Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series

Next race:
Great trails of Canberra

A 5-race series at popular venues close to Canberra for your enjoyment, fitness and self-transcendence

About the event

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team offers a series of Winter trail runs at popular venues close to Canberra for your enjoyment, fitness and self-transcendence. Each event includes races of 3 distances:

* Short (2km – 3km)
* Middle (5km – 10km)
* Longer (10km – 31km)

Discounted Series entry!

There are 3 Series passes available:
* Short Distance Series – 5 races of 2 km or 2.2 km – $47;
• Medium Distance Series – 5 races of 5km to 10km – $110;
• Longer Distance Series – 5 races of 10km to 31km – $145.

Series Passes are available only up until the close of entries for Race 1 – 5pm, Friday 26 April.

Series Pass holders can elect to switch distance for any race, up to the close of entries for that race.

All races start from 10am with the exception of the long distance (31km) Gungahlin Gallop, which commences at 9am.

TO ENTER ONLINE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW EACH EVENT DESCRIPTION.

Online entries close at 5pm on the Friday prior to race day. On the day entries (cash only, see rates on right of page) are available at Registration on race morning from 9am to 9.40m only.

Introducing the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series

Welcome to the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series!

Events

Short Distance (2km – 2.2km)

    • 10am
    • per race $13 online, + $5 one-off race bib fee
    • Online entry closes at 5pm Friday prior to the race
    • One the day entry $20

Middle Distance (5km – 10km)

    • 10am
    • per race $27 online, + $5 one-off race bib fee
    • Online entry closes at 5pm Friday prior to the race
    • On the day entry $35

Longer Distance (10km – 31km)

    • 10am (Gungahlin Gallop 9am)
    • per race $31 online, + $5 one-off race bib fee
    • Online entry closes at 5pm Friday prior to the race
    • On the day entry $40

Contact

Prachar Stegemann
0404 071 327
Send Email

Award categories

  • Medals 1st 7 places Under 50; 1st 3 50-59; 1st 2 60-69; 1st 70+ (M & F) (Longer & Middle Distance)
  • Medals 1st 3 places Under 13; Under 17; 17 and Over (M & F) (Short Distance)
  • Trophies for 1st 3 places in the Series Pointscore Championship

Upcoming Races

Race 1: 28 April

"Cooleman Clip" 2.2km, 5km & 10km

The Series starts with the "Cooleman Clip", a southside adventure, exploring the wonderful tracks and trails along either side of Cooleman Ridge.

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Chapman, or along Streeton Dr. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

Enter online.

View the route map for the 2.2km course (2 laps of the 1.1km loop), and its elevation profile, or download the 1.1km loop gpx file; view the route maps for the 5km course – 5km part 1, 5km part 2, 5km part 3 – and 5km elevation profile or download the 5km gpx file; view the route maps for the 10km course – 10km part 110km part 210km part 310km part 4, and 10km elevation profile or download the 10km gpx file.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the courses.

Race 2: 12 May

"Stromlo Strides" 2km, 6.3km & 15.4km

The second race of the Series increases the distances and moves to Canberra's all-purpose world-class Stromlo Forest Park – like Canberra itself, the perfect blend of natural beauty with man-made ingenuity. The "Novice" course follows the purpose-built "Deek's Track" cross-country running course; the moderate-grade 6.3km course ventures out to the majestic Blue Gums; while the longer 15.4km route ascends the summit of the Mt Stromlo before rambling a loop around the shoulder of the mountain.

Park at the Stromlo Forest Park car park at the end of Dave McInnes Drive. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

Enter online.

Download the gpx file for the 2km Novice course; view the route map and elevation profile or download the gpx file for the 6.3km course; view the route map and elevation profile or download the gpx file for the 15.4km course.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the course.

Race 3: 27 May

"Ainslie Amble" 2km, 8.3km & 16.4km

The "Ainslie Amble" explores some of the oldest and most loved trails in Canberra, around the base of Mt Ainslie, along with more recent single tracks on Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura. The novice 2km race follows the houses behind Duffy St, Ainslie, while the middle distance 8.3km "Majura Meander" route wanders up and around the saddle of Mt Majura. The longer 16.4km race is a testing yet thoroughly enjoyable outing, adding a full loop of Mt Ainslie, including a gut-busting ascent of the southern face and sections of the Centenary Trail.

The start/finish area is alongside the southern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

BATHROOMS for this event will be open at Hackett Oval, about 100 metres from the start/finish area.

Enter online.

View the route map for the 2km course; view the route map, satellite view and elevation profile or download the gpx file for the 8.3km "Majura Meander" course; view the route map, satellite view and elevation profile or downloiad the gpx file for the 16.4km course. View the start/finish area.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of each of the courses.

Note this race is held on the Reconciliation Day Public Holiday in the ACT – Monday 29 May 2023.

Race 4: 23 June

"Tuggeranong Trot" 2km, 8km & 20km

The Sri Chinmoy Canberrra Trail Series heads to Tuggeranong for a varied exploration of the Murrumbidgee Corridor. Barely minutes from the Town Centre, you'll think you were miles from anywhere as you wend your way northward through bushland, and return along the riverside walking track. The 2km Novice course heads south from the start/finish, while the 8km and 20km course head north. The 8km course loops around at Tuggeranong Creek, while the 20km goes as far as Kambah Pool before heading south.

