YOUNG AUSTON HAS MORE UP HER SLEEVE

By Kate Dzienis

In late March, the AURA Committee announced New South Wales member Stephanie Auston as joint recipient of the 2019 Young Female Runner of the Year*.

During that year, Auston saw herself gaining an impressive collection to her resume including 19th place at the Trail World Championships in June, 1st place at the Brisbane Trail Ultra (60km), Australian Alpine Ascent (50km), Six Foot Track (45km), Snowies Trail Run Festival (50km) and Two Bays (56km), and 2nd place at Tarawera 100km (NZL).

The 28-year-old from Merimbula, NSW said she felt humbled by the award, especially considering what amazing ultra runners there are in Australia.

“There are really some incredible athletes out there, and it’s so humbling and nice,” she said.

“I just love to run, so even if there were never any more events I don’t go for the accolades, but it is really nice to be recognised.”

Auston explains it is empowering to run as a female and be an inspiration for other women.

“There have been a couple races where I’ve been first across the line so it’s certainly a wonderful feeling to have; I’m quite little, only 5’2”, and I find my height helps me up hills – my power to weight ratio is probably pretty good,” she laughs.

“Running is one of those sports where certainly the mind becomes a bit more important than physical size.”

When it comes to staying consistent, Auston keeps her motivation strong. She enjoys running for the sake of running, revealing it’s all about the fresh air, being outdoors, and starting the day off right.

Auston’s training consists of enlisting the guidance of a coach, speed work, and never checking pace on her watch.
“I only ever keep an eye on distance just so I know that I’ve done the right distance, otherwise I just want to enjoy the journey,” she says.

“Some days are harder than others of course, but I’m using this opportunity (of isolation re COVID-19) to go exploring and run in places I’ve never run before; I’m trying to also use this opportunity to run faster and I’m finding I really enjoy that.

“Mentally, I feel like I’m in a good place. I remember when I was injured some time ago I couldn’t run at all, and right now I’m extremely grateful to be able to get out there and hit some kilometres.”

Auston’s favourite race in Australia is the Six Foot Track whilst overseas it is Tarawera; her most comfortable and enjoyable distance is the 50km, however she will be pushing herself next year for the Western States 100 miler in California, USA and finds support through her mother, grandfather, partner and sister.

“Be where your feet are, enjoy the process and where you are no matter the pace is my advice to ultra runners,” she says.

“I would love to keep representing Australia in all distances, those are my aspirations for the future.”

With the way Auston is running, she is bound for bigger things and you can be sure to see her name continue to be up in lights and on the podium.

Photograph – Trail Worlds/Supplied. 

*The AURA awards, announced last February, recognise outstanding achievements by our members across a number of categories, with Nicole Vaughan awarded the Young Female Ultra Runner of the Year at the time.

Due to an error in the AURA membership database, Auston’s membership information was missed during the awards process. A subsequent review identified this error, and the AURA Committee agreed unanimously that her achievements deserved recognition.