Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 5: Prospect Creek Race Report
13 September 2009: Summer arrived early on Sunday. Even before the dawn the heat loomed, the sun appearing with a vehemence that instantly proclaimed who's boss.
Runners acclimatised to cool Winter mornings, were not prepared for the dramatic mercury rise. Particularly the 24 km entrants – many of whom were inadvertently led to run up to an additional kilometre – found in the alliance of rising heat and lengthening distance a formidable adversary.
First away were the 6 km runners, over a direct out-and-back course to the Cumberland Highway overpass and return. The men's and women's fields were led home by Greg and Katharine King in 22:56 and 26:34 respectively. Nadia Barrett took home the Girls Under 13 gold medal with her 34:14.
The 12 km course followed parklands along the southern bank of Prospect Creek to Polding St, returning along the waterway's northern shore. Following several months sidelined through injury, Italian Daniel Lorenzotti celebrated his return to running form with his first victory in a Sri Chinmoy Series race in 47:41, with series regular Pavol Sefcik of Slovakia following in 49:46. Next home was Men 50-59 winner David McEwan in 50:34, while Robert Amery led the Men 60-69 in 1:04:04.
Two women came in under the hour – Corinne Fulford continuing her fine recent form with 59:34, followed closely by Estelle Von Abo in 59:46. Jo Rickards claimed first in the Women 50-59 with her 1:07:57.
Most of the field in the 24 km, including the lead cyclist, were confused by a directional sign which had been interfered with – leading to most runners covering from 700 metres to one kilometre extra. Runners showed their resilience by taking this error in remarkably good grace, as another hurdle to surmount in the day's long and arduous journey.
Despite the additional distance and attritional heat, Chris Waterhouse finished in the excellent time of 1:36:23, ahead of Wayne Bulloch (1:38:28). Next home was the Men 50-59 winner, Carl Barker setting a new category record of 1:47:56. Bob Corderoy was first home in the Men 60-69 with 2:10:56, while the small women's field was led by April Palmerlee in 2:14:00.
Full category results are published, as well as a photo album. The last race in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2009 offers the choice of a Half Marathon, 7 km or 4 km cross-country in Centennial Park on Sunday 22 November.
