Weekly News Report 18-01-2024

Weekly News Report 18-01-2024

Kate Dzienis • January 18, 2024
  • Six Inch Trail Marathon, WA
  • Two Bays Trail Run, Vic
  • Member News
  • Upcoming Events


WEEKLY NEWS REPORT FOR 18-01-2024

We hope everyone has had an amazing start to the new year, and thank you so much for supporting AURA with your membership. We are always on the hunt for your stories and reports, so get those race reports and photographs in to ultramag@aura.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@aura.asn.au

If any corrections need to be made in any of the results listed below, please alert me via email. This is a long one, and I do personally apologise for taking a bit longer to get these results out.

6 Inch trail marathon (wa)

The iconic 6 Inch Trail Marathon, in Dwellingup (WA), was officially the last AURA-listed event for 2023 and was held on Sunday, 17 December. There are two distances for trail runners at 6 Inch – the 47km (6 Inch) and the 23km (3 Inch).

In the Men’s 6 Inch, top spots were won by Michael Carroll (3:32:59), Bryce Turvey (3:47:19) and Jonathan Sammut (3:48:41). In the Women’s 6 Inch, winners were named Lauren French (4:00:12), Hannah Paget (4:15:20) and Kirsten Buist (4:28:36). 

In the Men’s 3 Inch, podium finishes went to Dale Zabiela (1:33:51), Sam Herrmann (1:39:30) and Alan Stabler (1:44:51). In the Women’s 3 Inch, top positions were awarded to Jess Reynolds (1:53:55), Anna Gannett (2:05:23) and AURA’s Claudia Seke from Muchea, WA who finished the distance and claimed 3rd Female with a time of 2:08:13. 

In total there were 249 runners in the 6 Inch distance. Congratulations to all members who raced in the 6 Inch, including Nathan Fawkes (3:59:55), David Murphy (4:12:21), Kevin Matthews (4:35:06), Sarah Dyer (4:39:57), Brenton Davies (4:45:11), Andrew Jackson (5:16:09), Glen Smetherham (5:23:48), David Giles (5:29:47), Alexis Oosterhoff (5:33:02), Dave Romanin (5:48:12), Fay Wells (5:50:19), Barbara Fieberg-McFarlane (5:51:13), Andy Thompson (5:52:20), Chetan Sadhana (5:54:29), Bianca Harding (6:26:13), Mark Caldwell (6:48:10), Martyn Flahive (6:49:58), Del Thompson (7:09:39), Kerriann Bresser (7:10:30), Ian Nichol (7:31:40), Georgia Snowball (7:31:56), Eve Knudson (7:31:57), Sue Robertson (7:38:05), Jason Kell (7:46:11), Hayley Boneham (7:52:01) and Rob Donkersloot (8:12:00). 

Head here for the full list of the 2023 results.

two bays trail run (vic)

The first event for 2024 was held on Sunday, 14 January and it was the Two Bays Trail Run in Dromana, Vic – always highly anticipated and found to be on many runners’ bucket lists. On offer was a 56km and a 28km. 

In the Men’s 56km, 1st Male was awarded to AURA’s Dion Finocchiaro from Frankston, Vic who crossed the finish line in a whopping 4:09:40. Second and 3rd Male were awarded to Daniel Ebbott (4:10:39) and John Csongei (4:25:44) respectively. 

In the Women’s 56km, top spots were won by Sarah-Jayne Miller (4:46:30), Christi Berenz (4:55:20) and Rhiannon Snipe (4:58:18). 

Congratulations to all members who raced in the 56km Two Bays Trail Run, including Simon Neale (4:49:25), Rhiannon Snipe (4:58:18), Kevin Muller (5:28:50), Jennifer Kellett (6:31:08), Stuart Hughes (6:38:37), Jody Daff (6:55:10) and Cheryl Symons (7:35:44).

In the Men’s 28km, podium finishers were Michael Kernahan (1:50:11), Jared Kahlefeldt (1:53:53) and Paul Marchant (1:54:59), whilst for the Women’s 28km winners were Sarah Klein (2:00:10), Kate Avery (2:01:11) and Anna McKenna (2:02:11). 

Well done to everyone who raced in the 28km, including our members James Sieber (2:05:59), Mak Sawa (2:45:36), Steve Jackson (2:53:58), Fleur Douy (3:31:20) and Theresa Cole (3:40:42). 

For the full list of 2024 results, click here.

Member News

RUN ANTARCTICA: Two years of planning paid off earlier this month, when Donna Urquhart crossed the finish line of her Run Antarctica – World Record Attempt for the Longest Polar Run. Battling all the weather challenges that part of the world could throw at her, including temperatures of -20 degrees Celcius, Donna ran 10km circuits around Union Glacier Camp, completing 1312km in 26 days – an average of 50km per day. 

She beat the previous record by over 100km. Big congratulations to you Donna from all of us here at AURA and abroad, what an amazing achievement! We are all so incredibly proud of you.

24 PARKRUNS IN 24 HOURS: On Saturday, 13 January a large contingent of runners participated in the annual 24 Parkruns In 24 Hours event around the metro region of Perth and near Busselton in WA. I managed to catch some AURA members in action at Aveley parkrun, which was parkrun number 4 on the list. 

Perth was in the middle of a stifling heat wave on the day, with temperatures reaching a horrid 42 degrees, but so many runners pushed through for the event, which was raising awareness and donations for charity On My Feet. 

Congratulations to all those members who ran at 24 Parkruns In 24 Hours, including Kevin Matthews (completed all 24), Phil Gore (completed all 24), Sarah Dyer (completed all 24), Shaun Kaesler, David Murphy, Jagpawan ‘JP’ Dhillon, Abdul-Raouf Mohamed-Isa, Chetan Sadhana and Frank Chauveau. 

It must be noted that Sarah Dyer became WA’s first ever female to complete the entire 24 parkruns, and the second ever female nationally, with a total of 121.6km (averaging 5:26/km). Congratulations Sarah, what an effort!

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
Learn how you can get the most out of your aid stations when competing in an ultra.

From The President (AUGUST 2025)

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

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.
ALL NEWS