Author: Kate Dzienis

Earlier in April, AURA held it’s AGM in Perth, with a good group of members participating electronically from the eastern states. I had the opportunity to highlight some of the Association’s achievements for 2017, these included: The Association comprised 475 members in December 2017, approximately a 20% increase on 2016. There were 58 events listed on AURA’s calendar of events. Australian teams participated in IAU World Championships, representing Australia proudly at both the Trail event held in Italy in June and the 24-hour event in Belfast Northern Ireland in July. A research study was undertaken of AURA members, race organisers, elite athletes and the wider Australian ultra running community on wide ranging matters that will assist the Association with determining future initiatives. Sub Committees were formed in October to develop strategy recommendations addressing: awareness and interest equity membership acquisition and membership value propositions assistance and support for event organisers funding elite performance A comprehensive strategic blueprint for AURA will be finalised from these contributions during 2018. A review was conducted of AURA’s event listing process by Andy Hewat, Kerrie Bremner and Greg Robinson. Significant changes in processes were recommended and implemented. An event Safety Standard document is currently being developed and hoped to be implemented in 2018. After consultation with AURA members a decision was reached to move the UltraMag magazine from a hard copy printed publication to one...