WEEKLY NEWS REPORT – 31/7/2019

Kate Dzienis • August 1, 2019

Yaberoo Trail Ultra, WA

This weekend saw the running of the Yaberoo Trail Ultra in Joondalup, WA and offered participants three distance events – an ultra of 50km, a 25km and 15km.

Despite a cold start to the day, 50km participants hit the ground running just as the sun as coming up.

In the men’s race top spot for 1st Male, new AURA member Matt Maguire from Carlisle blitzed the trails with a finish time of 3:58:38.

Yannick Guitard came 2nd with 4:00:10 and Jason Keenehan 3rd with 4:07:05.

Surprisingly Maguire said it was his first trail race.

“I was very unsure of myself going in to the race…after running five road marathons over the last five years,” he said.

“I wasn’t enjoying the road running anymore and have loved the change up to trails in the last few months. As for the Yaberoo 50km, I only registered a week before the race, on the last night that registration was open.

“The race itself was fantastic, really well organised and a great way for me to start trail racing; perfect conditions.

“Four of us went out early in the lead. I was second going through the first 30km lap Really started to struggle at 35km, but managed to grab the lead and hold on until the end.

“Happy to say I’ve got the trail bug now, and looking to run the Albany Ultra later this year, as it’s my home town and the first time they’re doing the race.”

For the women, Lauren French took the top gong with a time of 4:25:48 whilst AURA’s very own Margie Hadley from Henley Brook held on to 2nd after completing the distance in 4:30:35.

Shaye Pett claimed 3rd Female with 5:04:01.

Hadley said Yaberoo for her was about enjoying the race, the pace, and the atmosphere around her.

“The plan was to just run and enjoy it, not worry about pace, and just run relaxed,” she said in her Strava feed.

“The ankle held up well, there was no pain running; a minor amount of swelling but overall I’m really happy with my run.”

Congratulations to all AURA members who finished the 50km event including Jon Pendse (4:07:15), Andre Pienaar (4:43:50), Sergio Gustinetti (4:48:27), Mick Francis (4:51:03), Ian North (5:03:18), Beck Hefferon (5:09:00), Jutta Kober (5:36:15), Georgia Snowball (5:50:56), Vinnie Macri (6:12:58), Shon Fry (6:45:35), Mark Caldwell (6:53:52), Kelly-Lyn Fleming (7:21:35) and Bob Colligan (7:42:00).

The next races on the AURA-calendar of events are the HerberTONNE this Sunday on August 3 in the Atherton Tablelands, Qld and the Berry Long Run on August 10 in Bacchus Marsh, Vic.

Pictured: Run coach Glen Smetherham (Consistent Running, AURA’s Coach’s Corner, and Yaberoo race director) with 50km 1st Male Matt Maguire. Photograph – Supplied.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.

Team Manager 2025 IAU Asian and Oceania 100K Championships

By Gary Mullins • August 29, 2025

Location : Bangkok, Thailand Dates : November 21 - 24 2025 Role Type : Volunteer Position Time Commitment : Pre event planning + Travel Application Deadline : 7th 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 24 hour 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 on the 3rd 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