YOUR NEW VP FOR AURA, MATTHEW ECKFORD

Kate Dzienis • May 28, 2020

Matthew Eckford, Qld Vice President

Photo By: John Doe

Queenslander Matthew Eckford has an abundance of experience when it comes to ultra running and being an active member of AURA, and was on April 28 newly elected as Vice President of AURA.

He has represented Australia not just once, but three times at the World Championships and twice at the Asian Championships. Now wanting to play a larger role in the growth and promotion of the sport, Matthew will apply his strategic skills, passion and knowledge in his new role.

With a contagiously positive attitude, Matthew inspires athletes to be their performance best. With recent cancellations of races, he continued to participate in ‘isolation runs’ at home, in particular completing a 6-hour run he would have normally done at the Sri Chinmoy 48-hour Track Festival in late March.

“I am truly looking forward to helping grow the profile of AURA and the sport of ultra running in Australia,” he said.

To reach out to Matthew you can email him at vp@aura.asn.au

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2026 AGM Notice (15 April 2026)

By Dave Martin • March 14, 2026

AUTRA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 15 April 2026

AUTRA statement regarding Snowies Trail Run Festival

March 12, 2026

AUTRA has been in direct contact with the organisers of the Snowies Trail Run Festival, In2Adventure, regarding a recent situation involving an athlete and the event’s in‑person safety briefing requirements. In2Adventure has confirmed that the situation was discussed directly with the athlete at the time. From In2Adventure’s account, and for the purpose of clarifying the public record, AUTRA notes the following points: At no stage was the athlete prevented from breastfeeding at the event. The organiser states that the following options were offered to enable the athlete to participate while still meeting safety requirements: a quiet and private space where she could breastfeed while still being present at the briefing; the option to receive the required briefing at the 30 km start line after the start; and the option to change her registration to the 21 km event, where the briefing is conducted on the start line. At no stage prior to event registration on Saturday night did the athlete contact the organiser to advise of her situation or request alternative arrangements, which limited what could be put in place at the time. Face‑to‑face safety briefings have always been a requirement for In2Adventure events.