Parking is at Pine Island North picnic area, at the end of Pine Island Rd, Tuggeranong. On-the-day registration opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9.45 a.m., with races starting from 10 a.m.

Enter online.

View the 2km course map; the 8km course map in satellite view or map view; the 20km course in satellite view or map view; and the start/finish area.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the course.

Race 5: 14 July

"Gungahlin Gallop" 2.2km, 10km & 31km

Canberra's north side hosts the Series finale. The track from Hall through to Oak Hill along Gungahlin's northern fringing ridge is the Rolls Royce of Canberra Trails. Especially commissioned for the Centenary Trail project, this beautifully sculptured track is a work of art, a trail to fall in love with… To fully appreciate the varying vistas in each direction, you really need to run this wonderful track both ways. That's why we've designed this course as an out-and-back.

Starting and finishing at Hall's historic Showground, both courses ascend to the summit of One Tree Hill, from where the 31km continues following the ACT/NSW border. Enjoy one of Canberra's deluxe running experiences.

Please note that for the Gungahlin Gallop, there are NO DRINK STATIONS on the course. Runners MUST BRING and CARRY their own water.

Enter online.

Park at the Hall Showground, at the end of Gladstone St, Hall. The 31km race starts at 9 a.m.; the 10km & 2km races start at 10 a.m.

View the 2.2km course map; the 10km course map; the 31km course map; and start/finish area.

Read the full course description and take a photo tour of the course.

The Courses

Download the 2.2km gpx file; view the 2.2km course map (2 loops of the 1.1km route) and 1.1km loop elevation profile; download the 5km gpx file; view the 5km course maps – 5km part 1, 5km part 2, 5km part 3 and 5km elevation profile.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Introduction

Cooleman Ridge is one of the most used and loved areas around Canberra for runners, walkers, bikers and horse riders. Many have chosen to settle in Weston Creek primarily to enjoy proximity to the wonderful network of equestrian trails, fire trails, management trails, walking and single tracks that wend their way up, down, around and along both sides of this humble yet magnificent ridge.

Affording views to the north across the whole of urban Weston Creek, the Woden Valley and South Canberra over Lake Burley Griffin to Black Mountain and beyond; to the south towards Mt Tennant; and to the west over the Murrumbidgee River to the Bullen Range and the mighty beckoning Brindabellas, few vantage areas offer a fuller panoply of Canberra's rare wealth of natural blessings and beauty. 

2.2km Novice Course

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Champman, or along Streeton Dr.

The Start is near a small cement circle, on Chapman Oval, in front of the west end of the facilities block. From here, head away from the amenities block towards Streeton Dr, staying outside the cones set up around the perimeter of the oval. Join with the pedestrian path heading west, alongside the fence of Chapman Primary School. Turn left to continue alongside this fence and follow the concrete path uphill until you come to an underpass. Do not proceed through this underpass, instead turning to your left and proceed on the pedestrian path along in front of the Primary School, then down the grassy bank to return to your starting point. Repeat this 1.1km loop, for your full 2.2km course.

5km course

(split distances are approximate)

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Champman, or along Streeton Dr.

The Start is near a small cement circle, on Chapman Oval, in front of the west end of the facilities block. From here, head west across the oval aiming for the right hand side of the baseball practice net and head up the grassy hill between the trees to join a cement driveway, which leads you up to a footpath (200m elapsed) where you will turn right at some yellow poles to head along the front of Chapman Primary School. After approx. 200m (0.4K) turn sharp left to head through the underpass under Perry Drive and continue straight uphill, taking care after 80m to take the right hand path which heads steeply uphill with the houses on your right. At the top of the stairs (approx. 0.74K) take the small single track uphill near the fence and houses on your right for approx. 90m, when it merges with a firetrail heading uphill (0.83K).

After 130m you will reach a T-junction: turn right onto Cutoff Drain FT (0.96K) and follow this as it heads west behind the houses for about 700m before making a sharp left turn onto Darrell Place FT (1.7K). After 80m continue straight ahead at the 4 way track junction but 40m later take the left track at the burnt log (heading away from water tower) to start descending to the other side of the Ridge. Climb through the gate (1.95K) and 40m later turn left to join the Cooleman Ridge BNT heading southwest (1.99K). Follow this for 640m until you reach a corner where you will turn left (2.63K) to take the Little Reservoir FT back uphill for approx. 500m to reach the water reservoir (3.16K). After about 70m you will join the main FT heading downhill (3.23K) and 110 m later turn right onto Arawang Saddle FT (3.34K) and then immediately left (20m later; 3.36K) to take the small FT which takes you back down to the Cutoff Drain FT near the houses (3.49K) where you will turn left to head north. Follow this for just over 300m (3.80K) to reach the hairpin corner where you originally joined the Ridge, and turn right, downhill to retrace the same route (in reverse) as the first kilometre, with you finishing by running down the grassy bank at Chapman Oval to reach the Finish at approx. 4.8K.

