WILD GOOSE CHASE STEALS HARVIE’S HEART

Kate Dzienis • July 26, 2018

Contributed by Zora Harvie, AURA member

The Wild Goose Chase 45km Ultra on Saturday, 30 June was my first ultra trail run and what a day it was. From arriving at the camp village to being out on the course the experience was truly one that I will not forget. The Wild Goose Village was like a family camping ground, with the organisers making it very cozy and warm, and faces that welcomed me as I picked up by race bib.

As I waited at the start line with my trail mates, I really had no idea of the course and its difficulty or beauty. I was full of nerves waiting with the group of runners and couldn’t possibly know how much fun the day would be. From the stunning scenic vistas of the Avon Valley National Park to hills that seemed to go on for ever, and some stunning single track, I fell in love with the ultra distance that day. The course was a 22km loop that had such changing terrain it was never boring. I always love running the single tracks and feeling like a kid again and the 45km didn’t disappoint.

The track was well flagged most of the time, well…I must say, if you pay attention because a fellow runner and I were so busy talking and enjoying our time we missed our turn and ended up at the Big G aid station too soon and from the wrong direction, the lovely volunteers helped us back to where our turning point was and we set off again on our 45km run.

We then had to face the Big G – a hill that seemed to go on for some time. I do love a hill and the view at the top did not disappoint, and it wasn’t far to run, so then we were back at the Big G aid station where plenty of treats and drinks were waiting with some amazing volunteers.

During the day the runners who were taking part in the 106km ultra passed us at various points. I have never seen bigger smiles on runners than I did on these ladies and gents, they were full of words of support for us 45km runners which impressed me and reminded me that this is one of the reasons I love trail running – the camaraderie and support is amazing.

As the morning light turned to afternoon light, I moved on to my second loop and again managed to go off the track, so had to back track and find the right path, but it didn’t matter to me as I was still enjoying my run with my fellow runner.

I am glad that we were together as I think having to run the extra kilometres may have played on my mind if I was alone.

As we traversed the technical single track, crossed the river bed, ran down some steep slopes, climbed the Big G once again and passed through the Big G aid station for the final time, the sun was disappearing and so it was time for our head lamps, running those final kilometres in the dark with only the light of our head lamps guiding us. It was such a great feeling and soon I could hear the music and people at the finish line and what a great feeling it was, some 56kms later to be back where we started feeling a little bit more tired than when we started, but knowing that this would be the first of many more ultras for me.

Wild Goose Chase, you stole my trail heart.

Pictured: Zora Harvie, in the orange shirt, at the Wild Goose Chase race. Photograph – Shannon Dale.

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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