AURA AWARDS FOR 2004

Australian Ultra Runner of the Year (best performed male or female Australian ultra runner)

David Criniti (26) of North Rocks, NSW

David provided many stellar performances in 2004. The first was his 142.495 kms at the 12 hour Coastal Classic on 10/11 January 2004. To put things in perspective, this is believed to be the third best performance in Australia, ranked only behind Yiannis Kouros and George Perdon. David then went on to win the Maroondah Dam 50 km Trail Run in February 2004 in a record time of 4:04. He then contested the Australian Ironman Triathlon in Forster in April, achieving the fastest run time. In May, David won the Grafton to Coffs Harbour 85km race in May in 5:54, just 5 minutes outside Greg Barton's course record. In July he won the beautiful yet brutal Warrumbungles 50km event. In September David travelled to Holland where he competed for Australia in the 100 km World Cup, finishing first Australian in 7:23. In October he travelled to Hawaii to contest the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon, missing the fastest run time by a mere one second. David is the AURA membership secretary and is a great ambassador for AURA, the sport of ultra running and his country.

Rising Star award (best performed male or female of 25 and under)

Felicity Joyce (23) Port Macquarie, NSW

Felicity contested the 12 hours Coastal Classic in January where she achieved 2nd female with 98.441 kms. She then ran in the AURA 24 hour National Championships hosted by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in Adelaide in October which she won with 171.543 kms.

Cliff Young Award (best performance by a male or female athlete of 60 and over in 24 hours track race)

David Jones (63) of Surrey Hills, Victoria

David contested the AURA National 24 hours championships in Adelaide in October 2004, where he achieved 166.860 kms.

AURA Aggregate Points Award(points for competing with bonuses for placings and records)

Male: Kelvin Marshall; Female: Carol Baird

The AURA Executive extends its heartiest congratulations to the recipients of the various awards.

Ian Cornelius
President
2 January 2005