Download the 10km gpx file; view the 10km course maps – 10km part 1, 10km part 2, 10km part 3, 10km part 4 and 10km elevation profile.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Introduction

Cooleman Ridge is one of the most used and loved areas around Canberra for runners, walkers, bikers and horse riders. Many have chosen to settle in Weston Creek primarily to enjoy proximity to the wonderful network of equestrian trails, fire trails, management trails, walking and single tracks that wend their way up, down, around and along both sides of this humble yet magnificent ridge.

Affording views to the north across the whole of urban Weston Creek, the Woden Valley and South Canberra over Lake Burley Griffin to Black Mountain and beyond; to the south towards Mt Tennant; and to the west over the Murrumbidgee River to the Bullen Range and the mighty beckoning Brindabellas, few vantage areas offer a fuller panoply of Canberra's rare wealth of natural blessings and beauty.

10km course

(split distances are approximate)

The start and finish is on Chapman Oval. Park on Tauchert St, Chapman, or along Streeton Dr.

The Start is near a small cement circle, on Chapman Oval, in front of the west end of the pavilion. From here, head west across the oval aiming for the right hand side of the baseball practice net and head up the grassy hill between the trees to join a cement driveway, which leads you up to a footpath (200m elapsed) where you will turn right at some yellow poles to head along the front of Chapman Primary School. After approx. 200m (0.4K) turn sharp left to head through the underpass under Perry Drive and continue straight uphill, taking care after 80m to take the right hand path which heads steeply uphill with the houses on your right. At the top of the stairs (approx. 0.74K) take the small single track uphill near the fence and houses on your right for approx. 90m, when it merges with a firetrail heading uphill (0.83K).

After 130m you will reach a T-junction: turn right onto Cutoff Drain FT (0.96K) and follow this for approx. 1.4k as it heads west and north west behind the houses. Make a sharp left turn across the footbridge (2.59K) to climb steeply up the stairs to just before the Cooleman Trig (2.72K) where you will turn right onto the single track for 30m before climbing through a gate (2.75K) that sends you downhill from the summit (SW) for 90m until you reach a T-junction at which you will turn left (2.84K, SE) onto the Nature FT (no sign). This track descends to a saddle and an intersection with Dam FT at 3.01K, at which point you continue straight ahead, along the ridgeline. Follow this scenic single track for approx. 700m, descending to a 4 way intersection at the big water tank (3.70K) at which point you will continue straight ahead, along the ridgeline.

Follow this as it starts to climb gradually, then steeply, up to another little water reservoir (4.42K), and 50 m later to a T-junction where you will turn left (4.47K), downhill onto a major fire trail. After only 100m make a right turn (4.57K) onto the Arawang Saddle FT, which take you SW along the ridgeline towards Mt Arawang. From this point, stay on the main ridgeline and ignore the two left minor trails at 4.79K and at 5.00K that head towards Mt Arawang. At the 5K point you will start to head south, downhill, on a moderately steep descent for 250m (5.25K) before turning sharp left (towards Mt Arawang) along a lovely piece of single track. This track contours, then gradually descends, and after approx. 300m (5.57K) merges with the main track descending from the west side of Mt Arawang saddle. After 50 m (5.62K) you reach the bottom T- junction and turn left onto Cutoff Drain FT.

Stay on this FT for the next 1.5 K, doing an anticlockwise circuit of the base of Mt Arawang. Once you are on its north side be on the lookout for a ParkCare noticeboard on your left (7.07K), 40m after which (7.11K) you will turn left, cross through a small ditch and onto an indistinct single track to climb the steep, rocky single track to the Mt Arawang summit trig (7.41K). Only 10m past the summit (7.42) take the single track to the right that descends to the west, with quite a few steps, down to a 4 way track intersection at the Mt Arawang saddle. Turn right (7.79K) and head down the steps for 110m to reach the Cutoff Drain FT (7.90K). Turn left and follow this FT for just over 800m until you reach the hairpin corner where you originally joined the Ridge, and turn right (8.74K), heading downhill to retrace the same route (in reverse) as the first kilometre, with you finishing by running down the grassy bank at Chapman Oval to reach the Finish at approx. 9.8K.

View the course maps for the Novice course in satellite view or map view, and for the 5km course in satellite view or map view (10km = 2 laps of the 5km course). Take a photo tour of the course.

Introduction

The Cotter is an iconic recreation area loved by Canberrans, being only 23km from the city centre but offering a beautiful setting framed by the Cotter and Paddys Rivers and the impressive new Cotter Dam wall. The area is ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation and is the perfect venue to host the first event of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series.

The Cotter Bend, where the Paddys River meets the Cotter River, is a favourite with many for a swim, splash and for fishing. A wide pool and sandy beach marks the meeting of the two rivers. Paddys River has its genesis at Mount Tennent beyond Tharwa in Namadgi National Park and its fresh clean waters complement the Cotter as they come together at the 'Bend'.

The start/finish area for this event at Cotter Bend has plenty of grassy area with shade on sunny days, good toilet facilities and plenty of parking.

The Cotter Canter is our first event and is the ideal introduction to trail running and walking, offering distance options of approximately 5km and 10km for runners and 5km for walkers. That being said, experienced road and trail runners will also get a demanding, but scenic workout on path and trail in this setting and will need to use all of their speed, strength and endurance to post a competitive time.

