Australian Ultra Running Association (AURA) members Margaret Hadley and Michael Hooker were named the Australian Female Ultra Runner of the Year and Australian Male Ultra Runner of the Year for 2020.
The two ultra runners were awarded the prestigious awards by the AURA Committee for their astounding performances throughout the year, and both were taken aback, as well as humbled, by their wins.
Haddy had the chance to catch up with both winners to uncover the determination and perseverance that are required to perform at such astounding levels of physical and mental endurance.
Hadley, 40, impressed the AURA Committee with her strong and consistent podium finishes across a range of ultra events in WA, including the Australia Day Ultra 100km (1st Female in a time of 9:08:24), Birdy’s Backyard Ultra (1st Female with 201.300km in 40 hours), the Salming Bibra Lake RunningWorks Festival 50km (1st Female in 3:52:39) and the Lighthorse Ultra 12hr (1st Female and 1st Overall with 116.620km).
Hooker, 40, also wowed the panel with his collection ultra events, including 1st Male/1st Overall in the following events – the Australia Day Ultra 100km (in a time of 7:27:03), the Lark Hill Dusk to Dawn 100km (7:54:27), Birdy’s Backyard Ultra (268.400km), Feral Pig Ultra 100mi (18:28:42) and the Yaberoo Trail Ultra 50km (3:47:03).
We also caught up with friend of the show Steve Redfern to chat about his exciting new project: The Southern Sydney 24hr Ultra.
Enjoy!
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