About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Hey there! The Pilbara Trailblazers committee is all about getting outside and having some fun in the Pilbara region. We've got events and for everyone, no matter your age or skill. Come join us and let's explore beauty of the Pilbara together! If you are interested in joining our committee let us know! We would love to have you join us.
Our Story
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Pilbara Trailblazers was founded in 2021 by a group of people with a common passion for running, and a vision to bring together like-minded individuals through unique grassroots events in our region. We are runners, supporters, and volunteers, each of us taking part for different reasons and to achieve different goals, but whatever our reasons, Pilbara Trailblazers provides us an inclusive community, with local events to participate in, and valuable group support.
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We initially started Karratha Runners Facebook page (now Pilbara Trailblazers) in order to bring runners together, to chat, to meet one another and to run together.
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Then we started Bayview Road parkrun to spread the running and volunteering bug through the wider community with weekly 5km, timed runs. We were so lucky that Hampton Oval parkrun started around the same time over in Dampier, to give our runners a few different options.
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We became increasingly aware of the positive impact that running, belonging to the community and volunteering was doing for our participants, and this encouraged us to offer more.
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So in 2021 we decided to take the leap and create a fabulous running club with a variety of events in our spectacular North West.
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Pilbara Trailblazers has been very fortunate to be the recipient of funding through several Community Funding Grants and businesses local to the Pilbara. The funding, and in-kind donations we receive ensures that we can keep the registration cost for our events minimal to ensure maximum participation.
In 2022 We hosted the Inaugural Red Dirt Backyard Ultra (12 hour) and the FENACLNG Run Festival (5km, 10km and 21.1km). We were so very proud of the community involvement and the great success of these two events – which involved about 300 people including participants, volunteers and Committee.
In 2023 we are hosting the Red Dirt Backyard Ultra (24hr) and the Karratha Trail Series (7km, 14km and 21.1km). Additionally, we are adding a series of ‘social’ runs to our calendar to maximise participation and involvement.
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Our future vision is to host events all over the Pilbara region including locations like Millstream National Park and the Murujuga National Park.
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Pilbara Trailblazers are strong advocates for physical and mental health, and are committed to providing an inclusive community for all people who wish to be involved in any capacity of our club.
Meet The Team
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Jacs - President
Hi, I’m Jacs, and I am the president of Pilbara Trailblazers. While I never imagined I’d be in this position, (especially following on from our incredible founding president, Zoe Rutherford), it’s a role I feel I have grown into and one that is very special to me. I’m a Kiwi who has called the Pilbara home for more than 10 years and I love the community and opportunities that have been created through Pilbara Trailblazers. Running is my happy place, as it is for many of our committee members and crew, and I get such enjoyment out of sharing it with others. If you’re out there wondering where to start, hit me up and I’ll come out for a walk, run, jog, slog or shuffle with you!
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Amanda - Vice President
I have only started running in the last year after finding that it improved my mental health. After volunteering at the Red Dirt Backyard Ultra 2023 and Karratha Trail Adventures I really wanted to join the team that gives so much back to running in Karratha. I am really excited to see how far I can push myself this year and cheer on and celebrate everyone who does the same.
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Jamie - Treasurer
I am very proud to say that I have been voted in as the vice president. Joining the Pilbara Trailblazers in 2022 was a great decision and has reignited my love for running by having others to run with and some great events train for. To date, they have helped me focus on running faster and further than I have before. I like all forms of running and am keen to continue to lead some group runs and training sessions. I look forward to working with our team to organise our upcoming events and also to run in the first official Red Dirt Backyard Ultra.
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Karlee - Secretary
Hi I'm Karlee I started running in 2021 after finding team sports too hard to fit in around 3 kids and work. I could only run 1km without a break so I joined a couch to 5K program and haven't looked back. The first event I signed up for was the Red Dirt Backyard Ultra in 2022. I managed 2 official loops and haven't stopped running since. My favorite place to run is out on the trails at sunrise.
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Jesse
I started running as a bit of extra fitness when I was playing footy and found enjoyment out of pushing myself faster and further. When COVID came around and most sports had to stop, I started running full time and not long after I had signed up to run my first ultra marathon. I fell in love with the feeling of completing the ultra and seeing the results of all the training and dedication I put into it, and have completed a handful more since. I started to see and hear about the Pilbara Trailblazers and all the amazing things they were doing for the local running community and I wanted to help give back and be a part of it. I joined the committee so I could be more involved and I look forward to what’s to come.
Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.
Matt
Hey there! I'm Matt, a founding member of the Pilbara Trailblazers and a dedicated executive member since the club's inception. Having previously held the role of Vice President. My running journey began as a quest to regain fitness. What started as a modest 5km run quickly evolved into pursuing longer distances, progressing to half marathons, then marathons, and eventually ultra-marathons, as I discovered the thrill of pushing my limits further. For me, running isn't just about the run – it's about being a part of a community that supports, motivates, and celebrates each other's victories. If you're an early riser like me, you might catch me and my podcast buddy hitting the pavement at the "ridiculous o'clock" hours. So, lace up your shoes, join us on the trails, and let's continue building this incredible community. Together, we are the Pilbara Trailblazers, and the adventure awaits!
Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.
Fiona
Hi I'm Fiona!
Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.
Yvette
Hi I'm Yvette!
Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.
Kelsey
Hi I'm Kelsey!
Cormorant Garamond is a classic font with a modern twist. It's easy to read on screens of every shape and size, and perfect for long blocks of text.
Tayna
Hi I'm Tayna!
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Elisha
Hi I'm Elisha!
