00 PM AEST, Thursday 31st July 2025 Team announcement: Tuesday 17th August 2025 For any questions regarding the event, the selection criteria, or application process, please email: gary.mullins@autra.asn.au Representing your country is an honour few get to experience. I wish every applicant the very best as we move toward selecting a team that embodies the spirit, strength, and unity of Australian ultra and trail running. Yours in running, Gary Mullins President, AUTRA
By Gary Mullins July 23, 2025
OFFICIAL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🇦🇺 Australia’s squad for the 2025 IAU 24‑Hour World Championships Albi, France 18‑19 October AUTRA is proud to celebrate the athletes who’ve been selected to represent Australia in the 24-hour World Championships. The 24-hour World Champs has a rich history in Australia. 57 runners selected since 1990. We know the above athletes will represent with pride, and inspire the next generation. Follow our socials over the next three months and follow the journey of the team.
By Gary Mullins July 22, 2025
The AUTRA Committee and members would like to congratulate all athletes selected for the 2025 World Trail & Mountain Running Championships. THE LINE‑UP Female Team: Lara Hamilton Jessica Ronan Emily Bartlett Emily Rogers Ruby Smith Patricia McKibbin Jess Jason Sarah-Jayne Miller Miah Noble Nicole Paton Kellie Angel Cecilia Mattas Hannah McRae Male Team: Fraser Darcy Iain Best Nathan Pearce Michael Kernahan Toby Lang Alec Franzke Tadhg Nolan Robert Shannon Billy Curtis Blake Turner Brodie Nankervis Vlad Ixel Ben Burgess Matthew Crehan Andrew Gaskell Thomas Dade. Congratulations to the coaches and team managers as well. The link to the full team and distances, can be found HERE . Thank you to Australian Athletics in believing and backing our Aussie trail talent. Their support gets the green and gold to the start line in Canfranc-Pirineos. 🙌🇦🇺 Follow our socials over the next 2 months to get to know the athletes. Let’s show the world what Aussie grit looks like. ✊🏽?
By Gary Mullins July 21, 2025
Join AUTRA as a State Representative! Are you passionate about ultra and trail running? Want to make a real impact in your state’s running community? We’re looking for dedicated State Representatives to: Promote trail & ultra running locally Engage in the running community and run clubs. Support race directors and represent AUTRA at races including, volunteering, and sharing event highlights Maintain strong communication, share news, spotlight race results and upcoming events, & grow membership benefits What you bring to the team: A passion for ultra/trail running and your local running scene Excellent communication and community engagement skills Current AUTRA membership and availability for bimonthly meetings and weekend events Why apply? It’s a chance to foster regional trail/ultra communities, elevate athlete experiences, and contribute to AUTRA’s national growth. Role Description: State Rep Role Description Applications close: 5pm, Monday 28th July Apply here: State Reps Application Form
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IN OTHER NEWS

By Kate Dzienis July 25, 2025
Read all the latest results for Ultra Adelaide, Wild Dog Backyard, 3M3D, Elephant Trail Race, Boyne Valley 50, and Backyard Ultra Trial Series - Bendigo.
By Gary Mullins July 24, 2025
Applications for the IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships, Bangkok, Thailand, 22-23 November 2025, are now open. About the Event The IAU Asian & Oceania 100 km Championships bring together the region’s fastest road‑ultra athletes. The race is being held in Wachirabenchatat Park, Bangkok. Applications are now open for AUTRA Members wishing to be considered for selection to the Australian Team. Please refer to the documents below for full details: Application Form Selection Criteria GIS Applications close: 8:00 PM AEST, Thursday 31st July 2025 Team announcement: Tuesday 17th August 2025 For any questions regarding the event, the selection criteria, or application process, please email: gary.mullins@autra.asn.au Representing your country is an honour few get to experience. I wish every applicant the very best as we move toward selecting a team that embodies the spirit, strength, and unity of Australian ultra and trail running. Yours in running, Gary Mullins President, AUTRA
By Gary Mullins July 23, 2025
OFFICIAL TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🇦🇺 Australia’s squad for the 2025 IAU 24‑Hour World Championships Albi, France 18‑19 October AUTRA is proud to celebrate the athletes who’ve been selected to represent Australia in the 24-hour World Championships. The 24-hour World Champs has a rich history in Australia. 57 runners selected since 1990. We know the above athletes will represent with pride, and inspire the next generation. Follow our socials over the next three months and follow the journey of the team.
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