EDITORIAL
We’ve completed our eighth year of operations and are still alive and thriving, due to your efforts. Thank you for your wonderful contributions to ULTRAMAG and for supporting ultra races around Australia. I feel we must one of the strongest countries in the world in terms of ultra running, as we now have 53 ultra races on our calendar and the variety is great.
It gives me a real lift to find members taking the initiative and trying their hands at race organisation. Leigh Privett’s new trail race through Kosciusko National Park in March should be absolutely fantastic. The high country is magnificent in summer with its huge boulders, snow gums, wild-flowers and crystal-clear mountain streams. Good luck with this one Leigh. Hookie’s Bogong to Mt.Hotham in January is gaining in popularity too, in similar conditions.
Incidentally, Leigh Privett has also taken the initiative and invited some members of the Russian ultra-running community out to compete in our events. They are extremely enthusiastic, and with some help in getting them visas, they should be out here during 1994. Leigh got to know them when he visited Kamchatka in far eastern Siberia (Russia) for an 8 day trail race called “The Hell over the Clouds” which we advertised in our March ‘93 ULTRAMAG. The race was in August. Their Russian hospitality was overwhelming apparently, and Leigh was so enthusiastic about the event that he has sent us a pile of descriptive brochures to include with this issue. Thank you Leigh. Perhaps they may inspire other members to participate next year if the event is
repeated.
Bill Joannou is also tackling the organisation of a 6/12/24 Hour Track Race at Beaton Park, Wollongong in March and we wish him all the best with this one. Please do your best to support these new race organisers.
Planning for “The Tasmania Run ‘93″, the 7 day staged road-race which takes in a circuit of Tasmania in August, is well under way and race organiser, Alan Rider is very excited about what a sensational event it promises to be. It is already attracting world-wide interest and enquiries have been received from Spain, Britain, Canada, Slovenia, New Zealand, Japan, France, Czech. Republic as well as from all states of Australia. What I find interesting about it is that there are two recovery days built into the event, and that the actual running only takes place in either the areas of outstanding natural beauty or well-populated areas, where the runners will receive plenty of moral support from spectators. The less interesting parts of Tassie are to be driven. Mainland competitors will also have a chance to travel on the new “Spirit of Tasmania” ferry which had its first run recently.
So things are looking decidedly brighter on the Australian ultra-running scene. The only black spot is in connection with my ex-friend, David Sill. We did the right thing and made him a NSW interstate AURA rep. last July because he seemed a nice bloke, but lately I’m starting to regret that decision. He has far exceeded the bounds of friendship with his over-zealous recruitment of NSW members! Now this is just NOT ALLOWED. I’m a tolerant woman, but when I come home from work each night to find MORE application forms from NSW members, it is decidedly depressing. Enough is enough!
We tried handicappping the Colac 6 Day Race this year for the first time. You all realize that when a race is handicapped, the runners are supposed to end up with around the same distance. Well, in fact, there was 300km or so difference! A total disaster. Our only comment on this one is that, firstly, you mustn’t have paid us enough, and secondly, we can’t be good at everything.
Anyway, that’s it folks. I need race dates for next year, and a cheque for $25.00 to support us for 1994.
Have a great Christmas and holiday period. Do a few miles and keep fit.
Regards,

Tags: Australia, Ultra history

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Tags: Australia, Ultra history