WEEKLY NEWS REPORT – 13/11/2019

WEEKLY NEWS REPORT – 13/11/2019

Kate Dzienis • November 13, 2019

Feral Pig Ultra, WA
National Events

Feral Pig Ultra, WA

WA was hit with severe heat conditions on Saturday, and although it was a tough call to make, Feral Pig Ultra race director Shaun Kaeslar cancelled Saturday races which included the 100mi, 100km, 50mi and 50km.

The 50km was the only distance to be rescheduled to the Sunday, and participants who were unable to make the changes were deferred to next year’s race. 

Kicking off at 6am along the Bibbulmun Track throughout the Darling Ranges, AURA’s Shane Johnstone secured a new course record by a whopping 45 minutes as he crossed the finish line to take 1st Male with a time of 4:36:20.

Second for the men was Yerdos Baimbetov who flew in from Kazakhstan and finished in 5:15:37, also beating a previous course record.

Third Male went to Chris Wright with 5:17:36 and again, another runner to beat the previous course record.

For the women, Sharene Blake took 1st with 6:07:53, Seranica Williamson took 2nd with 6:25:15 and AURA member Sarah Niven claimed 3rd Female after crossing the finish line in 6:40:12.

AURA is waiting for official results to come through and for a list of AURA members who attended. Known AURA members who raced in the 50km included Alexis Oosterhoff, Emma Luscombe, Paul Hopwood, Richard Avery, Chris Lark, Darlene Dale, Georgia Snowball and Mark Caldwell (sweep) however we will include a full report of names and times once official results are released. 

National Events

A number of other ultra events were held across the country (non-AURA listed) however we are aware of AURA members racing those events and they should be congratulated on their efforts.

The Upstream Challenge was held on November 9 in Melbourne Vic and featured a 50km road race. About 153 entrants participated in this event; congratulations to AURA member Bill Bardsley who came in 5th Male with a time of 4:46:24.

Run Albany ‘Mutton to Middleton’ 46km was also held on November 9 in Elleker, WA with 30 runners participating. AURA’s very own Matt Maguire held on to claim 3rd Male after crossing the finish in 4:47:45. Congratulations also to Doug Bartlett (5:25:15) and Tim Bond (6:13:49).

In the Marysville 50km Ultramarathon in Marysville, Vic on November 10 well done goes to Katherine MacMillan who claimed 3rd Female with a time of 5:32:34. Congratulations also to Justin Scholz (5:14:41), Nicholas Egan (5:35:15) and George Alexandropoulos (7:51:21).

Elsewhere the Hilloween at The Jerry Springer 12h Hill Climb event held by AAA Racing in Qld was cancelled as a result of park closures due to severe fire risks. Another tough call by the race director, but a safe one.

Coming Up

Coming up on the AURA calendar we’ve got the IAU 100km Asia & Oceania Championships on Saturday, November 23 in Aqaba, Jordan and the Bruny Island Ultra 64km on Saturday, November 30 in Bruny Island, Tasmania.

Note to AURA members

We will be featuring an end-of-year bumper edition of Ultramag that will cover November and as much of December as possible. We are keen to hear your stories, and all contributions get a bonus point towards the points competition. Send your race reports to ultramag@aura.asn.au but we are also looking for out-of-the-box stories – so if you, or you know a fellow AURA member, who has a unique story or experience to share, email kate.dzienis@aura.asn.au to be featured.

Pictured: Feral Pig Ultra 50km male podium finishers. Photograph – Supplied/Facebook.

By Kate Dzienis September 22, 2025
Get the latest weekly results from AUTRA-listed events from the last fortnight.
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.
LOAD MORE

share this

IN OTHER NEWS

By Kate Dzienis September 22, 2025
Get the latest weekly results from AUTRA-listed events from the last fortnight.
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
ALL NEWS