From the Editor’s Desk (November)

Kate Dzienis • November 20, 2017

Our second edition of the new format Ultramag is here!

Since our first digital version was distributed last month on October 24, we have had amazing feedback from our members about the style and the stories being collated. It’s been a positive journey these last few weeks, and even though we’re heading into the holiday season, AURA will still be hard at work ensuring your monthly Ultramag is on its way.

Coming on board as the new editor, it’s my aim to continue in the same positive direction that has been so well established by all previous editors, and encourage more of your stories to be shared amongst members. Inspiration is a driving force for us to better ourselves, and the only way we can go is up when it comes to entering new territory in the ultra world – whether it be aiming for a longer distance, or attempting a trail race instead of one for the road or track.

As I go on my own journey in the ultra world, it was only recently that I’d discovered the real battle of the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies long distance runners, and the need to find inspiration amongst fellow runners to keep going and just finish.

My experience during this month’s Feral Pig Ultra in the Perth Hills of WA was exactly that.

The unbearable heat that rolled across the weekend of November 11 and 12 saw more than 50 per cent of participants in the 100 Miler, 50 Miler and 50kms events DNF.

And yet each and every single one of those runners, whether they finished their allotted event or not, walked away proud that they gave it their all.

Their mental battles, their emotional hardships, their physical barriers were all tested against the Pig, and never in my time as a runner have I seen more comradery amongst a group of people than I did at this ultra event – participants stopping and assisting an injured runner, losing almost two hours of their own time to ensure their fellow competitor was taken care of; volunteers setting up ad hoc aid stations with their vehicles at any possible accessible spot to give out extra water and electrolytes, and; runners giving up their own resources of water or food when spotting another in need of rehydration.

I myself may have only just entered the 23kms event, but in that distance, and in the brutal temperatures of a dry, intense heat, I went through the self-doubt, the questioning, and even the anger of wondering why I didn’t feel strong enough to get through the race in my predicted time.

But in the end, the mateships and the strength of runner-colleague relationships outweigh the ups and downs, and I learnt at the weekend that this world of ultra running we live in, this world we simply love and breathe, is for people who yes, not only want to test their own capabilities, but is also for those who believe in the best for others, and will see to it that they too succeed in their ultra goals.

Happy ultra running.

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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