Novice 2.15km “Path” Loop

The start is at a metal pole at the N end of the grassy area next to Cotter Bend Car Park. After 120m heading S along the grass (0.12) join the path heading W and after another 80m (0.20) cross the bridge and turn right to join the path heading N along the W side of the Cotter River. Follow this path under Cotter Rd (0.67) and after another 60m (0.73) take the upper path on your left which runs next to the Cotter playground on Cotter Avenue. Follow this path (Cotter Dam Discovery Trail) all the way to the bridge across the Cotter (1.10) with an imposing view of the Cotter Dam Wall. Follow the path back along the E side of the river for approximately 400m (keeping right at any junctions) before turning right (1.50) to cross back over to the other side and then left to follow the riverside path back under Cotter Rd (1.65) followed 100m later (1.75) by a left turn down to cross the river again on a small footbridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the path to the right as it winds up a grassy hill and then turns sharp right at the top of the climb (1.92). Soon after turning right at the top of the path climb, the Novice Course turns downhill to the left (down the grassy strip, following the cones) to eventually cross the Car Park (road marshal present) at the swing gate. After descending to the grassy flat, turn right to join the Finish chute through to the Finish line timing mat (2.15K).

5km event: One “Path” Loop followed by One “Trail” Loop

The 5km event consists of two loops:

  • An initial clockwise “Path Loop” of approximately 2.3km that follows the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail up to the Cotter Dam wall and back to the start along the two sides of the Cotter River, followed by
  • A counter-clockwise “Trail Loop” of approximately 2.8km which follows the Cotter River in the other direction, crosses Paddys River (you will get your shoes and socks wet) and then climbs to follow the Bullen Trail along to Cotter Campground, with a return along the single track path to the finish at Cotter Bend.

At the end of the “Path” Loop you will cross a Lap Timing Mat and at the end of the “Trail Loop” you will cross a separate Finish Timing Mat. These will be well signposted and obvious on the day.

The “Path” Loop

The start is on the grassy area in front of the Cotter Bend Car Park approximately 120m from the path at Cotter Bend. After 120m along the grass (0.12) join the path heading W and after another 80m (0.20) cross the bridge and turn right to join the path heading N along the W side of the Cotter River. Follow this path under Cotter Rd (0.67) and after another 60m (0.73) take the upper path on your left which runs next to the Cotter playground on Cotter Avenue. Follow this path (Cotter Dam Discovery Trail) all the way to the bridge across the Cotter (1.10) with an imposing view of the Cotter Dam Wall. Follow the path back along the E side of the river for approximately 400m (keeping right at any junctions) before turning right (1.50) to cross back over to the other side and then left follow the riverside path back under Cotter Rd (1.65) followed 100m later (1.75) by a left turn down to cross the river again on a small footbridge. After crossing the bridge, follow the path to the right as it winds up a grassy hill and then turns sharp right (1.92) to run parallel to Cotter Bend Car Park heading SW. At the Toilet Block (2.15) turn left to follow the cones back down to the grassy area and approximately 140m later (2.29) turn around the tree to follow the cones over the Lap Timing Mat (2.33) to start your “Trail Loop”.

The “Trail” Loop

The “Trail Loop” starts the same as the “Path Loop” by once again joining the path at Cotter Bend (2.42) but this time when you cross the bridge (2.52) you will turn left at the Course Marshall to follow the cones across the grass. Approx. 100m later you will encounter a small rock scramble and then join a narrow single track next to the river that soon climbs up some steps onto some more narrow single track. This will bring you out at a fire road (2.81) which you will follow for 50m (2.86) before turning left onto another wide fire road heading E. Follow this dirt road for approx. 400m before descending to cross the Paddys River (3.28; ankle to knee deep) and then climb a short, steep pitch for approx. 150m before turning left off the road (3.44) to join some delightful single track (Bullen Trail) which skirts high above the Cotter with views to your left of Cotter Bend and the start/finish area. This scenic track undulates for a while before descending to some sandy trail (4.25km) and 100m later turns sharp left (4.35) to cross a footbridge across the Cotter. After crossing the bridge turn left to follow the grassy bank climbing up to a defined single track and some steps (4.5km) and then descending some more steps to pass a toilet block (4.62). One more climb onto a small fire trail (4.70) and 150m later (4.85) cross the eastern end of the Cotter Bend Car Park and cut through the boulders to join the last final sprint along the grass to the Finish Line Mat (5.11).

10K event: One “Path” Loop, One “Trail” Loop, Repeat “Path” Loop, Repeat “Trail” Loop

Read the detailed instructions for the 5K event outlined above. You will simply repeat the 5km event in the same sequence once again, meaning that you will cross the Lap Timing Mat three times (Lap Splits: Path, Trail, Path) before finishing your second “Trail Loop” at the Finish Timing Mat. The approximate distance of the 10km course is 10.2km.

Download the 2km gpx file; view the 6.3km course map and elevation profile, and download the gpx file.

Take a photo tour of the route (includes the 15.4km course).

Introduction

A phoenix which grew from the ashes of the catastrophic fires of January 2003, Stromlo Forest Park is a superb testimony to the vision and optimism of a Canberra’s leaders of that time. A world-class recreational precinct adjacent to urban Canberra, the Park both inspires and fulfils the tastes and needs of Canberra’s highly skilled, adventurous and discerning athletic public.

