2022 AURA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Australian Male Ultra Runner of the Year 

For outstanding single or collective performances by a male.

Phil Gore, from WA, overall had an incredibly outstanding year in 2022. He ran 7 ultra events, and took 1st Male in every single one of them - Lark Hill 50km Dusk to Dawn, Herdy's Frontyard LOS, Lighthorse Ultra 12hr, Australian 24 Hour Track Invitational, Birdy's Backyard LOS and the WTF 50km.

It wasn't until the end of the year, in October 2022, that Phil set the world on fire even more. He raced at Big Dog's Backyard World Championships (aka Satellite Backyard) where no less than 37 countries raced in a last one standing event, in a simultaneous backyard ultra on home soil. Australia's championships were held in Qld, and Phil - along with his team mates - helped Australia take 3rd Place after he ran 76 loops (76hrs). 

An amazing 2022 for Phil, and we're sure we haven't seen the best of him yet! Congratulations!

Bryan Smith Award

For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a male under the age of 60.

Dion Finocchiaro from Vic has been awarded the Bryan Smith Award for his outstanding performance at the 2022 100km Sydney International, where he won 1st Male in an incredible time of 6:30:43. 

Along with the performance, Dion also achieved other great performances throughout the year with aa win at the Warburton Trail Fest Lumberjack Ultra 50km and incredible races at the 24hr Coburg Harriers Carnival, 100km Berlin Bernau IAU WC, and Ultra-Trail Kosciusko by UTMB. 

Congratulations Dion on such a great performance!

Helen Stanger Award

For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a female under the age of 60.

Margaret Hadley from WA has, for a second time, taken out the Helen Stranger Award, this time for her performance at Big Dog's Backyard World Championships (aka Satellite Backyard) where she claimed Last Woman Standing and secured a new Female backyard record of 47 hours (loops).

Stellar effort Margie, congratulations!

Young Female Ultra Runner of the Year 

For outstanding single or collective performances by a female under the age of 30.

Cassie Cohen from the ACT has been awarded the Young Female Ultra Runner of the Year award for 2022, representing the incredible athleticism and passion younger endurance runners have in the community. Last year, Cassie took Silver at the IAU 24 Hour Asia and Oceania Championships in India where she finished with a total of 214.590km. 

Congratulations Cassie! No doubt you have much more up your sleeves in years to come! 

Young Male Ultra Runner of the Year 

For outstanding single or collective performances by a male under the age of 30.

Thomas Dade from Vic, has made waves entering the ultra running community in very recent years. One of his most impressive performances in 2022 was in the Down Under 135 where he not only finished 1st Male in 2d 05:07:53 - but he was also the sole finisher in one of the country's most gruelling ultra races. 

Along with Tom's win at DU135, he made many 2022 appearances on the podium, taking 1st Placings at Buffalo Stampede (Grand Slam), Unreasonable East 200mi, You Yangs 100mi, Roller Coaster Run 46km and the Great Southern Endurance Run 50mi. He also has given himself experiences at Alpine Challenge 100mi (3rd), Surf Coast Century 100km (4th), and the Coast to Kosci Ultra 222km (20th). Tom was also selected to race at the 2022 Long Trail World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in the 78km event. 

You have a bright future ahead of you Tom in ultra running, congratulations on your achievements!

Cliff Young Award 

For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a male over the age of 60.

Greg Wilson from Vic is well known in the ultra running community, and what a year he had in 2022! Greg was awarded the Cliff Young Award in particular for his performance at the 2022 Australian 24 Hour Track Invitational where he broke no less than 6 Age Group records! He took the 24hr event with gusto, cracking 170.395km and taking 2nd Male (M70 1st Male). 

We couldn't be more proud of you Greg! Congratulations on your achievement!

Shirley Young Award 

For the greatest single best ultra running achievement by a female over the age of 60.

Marie Boyd might be an Aussie living in the US, but she's a very active ultra runner who loves her multiday events! Marie impressed everyone with her performance at the 2022 3 Days At The Fair 6 Days Race (Bishop, California, USA) where she took 5th Female after completing a total distance of 413.601km.

Marie never ceases to amaze those around her, congratulations on your win!

Ultra Performance of the Year Award

Nominated by and voted on by the AURA members.

Phil Gore for his stellar performance at Big Dog's Backyard World Championships (aka Satellite Backyard) in October 2022! 

This year, Phil walks away with two awards, the Male Ultra Runner of the Year award as well as the people's choice Ultra Performance of the Year. 

Congratulations Phil on taking out the Performance of the Year award as voted by your peers.