FROM THE VP (JULY 2019)

FROM THE VP (JULY 2019)

Alexis Oosterhoff • July 31, 2019

NEW RECORDS


With thanks to our records officer, Jodie Oborne, we congratulate Bernadette Benson for setting a new Australian Women’s OPEN record in the 100 mile distance at the Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Races in Campbelltown NSW and Marie Boyd for setting several new W70 age group records at the Across the Years 6 Day event in Glendale, USA

There is also an update to the Women’s open & age group records documents that can be found on our Records page.

The table below shows all Australian records awarded this year:

Date Athlete Distance/Time Record Type Venue New Record
30-Dec-18 Marie Boyd 48 hour Australian W70 Glendale USA 151.760 km
31-Dec-18 Marie Boyd 200 km Australian W70 Glendale USA 2D:15:22:23
3-Jan-19 Marie Boyd 6 days Australian W70 Glendale USA 360.851 km
17-Mar-19 Nikki Wynd 48 hour Australian W45 Bruce ACT 317.894 km
17-Mar-19 Gemma Worland 48 hour Australian W25 Bruce ACT 146.063 km
17-Mar-19 Dan Symonds 48 hour Australian M25 Bruce ACT 362.213 km
14-Apr-19 Jeff Grey 50 km Australian M55 Canberra ACT 3:35:36
16-Jun-19 Bernadette Benson 100 miles Australian W OPEN Australian W50 Campbelltown NSW 15:24:44

AUSTRALIAN 24H TEAM SELECTION


Congratulations to the following athletes who have been selected to represent Australian at the IAU World Championships in Albi France on 26 & 27 October. This is without doubt our largest and potentially one of the most competitive teams ever.

MEN

  • Matthew Eckford
  • Kevin Muller
  • John Yoon
  • Stephen Redfern
  • Ewan Horsburgh
  • Kay Bretz
  • John Pearson
  • Barry Loveday
  • Dan Symonds

WOMEN

  • Nicole Barker
  • Tia Jones
  • Nikki Wynd
  • Donna Urquhart
  • Simone Hayes


CLUB RANKINGS


With thanks to David Billett, the AURA Club Rankings documents have been updated and can be found on our Rankings page (under All Time Rankings / Club Rankings). The Club Rankings list Australian runners who have achieved certain distances (100mi, 200km, 250km & 300km), sorted chronologically according to date of entry into the club.

HALL OF FAME


A huge thanks to Ian Cornelius for contributing a fantastic article this month docmenting the running career of Ron Grant. The article can be read here, and is also linked from our Hall of Fame page, where you can read about many other great Australian ultra runners.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS


Back in April I wrote that Rob Donkersloot and myself are standing down from our roles in AURA at the end of the current term (i.e. April 2020). We’d very much like to start handing over a number of the jobs required to keep AURA running, which include (but are not limited) the following. Now is an especially good time to start doing so, as several of these roles are most active over the next two to three months.

If you’ve the time and an interest in any of these roles, please contact myself or Rob — we’ll give you plenty of support in learning the job:

  • Awards & Trophies – order trophies for National Championships and Annual Awards each year, and distribute to NC events and recipients
  • Certificates – prepare, print and send certificates for Australian Open and Age Group records as they are ratified
  • Website Management – maintain the AURA (WordPress) website, performing regular software updates, monitoring backups etc
  • Website Publishing – update the AURA listed event pages
  • Membership Management – maintain the database of members
  • Insurance Coordinator – liaise with insurer to manage insurance for AURA listed events


NEW AURA MERCHANDISE


We’ve had new shirts & singlets designed by local a pair of talented WA ultra runners (Shannon & Justin at OC Clothing), and are really pleased with the outcome. They’re now in stock and available to order at the AURA Shop. Some sizes have sold out already – a new shipment arrived this Tuesday and we’ll have the shop updated with stock levels by end of the week.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS


An update to our National Championship Results for 2019, with Cleland 50 (Short-Course Trail Championships) held in June.

Title Event 1st 2nd 3rd
48 Hour Canberra 48h 15/3/19 Nikki Wynd 317.89 km Kerrie Williamson 305.284 km Cheryl Symonds 284.520 km
24 Hour Coburg 24h 13/4/19 Cheryl Symons 186.311 km Karen Mickle 174.642 km Kris Ryan 168.177 km
50km Canberra Ultra Marathon 14/4/19 Corrina Black 4:03:16 Alena Scurrah 4:14:48 Katherine Booy 4:31:04
Trail (short) Cleland 50 9/6/19 Hannah McRae 5:27:10 Ina Schapiro 5:39:53 Vicky Rounding 5:57:29
Trail (long) Hume & Hovell 12/10/19 Karen Mickle 4:24:33 Jodie Oborne 14:44:53 Leah Weeden 19:29:07
100km Ned Kelly Chase 100 26/10/19 Rhiannon Snipe 8:09:58 Michelle McAdam 8:15:15 Margie Hadley 8:43:59

2019 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS (MALE)

Title Event 1st 2nd 3rd
48 Hour Canberra 48h 15/3/19 Mick Thwaites 389.041 km Dan Symonds 362.213 km David Billet 275.673 km
24 Hour Coburg 24h 13/4/19 Kevin Muller 251.605 km John Yoon 219.245 km Daragh O’Loughlin 208.705 km
50km Canberra Ultra Marathon 14/4/19 Ash Watson 2:59:40 Brendan Davies 3:08:28 Barry Keem 3:10:17
Trail (short) Cleland 50 9/6/19 John Csongei 4:53:38 Graham Tottey 6:32:05
Trail (long) Hume & Hovell 12/10/19 Andrew McConnell 10:11:28 Scott Richmond 10:43:01 Richard Storrier 10:47:14
100km Ned Kelly Chase 100 26/10/19 Clay Dawson 6:54:03 Dion Finocchiaro 8:03:30 Kyle Weise 7:53:04
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.
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
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IN OTHER NEWS

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.
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
August 29, 2025
David Martin heads out with Kevin Matthews on WA's unofficial Choo Choo Run.
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