Utilising the man-made resources of “Deek’s Track”, the purpose-built cross-country running track alongside numerous equestrian and fire trails exploring the various terrains and ecosystems inhabiting the scenic slopes and summit of Mt Stromlo itself, three courses of varying distance offer a spectrum of personal challenges and enjoyments.

2km Novice Course

The route is one clockwise lap of “Deek’s Track”, starting and finishing in front of the Stromlo Forest Park pavilion. This coure excludes the optional “Hill Loop”, but does include the “Creek Loop”.

6.3km course

The 6.3km race starts with a near-complete clockwise circuit of “Deek’s Track” cross-country running course, including the optional “Hill Loop” (without the furthest little steep hill extension) and the “Creek Loop”.

After about 2km (2.06), just after the track passes a large pond on the right, the route turns L (left) onto a small single track just prior to a culvert, and then veers R (right) after a further 80m to merge with a wider track running parallel with a creek on the L, and around the end of the criterium track on your R.

After 400m (2.54) this track becomes briefly bitumen. Pass around the metal gate, cross a bitumen road and continue onto the main dirt road leading straight ahead and slightly uphill. Pass “The Playground” mountain bike test trails course on your R.

500m along this track (3.05), turn L at a large intersection, then continue straight (avoid the left hand veer) after a further 110m. This trail rises and curves around to the right, gently climbing the hip of Mt Stromlo, before dipping again to reveal the summit directly ahead. Continue on what is now “Ridge Trail”, which climbs briefly and dips again, passing a few cross-roads until after about 1km (4.10) reaching a major intersection with a stand of Blue Gums on the right.

At this juncture, the Long (15.4km) Course continues ahead uphill towards the summit, while the Middle Distance (6.3km) Course turns right and downhill into the Blue Gums. After 200m among the majestic gums, the Long Course track again rejoins from the L. Both courses now follow the same route, downhill out of the Blue Gums, past some picnic tables and then a toilet block on the R, then the original turn-off point on the R.

You are back on the same course as your outbound route, now following it in reverse and downhill, past “The Playground” this time on your L, across the bitumen road, through the metal gate, past the end of the criterium course and along the narrower single track to rejoin “Deek’s Track” cross-country course at the point where you left it. Turn L here and complete “Deek’s Track” clockwise to the finish, opposite the Stromlo Forest Park pavilion.

View the 15.4km course map and elevation profile, and download the gpx file.

Take a photo tour of the route.

Introduction

A phoenix which grew from the ashes of the catastrophic fires of January 2003, Stromlo Forest Park is a superb testimony to the vision and optimism of a Canberra’s leaders of that time. A world-class recreational precinct adjacent to urban Canberra, the Park both inspires and fulfils the tastes and needs of Canberra’s highly skilled, adventurous and discerning athletic public.

Utilising the man-made resources of “Deek’s Track”, the purpose-built cross-country running track alongside numerous equestrian and fire trails exploring the various terrains and ecosystems inhabiting the scenic slopes and summit of Mt Stromlo itself, three courses of varying distance offer a spectrum of personal challenges and enjoyments.

15.4km Course

The 15.4km race commences with a near-complete clockwise circuit of “Deek’s Track” cross-country running course, including the optional “Hill Loop” (without the furthest little steep hill extension) and the “Creek Loop”. After about 2km (2.06), just after the track passes a large pond on the right, the route turns L (left) onto a small single track just prior to a culvert, and then veers R (right) after a further 80m to merge with a wider track running parallel with a creek on the L, and around the end of the criterium track on your R.

After 400m (2.54) this track becomes briefly bitumen. Pass around the metal gate, cross a bitumen road and continue onto the main dirt road leading straight ahead and slightly uphill. Pass “The Playground” mountain bike test trails course on your R.

500m along this track (3.05), turn L at a large intersection, then continue straight (avoid the left hand veer) after a further 110m. This trail rises and curves around to the right, gently climbing the hip of Mt Stromlo, before dipping again to reveal the summit directly ahead. Continue on what is now “Ridge Trail”, which climbs briefly and dips again, passing a few cross-roads until after about 1km reaching a major intersection with a stand of Blue Gums on the right. At this juncture (4.10), the Long (15.4km) Course continues ahead uphill towards the summit, while the Middle Distance (6.3km) Course turns right and downhill into the Blue Gums.

The 15.4km route heads up the front of the mountain, sweeping to the R for 600m before taking a L hairpin turn (4.71) and continuing to rise a further 600m (keeping to the R hand option at a fork just prior to the metal gate) until the bitumen Mt Stromlo Rd is reached (5.32). Turn R onto the verge on the RH side of the road (do NOT run on the road please). After 300m along the road verge, continue onto the lesser bitumen road straight ahead, where the main road turns L in front of the burned-out ruined observatory (water refill possible here at 5.60km).

Pass the Mt Stromlo summit trig on your R (5.88) and the Satellite Laser Ranging Facility on your L. A further 300m along, pass around the metal gate where the bitumen ends, continuing onto the dirt track straight ahead, now heading downhill, staying L at the fork and passing another metal gate (5.96). Extensive views across to the Brindabella Range now open up as you descend steeply for 500m, turning R (6.40) at the T-junction and then L after a further 100m (6.50) now heading down and away from Mt Stromlo.

