Hooker, 40, also wowed the panel with his collection ultra events, including 1 st Male/1 st 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). 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 (1 st Female in a time of 9:08:24), Birdy’s Backyard Ultra (1 st Female with 201.300km in 40 hours), the Salming Bibra Lake RunningWorks Festival 50km (1 st Female in 3:52:39) and the Lighthorse Ultra 12hr (1 st Female and 1 st Overall with 116.620km). 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. 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.

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.

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