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 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.
By Kate Dzienis August 29, 2025
Learn how you can get the most out of your aid stations when competing in an ultra.
By Gary Mullins August 29, 2025
Gary Mullins gives an update to members for the month of August 2025.
LOAD MORE

share this

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.
ALL NEWS