Descend a further 360m before turning L (6.86) at the next T-junction of Stromlo Pipeline Rd, which bends after a while gently right, then left. 500m further along, turn R at the the gate bearing the sign “Space Weather Monitoring Site”(7.38), then R again after 40m (7.42) onto the Cooper Fire Trail, which curves gracefully along the valley for 1.8km. Watch out for wallabies and rabbits! Take the next available R turn (9.23km, before arriving at the next gate), now heading back uphill towards Mt Stromlo.

Climb this track for 500m, pass through a gate (9.67), cross straight over a 4-way intersection with Stromlo Pipeline Rd, to continue onto the Mountain View Track, climbing for another 500m till you meet and turn L (10.17) at the major T-junction of Forest Trail.

Stay on Forest Trail, ignoring all potential side tracks and trails, as it winds around and along the flank of the mountain for 2.8km.

Forest Trail ends at a T-junction with Ridge Trail(13.05). Turn R here and continue 400m into the Blue Gums, where you will turn L again at the next T-junction (13.45) to rejoin the Middle Distance (6.3km) course.

Run downhill out of the Blue Gums, past some picnic tables and then a toilet block on the R, then the original turn-off point on the R. You are back on the same course as your outbound route, now following it in reverse and downhill, past “The Playground” this time on your L, across the bitumen road, around the metal gate, past the end of the criterium course and along the narrower single track to rejoin “Deek’s Track” cross-country course at the point where you left it. Turn L here and complete “Deek’s Track” clockwise to the finish, opposite the Stromlo Forest Park pavilion.

View the 2km course map; download the 8.3km "Majura Meander" gpx file; view the 8.3km course map, satellite view and elevation profile, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Parking is along the southern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett.

Introduction

Ainslie is one of Canberra's original suburbs, built to house workers constructing the new capital city, it's infrastructure, institutions and significant monuments. So it's not surprising that the tracks around Mt Ainslie – and later Mt Majura – were some of the first cross-country running routes, later featuring in the Bush Capital Marathon Festival as well as a popular parkrun route.

The course of the "Ainslie Amble" suite of races, employ a variety of management trails and single tracks on and around the slopes and shoulders of both Mt Ainslie and its larger and wiser sister, Mt Majura.

2km Novice Course

The “Ainslie Amble” short course commences on the road behind the large green metal gate at the South-Eastern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. Head northwest along the main track , past a mobile phone tower on your left, then veer left onto the Ainslie Houses Track proper, parallel to a storm water drain on your right. After almost 1 km (0.97) turn right onto a single track leading down into a gully and up, then turn right again (0.99) onto the narrow track following the top of the levee. Continue along the levee behind the houses of Duffy St, Ainslie. At 1.87, continue straight between a large rock and a metal barrier, then turn right at the fork in front of a large tree, and immediately right again to cross the concrete footbridge (1.90). After the bridge, turn left onto the faint single track to the finish.

8.3km course – the "Majura Meander"

The “Majura Meander” starts on the road behind the large green metal gate at the South-Eastern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. Head east along the main track (Hancocks Rd – 0.32), continuing uphill past the Hackett Houses Track on your left and the powerlines overhead. After 920 metres, nearing the top of the rise, turn left onto a single track, dipping then slightly rising towards Hackett Hill, then after only 60 metres, turn left again onto another single track heading into the bush (0.98). Here you join with the Ainslie Amble long course route.

This single track meanders for 340 metres until you come under the powerlines (a recurring feature of this course), where you turn right (1.32) and dip. After only 30 metres, immediately after crossing a small concrete causeway, turn left again into the bush (1.35) on another single track, then veer right after only a further 30 metres (1.38). Follow this track for 600 metres through the trees, veering right at the next 4-way intersection (1.98), then right again at the blue metal road 80 metres further along (2.06). 60 metres along this road, turn left off this main track, under the powerlines (2.12). Cross a (usually dry) water course, and look for a faint single track on the right 50 metres later (2.17). Follow this signposted track, parallel with the (dry) creek bed on your right.

After 300 metres you will follow this track around the left hand side of a small dam (2.47), turning left at a fork on the far side of the dam (2.53) to continue through the bush for another 160 metres to skirt around the left hand side of a 2nd dam (2.69), before heading gently uphill for 300 metres to a T-junction, where you turn left (3.04), heading back onto the flank of Mt Majura. This track rises and dips and after 500 metres brings you to the main Mt Majura walking trail (3.52), where you turn right to follow what is now the Centenary Trail uphill onto several switchbacks for a further 1 km till you level out at the saddle.

Turn left at the fork (4.52 – do not head to the summit!), and immediately left again at the T-junction after 20 metres (4.54), to head around the eastern shoulder of Mt Majura, crossing a small metal grating footbridge after 300 metres (4.84). After a further 200 metres, turn sharp left (5.05) to follow the Centenary Trail down wooden, then stone stairs, becoming a bitumen walking track. 300 metres further down, turn left again onto the main gravel fire trail (5.35), which you follow for 450 metres before turning hard left under the power lines (leaving the Centenary Trail – 5.80), to head through an opening adjacent to a gate (5.82). Follow this main track under the power lines.

