Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Race Report

Sydney, 2 November 2008: Conditions could not have been kinder for the Sri Chinmoy Fun-Runs at Iron Cove this morning. After the mini heat wave of last week, we were greeted by a cool but not-too-brisk morning, the gentlest of breezes and a benign cloud cover.

A sociable group of 185 diverse runners gathered to test themselves over one of 3 distances on offer-  4 km, 8 km or 16 km.

Under 17 runner, Daniel Siepen was first to tread the finish chute, completing 4 km in 13:31, followed by Tim Sheedy in the Male 17+ category in 13:45, and Daniel Heaslip (Boys Under 13) in 15:15.   Simone Newton won the Women's 4 km race by over a minute in 17:24, with Erica Stubbings first Girl Under 17 in 21:07, and Georgia Holtsbaum first Girl Under 13 in 21:13.

The 8 km saw an extraordinary turn of events, with Over 50's David McEwan winning the race outright in 30:52.   He was followed in by Sri Chinmoy Sydney race regular, Pavol Sefcik from Slovakia, winning the Under 50s category in 31:14.   Not far back came John Burroughs, taking first place from two other Johns in an impressive contingent of Over 60s Men.

Meanwhile Audrey Hall was outstanding in winning the Women's 8 km race by several minutes, finishing in 34:47.   Pennie Psaltis continued her good form in the Women 50-59 with a fine 39:38, while Kerry Bray led the charge for the over 60's in 45:43.

The 8 km attracted the largest field of the day, with 89 finishers thoughtfully staggering their arrival so the queue at the pancake table was never too long.

The stellar performance of the day came from Paul Himberger (left)-  55:12- in the 16 km race, maintaining a considerably faster pace throughout than any of the runners in the 8 km.   Paul led from the outset and, despite his commanding lead, never relaxed his focus, form and determination.   The only other runner under the hour was Pete Conway in 59:22.

John Dawlings was untested in taking line honours in the Men 50-59 in 1:07:45, while Rob Connolley, fresh off the plane from England, was not far behind John in 1:10:11 for a remarkably fresh first-place Men 60-69.   Bert Sloan championed the cause of the older runner, first home in the Men 70+.

As shining as Paul's run was, Christine Wong was even further ahead of the field in her race, clocking an impressive 1:08:07 for the 16 km- always looking calm, poised and in control.   Ann Owen was first in the Women 50-59 in 1:27:58.

A friendly, jovial mood pervaded the race today, both along this classic course and at the post-event gathering.

Full results and a photo album are now published.