Weekly News Report 10-08-2024

Weekly News Report 10-08-2024

Kate Dzienis • August 10, 2024
  • Birdy's Backyard Ultra, WA
  • Red's Backyard Ultra, NSW
  • Tolosa Half-Tolosa Quarter-Tolosa Mini, Tas
  • Rumble in the Jungle, NSW
  • Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail 100, ACT
  • Upcoming Events


WEEKLY NEWS REPORT FOR 10-08-2024

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 AURA-listed event specifically! You just have to be an AURA member for the 2024 year. Also too, if you’ve run in a non-AURA 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.

Birdy's backyard ultra (wa)

The 6th annual Birdy’s Backyard was held last weekend from Friday, 2 August through to Sunday, 4 August in Lake Towerinning, WA and saw a total of 127 participants (93 M, 34 F).

Chris Martin took out the title of LOS after finishing a total of 37 laps (248.122km) whilst Charles Bosveld took out the Assist.

Congratulations to all our AUTRA members who ran in Birdy’s including Margie Hadley (30 laps), Kevin Matthews (22 laps), Brad Halls (18 laps), Phoebe Hurliman (16 laps), Mark Lawrence (16 laps), Gabe Alves (16 laps), Dave Romanin (15 laps), Bianca Harding (12 laps), Fay Wells (10 laps), Heath Watkins (10 laps), Jason Simpson (9 laps), Glen Smetherham (8 laps) and Alexis Oosterhoff (7 laps).

above Images: Astrid Volzke.
End event! Image: supplied/facebook.

red's backyard ultra (nsw)

Red’s Backyard Ultra kicked off on Saturday, 3 August in Kembla Grange, south of Sydney.

We are still awaiting the full list of results, but will bring that to our members as soon as it’s available for the next weekly news report.  

Image: Supplied/Facebook.

Tolosa Half-Tolosa Quarter-Tolosa Mini, Tas

Hosted by kunanyi Trail Series, the Tolosa Half-Tolosa Quarter-Tolosa Mini was held on Sunday, 4 August in Glenorchy, Tas. On offer was a 21km, 10km and 5km.

In the Women’s 21km, the top spots were awarded to Jillian Lyall (1:58:14, Petra Melis-Walsh (2:04:15) and Amy Noakes (2:06:28).

In the Men’s 21km, 1st Male was won by Titch Hagger (1:35:14) whilst 2nd Male was awarded to AUTRA’s Charles Gunn from Tas who secured his second placing with a great time of 1:35:44. Third Male went to Marc Iseli (1:36:07).

In the Women’s 10km, winners were Anna Hughes (1:04:44), Anthea Messmer (1:04:49) and Jess McDonald (1:05:11); in the Men’s 10km, top spots went to Michael Smith (51:46), Calum Clarke (1:00:20) and Noah Bradley (1:00:55).

In the Women’s 5km, winning spots were awarded to Suzanne Sinquin Van Santen (27:24), Hannah Fielder (28:11) and Eadie Price (29:06); in the Men’s 5km, winners were Jean Sinquin Van Santen (26:54), Otis Fielder (27:39) and Ted Bartle (27:41).

Images: Supplied/Facebook.

Rumble In The Jungle, NSW

Rumble In The Jungle was held on Sunday, 4 August in the Bindarri National Park, Coffs Harbour and was hosted by Coffs Trail Runners and offered four official courses for every level of running – 50km, 30km, 21km and 8km. There was also a kids/family race on the day.

In the Women’s 50km, the top spots were awarded to Belinda James (5:27:26), Victoria Van De Stadt (5:45:13) and AUTRA’s very own Melissa Robertson from NSW who finished the race in a fantastic 5:55:02).

In the Men’s 50km, winners were named Trent Irwon (4:30:32), Chris Stephens (4:45:21) and Luke Nichols (4:53:30).

There were 48 finishers in total for the 50km. Well done to all our AUTRA members who raced, including James Dennett (6:27:51).

In the Women’s 30km, podium finishes went to Annabell Swainston (2:48:13), Leah Doman (2:58:35) and Matilda Murdoch (3:09:33) whilst in the Men’s 30km, spots were awarded to Chris Giffin (2:26:25), Paul Woodhouse (2:29:23) and Alex Gilbert (2:38:41).

In the Women’s 21km, the winners were Alexie Grice (1:59:58), Michelle Reardon (2:06:17) and Kate Bevitt (2:12:25), and in the Men’s 21km, spots went to Kayden Elliott (1:29:02), Scott Cawley (1:32:41) and Jonathan Murdock (1:36:22).

In the Women’s 8km, placings were awarded to Alexka Vanheekeren (34:06), Savannah Bartlett (38:33) and Alexandra Bruggisser (38:39), and in the Men’s 8km winners were Rory Husband (30:43), Sai Rorich (32:18) and Jed McIntosh (32:58).

For the full list of results, click here.

Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail 100, ACT

The Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail 100 was held on Sunday, 4 August in the ACT and saw 99 finishers (82 Males, 17 Females).

In the Women’s 100km, 1st Female was won by AUTRA member Stephanie Auston from NSW who crossed the finish line in 9:47:11. She was closely followed by fellow AUTRA member Cassie Cohen from the ACT who finished her race in 11:20:59, and another AUTRA member for 3rd Female, Annie-Marie Cook, who completed the distance in 11:21:54.

A brilliant AUTRA podium finish at the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail 100 for the women!

In the Men’s 100km, 1st Male was won by Reece McKenzie (9:25:38). Second and 3rd Place spots were taken by James Quaife (9:49:26) and Benjamin Butler (10:41:02).

Well done to all our members who ran in the event, including Thomas Allen (11:03:31), Elliot Cooper (11:23:46), Damian Smith (12:13:05), Brad Malone (13:28:49), Mark O’Grady (15:17:30), Sandeep Chandra (16:02:22), Michael Thompson (16:27:04), Robin Fieldhouse (16:27:14) and Craig Dawson (16:36:53).

You can access the full list of results here.

Images: Supplied/Sri Chinmoy Races Website.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Choo Choo Run by David Martin

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

COACH'S CORNER - Get The Most From Your Aid Stations by Glen Smetherham

By Kate Dzienis • August 29, 2025
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From The President (AUGUST 2025)

By Gary Mullins • August 29, 2025
Gary Mullins gives an update to members for the month of August 2025.
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IN OTHER NEWS

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

Choo Choo Run by David Martin

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