Follow this trail for about 680 metres, before turning sharp right onto a the main walking track coming down from Mt Majura (6.58), following the Centenary Trail signage once more. After 200 metres, turn left at the Hackett Houses Track (6.77), then immediately left onto the single track which heads down into a gully and up again. Cross directly over the large access track (Blue Metal Rd – 6.87), to continue onto the Hackett Houses Track (South) for 1 km until you reach and turn right at Hancocks Rd (7.85), which you follow to your starting point, where you turn right through a gap beside the large green metal gate (8.17), then immediately left onto a faint single track to the finish line (8.35).

Download the 16.4km "Ainslie Amble" gpx file, view the course map, satellite view, and elevation profile, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the courses.

Parking is along the southern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett.

Introduction

Ainslie is one of Canberra's original suburbs, built to house workers constructing the new capital city, it's infrastructure, institutions and significant monuments. So it's not surprising that the tracks around Mt Ainslie – and later Mt Majura – were some of the first cross-country running routes, later featuring in the Bush Capital Marathon Festival as well as a popular parkrun route.

The course of the "Ainslie Amble" suite of races, employ a variety of management trails and single tracks on and around the slopes and shoulders of both Mt Ainslie and its larger and wiser sister, Mt Majura.

16.4km course

The “Ainslie Able” commences on the road behind the large green metal gate at the South-Eastern end of Phillip Ave, Hackett. Head northwest along the main track, past a mobile phone tower on your left, then veer left onto the Ainslie Houses Track proper, parallel to a storm water drain on your right. After about 1 km (1.04) veer right at the fork to stay on the (lower) Ainslie Houses Track. Another 1.3km further along (2.3), continue straight at the 4-way intersection. At 2.96, continue straight at the next intersection (do not turn left onto the Ainslie Link Track), then do take the next left heading uphill 60 metres later, onto the Campbell Link Track.

700 metres further around the mountain, at 3.71, leave this main track to veer right onto a single track with a levee and dry water course to your right. This track merges with the levee track and broadens at 3.87. After crossing down and up through a gully at 4.08, veer left onto the main track coming from behind the houses of Campbell. With power lines to your left, at 4.21 turn right onto the main track. Be alert here for the next turn after only 70 metres (4.28), left onto a single track heading into the bush. 50 metres further on, take a left (4.33) at the intersection with the next single track (don’t end up at the road!)

Continue along this single track (5.06), which runs parallel to the Mt Ainslie summit road, climbing at first easily, then more sharply. At 5.82, continue straight around a disused old gate, to emerge (5.85) on the grass shoulder alongside the Mt Ainslie summit road. Continue uphill following the left hand side of the road (do NOT run on the road at any point), then (5.94) veer left onto a 4WD track heading uphill away from the road. Another 400 metres along, veer left again (6.32) onto a steep uphill pinch towards the summit. As the path levels out, stay on the single track to the left hand side of the road (6.72), then at 6.84 proceed onto the concrete footpath to follow all the way around the left hand side of the summit lookout car park, enjoying fleeting yet spectacular views as you sweep around the summit, over Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Triangle, Civic, Black Mountain and Telstra Tower, North Canberra and across to Mt Majura. Shortly after the concrete footpath ends and you hit the dirt again, turn sharp left onto the Centenary Trail under the “Canberra 100” arch (7.30) to descend the stone staircase and continue gently down through dry bush.

Continue straight through the intersection at 7.88, and again 50 metres later veer right at 7.93 to stay with the Centenary Trail as it enjoys a nice gradual descent (including some built stairs) off the mountain through thin woodland, with the airport valley and Majura Parkway away down to your right. At 8.47, turn left at the main track (East 132 KVA) between two rows of power lines for about 450 metres, veering right at the fork at 8.92, then straight across the large track of Hancock Rd (9.00), diving directly across onto the left of two single track options. After only 70 metres, this track crosses another (9.07) to continue into the bush. Here you join with the “Majura Meander” middle distance route.

This single track meanders for 340 metres until you come under the powerlines (a recurring feature of this course), where you turn right (9.41) and dip. After only 30 metres, immediately after crossing a small concrete causeway, turn left again into the bush (9.44) on another single track, then veer right after only a further 30 metres (9.47). Follow this track for 600 metres through the trees, veering right at the next 4-way intersection (10.07), then right again at the Blue Metal Rd 80 metres further along (10.15). 60 metres along this road, turn left off this main track, under the powerlines (10.21). Cross a (usually dry) water course, and look for a faint single track on the right 50 metres later (10.26). Follow this signposted track, parallel with the (dry) creek bed on your right.

After 300 metres you will follow this track around the left hand side of a small dam (10.56), turning left at a fork on the far side of the dam (10.62) to continue through the bush for another 160 metres to skirt around the left hand side of a 2nd dam (10.78), before heading gently uphill for 300 metres to a T-junction, where you turn left (11.13), heading back onto the flank of Mt Majura. This track rises and dips and after 500 metres brings you to the main Mt Majura walking trail (11.61), where you turn right to follow what is now the Centenary Trail uphill onto several switchbacks for a further 1 km till you level out at the saddle.

