Weekly News Report 27-03-2024

Weekly News Report 27-03-2024

Kate Dzienis • March 27, 2024
  • kunanyi Mountain Run, Tas
  • Noosa Ultra-Trail (2024 Australian Short Course Championships), Qld
  • Washpool World Heritage Trails, NSW
  • Upcoming Events


WEEKLY NEWS REPORT FOR 27-03-2024

As always, we're continuously 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.

kunanyi mountain run (tas)

The kunanyi Mountain Run was held from 22-24 March and offered a 66km (solo and relay) race for the ultra runners, together with a 25km, a 9km and a vertical kilometre 95km).

This year, kMR was selected to be a part of the Golden Trail National Series, powered by Salomon, which is being held in Australia for the first time following its huge success internationally. Just four events and locations (in Vic, NSW and Qld) were handpicked to feature in the Series.

In the Men’s 66km, 1st Male was Piotr Babis (7:14:12) followed by AURA’s Joshua Chugg from Hamilton Hill, WA who crossed the finish line in 7:33:45 to claim 2nd Male and AURA member Andrew Gaskell from Lindisfarne, Tas who completed his run in 7:39:17.  

In the Women’s 66km, top spot went to Patricia McKibbin (8:39:50) whilst AURA’s very own Claire O’Brien-Smith from Swanbourne, WA took home 2nd Female following a finish time of 9:09:11. Jessie Whittle got 3rd Female (9:41:29).

Congratulations to all our members who completed the kunanyi Mountain Run ultra distance including John Cannell (9:27:09 and 1st in his age category), Ursula Adams (9:55:24), David Murphy (11:06:42), Dmitry Pupkov (12:50:46), Glynn Thomas (15:23:27), Kate Asfaq (16:19:30) and Lesley Mason (16:28:40).

For the full list of results, click here.

above Images by calumn hockey.

noosa ultra-trail / 2024 austn short course championships (qld)

Noosa Ultra-Trail was bigger and better this year, held over the weekend from 21-24 March, and gave runners the options of entering the Forest 15km, the Cross Country 25km, the Pomona Sundowner 30km,, the Out N Back 50km, the Hinterland Traverse 80km or the 100 Ultra-Trail – so many options for so many levels of athlete!

This year, Noosa Ultra-Trail also played host the 2024 Australian Short Course Championships (50km).

*Please note, winners of the Championships – podium positions in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions – do not need to be financial AURA members. They simply need to win 1st, 2nd and 3rd to be recognised as Championship winners by AURA.

We’ll kick it off with the Championships!

In the Women’s 50km, we’re proud to say that it was an AURA three-position podium, with all three winners members! Big congratulations to Kellie Angel from Kilsyth, Vic who took out the top spot with a brilliant finish time of 4:29:50, Katy Booth from Pomona, Qld who secured 2nd Female with a performance of 4:38:27 and Victoria Beck from Mackay, Qld who took 3rd Female following a finish time of 4:50:51.

In the Men’s 50km, we also saw a 1st Male prime position taken by an AURA member – massive congrats to John Dutton from Gembrook, Vic who smashed it out of the ballpark and finished in 3:53:06. Second and 3rd Male were won by Eddie Keogh (4:01:41) and Clinton Elliott (4:04:38) respectively.

Well done to all AURA members who raced in the 50km including Sean Stevens (4:22:16 and 4th Male), Montanna McAvoy (5:00:11), Michael Griffin (5:07:03), Kate Worsfold (7:02:13) and Kris Ryan 10:17:20. In total, there were 230 finishers in the 50km.

In the Women’s 80km, podium finishes were awarded to Salome Duff (9:46:55), Tegan Porter (10:34:57) and Jane Conway (11:39:50) while in the Men’s 80km winners were Blaine Bourke (7:39:09), Oskar Booth (7:53:34) and Paul Gourlay (8:33:25).

There were 28 finishers in the 80km, none of whom were AURA members.

In the Women’s 100km, top spots went to Zoe Manning (10:41:35), Roxanne Shahtahmasebi (10:42:45) and Erin Robertson (10:58:54) and in the Men’s 100km winners were named Andrew Dey (9:31:19), Matthew Burt (10:18:24) and Luke Bellamy (10:38:57).

There were 81 finishers in the 100km.

Congratulations to all AURA members who raced in the 100km including Christopher Beavon (11:20:49), Luca Turrini (12:24:14), Rowan Cassidy (12:27:08), Robyn Robertson (13:30:14) and David Campbell (15:18:40).

For the full list of results, click here.

above images supplied by noosa ultra-trail.

Washpool World Heritage Trails (NSW)

Coffs Trail Runners hosted the Washpool World Heritage Trails on Saturday, 23 March through the Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks, and offered a 50km, 25km and 9km.

In the Men’s 50km, top podium finishes went to Daniel Stein (3:46:59), Trent Irwin (4:01:27) and Benjamin Lambert (4:25:57). In the Women’s 50km, winners were named Seabastion Toast (5:46:26), Annabelle Swainston (5:51:43) and Gillian Davidson (6:27:42).

Congratulations to our AURA members who raced in the 50km including Adrian Marchioro (4:56:27 and 4th Male) and Elizabeth Bennett (7:22:29).

For the full list of results, including the 25km and 9km, click here.

Above Image supplied / Coffs Trail Runners 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
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.
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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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