President's Report: March 2025

Hi Runners, I hope this latest UltraMag finds you all well!

March was a busy month with 11 events on the calendar. I hope all our members had some great runs, we’d love to hear about it, so send your race reports and pictures to kate.dzienis@autra.asn.au

A final reminder that applications for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships close 31 March. Please go to the registration link here.  

This weekend is the 24 Hour National Championships being hosted by Sri Chinmoy in Canberra, ACT. I know there are many members attending this event and we wish you all the very best for your race.

Next month is the Australian Short Course Trail Championships which are being hosted at the Five Peaks Trail Running Festival on 13 April. Please visit the event website here for more information.

Also coming up in April is Ridgy Didge Trail Run Festival, Cairns 50, 3 Valleys Runningworks Ultra, Delirious West 100 & 200 Miler and Gils Galavant Backyard Ultra.

Thanks to all of you who contributed to our recent survey. We are in the process of preparing a summary report to provide to you all. The key feedback that we received will form the pillars for our Strategic Plan. From your feedback we have identified there are 3 key pillars that consist of:

1.    Athlete development

2.    Community/member benefits, information and education

3.    Race director support

We value your feedback and look forward to getting started on this plan that will take AUTRA in the future.

The 2025 AUTRA Annual General Meeting will be held on 28 May via Zoom at 8pm. Links to attend will be sent to members ahead of this date. The agenda will be released 3 weeks prior.

As mentioned before all positions are up for nomination and we urge anyone who has the time and the passion to give our sport to step forward or contact us for more information. We are specifically aiming to get someone with experience to fill the following roles which we feel would be extremely beneficial to the committee:

• TREASURER– preferably someone with accounting experience and that has used MYOB before, however bookkeeping experience is also acceptable.
• GOVERNANCE OFFICER – someone with a background in legislation and policy writing, can collaborate with other stakeholders such as Australian Athletics and trail associations and assist in the execution of the new strategic plan.
• VP/COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER – look after membership growth and retention, manage social media content and moderation, coordinate the State Reps. 
• We are also seeking someone who has experience in corporate sponsorship management to take on a committee position to help AUTRA secure funding over the coming years.
• Anyone with IT experience is always helpful!

There are 6 positions on the committee to be filled. Historically the committee position title for the most part is irrelevant as we work as a team, and each office bearer takes on duties which match their strengths and expertise, and I can’t see any reason why this should change; running AUTRA needs to be a cohesive effort between the entire committee. So, if you have a particular strength you can bring to the table and wish to contribute valuable help to the association, please contact me at president@autra.asn.au.

That’s all for this month, happy running and we thank you again for your continued support.

Simone Hayes

AUTRA President