Turn left at the fork (12.61 – do not head to the summit!), and immediately left again at the T-junction after 20 metres (12.63), to head around the eastern shoulder of Mt Majura, crossing a small metal grating footbridge after 300 metres (12.93). After a further 200 metres, turn sharp left (13.14) to follow the Centenary Trail down wooden, then stone stairs, becoming a bitumen walking track. 300 metres further down, turn left again onto the main gravel fire trail (13.44), which you follow for 450 metres before turning hard left under the power lines (leaving the Centenary Trail – 13.89), to head through an opening adjacent to a gate (13.91).

Follow this main track under the power lines.

Follow this trail for about 680 metres, before turning sharp right onto a the main walking track coming down from Mt Majura (6.58), following the Centenary Trail signage once more. After 200 metres, turn left at the Hackett Houses Track (14.86), then immediately left onto the single track which heads down into a gully and up again. Cross directly over the large access track (Blue Metal Rd – 14.96), to continue onto the Hackett Houses Track (South) for 1 km until you reach and turn right at Hancocks Rd (15.94), which you follow to your starting point, where you turn right through a gap beside the large green metal gate (16.26), then immediately left onto a faint single track to the finish line (16.44).

View the 2km course map, the 8km course map in satellite view or map view, and the start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course (includes 20km course).

Introduction

Pine Island Reserve is located on Pine Island Road in Greenway, just minutes from Tuggeranong. Such easy access to the banks of the Murrumbidgee is a real advantage for Canberrans. There is a playground for the kids, free electric barbecues, clean toilet facilities and picnic tables.

Pine Island is the perfect starting point for the second race in the Sri Chinmoy Trail Series as it is linked with parts of the Bicentennial National Trail and Canberra Centenary Trail as well as the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. You will get to run/walk through a superb mixture of native forest and farmland, while those doing the longer option up to Kambah Pool will get great views of the Brindabellas and the Bullen Range as well as experience Red Rocks Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges along the whole Murrumbidgee River. Both courses pass by the historic Tuggeranong dry stone wall, built in the 1860s to mark the boundary between two early rural properties.
 

2km "Novice" Course

The start is on the W (playground) side of the yellow locked gate at the N end of the Car Park on the grass. Cross the grass to join the dirt path heading S past the playground, past the toilet block (0.27), and cross a wooden bridge (0.43). After just over 700m you leave the single track to cross a grassy area (follow the cones) between the trees for approx 200m (0.88K) before taking a small grass track through to a 2nd grassy area where you run for just over 100m before turning back around a cone at the brown timber picnic table (1.03K) and retracing your steps back towards the start. To finish you will keep heading N up the dirt path past the Finish line and then approx 60m later turn right after the trees and right again to head into the Finish chute heading S (2.00K).
 

8km Course

The race starts on the grass next to the locked gate at the W end of the Pine Island N Car Park.

Staying on the grass, follow the boulders all the way along the road heading back towards the Car Park entrance for approx. 440m (0.44) before turning left to pass through onto the Bicentennial National Trail. Here you will follow a wide grassy track keeping the fenceline to your left. After another 600m or so (1.0) the trail turns left and heads W at the Tuggeranong Archery Range and then 200m later (1.22) turns right (NW), staying near the fenceline. Another 350m later the track turns right (1.57, NE), with a Dam appearing on your right after 300m or so (1.87), soon after which you will turn left through a gate to rejoin the Bicentennial National Trail (1.94) heading N.

Follow this track for about 500m before taking care to turn left at the fork in the track (2.48) to head NW. After another 300m or so(2.77), turn right at the T-junction to head uphill towards Tuggeranong Town Centre. Climb through the fence (3.3) to take the narrow dirt track up onto the bike path on Athlon Drive (3.41), which you will only follow for approx. 170m (3.58) before veering off onto the dirt road on your left heading towards Tuggeranong Creek. This will take you through a gate (3.72) and then gradually start to curve to the left (3.86) to run parallel with the Creek.

Soon you will reach the Drink Station (4.41) and continue straight ahead to soon pass through a gate (4.48) and make a short climb. Turn left at the fork and continue climbing before descending on grassy/rocky tracks to meet the Murrumbidgee Discovery Trail (MDT) next to Tuggeranong Creek at about the 5K mark. Continue on this trail, ignoring all side tracks. Follow the MDT through a gate at the Tuggeranong Stone Wall (5.44), taking care only 80m later (5.52) to turn right off the large track and onto the narrow MDT which stays low and runs parallel to the Creek.

This delightful piece of single track takes you on a scenic journey along the Creek and eventually brings you out at the finish at Pine Island N on the grassy area near the playground and BBQ areas (8.03).

View the 20km course in satellite view or map view; and the start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course.

Introduction

Pine Island Reserve is located on Pine Island Road in Greenway, just minutes from Tuggeranong. Such easy access to the banks of the Murrumbidgee is a real advantage for Canberrans. There is a playground for the kids, free electric barbecues, clean toilet facilities and picnic tables.

Pine Island is the perfect starting point for the second race in the Sri Chinmoy Trail Series as it is linked with parts of the Bicentennial National Trail and Canberra Centenary Trail as well as the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. You will get to run/walk through a superb mixture of native forest and farmland, while those doing the longer option up to Kambah Pool will get great views of the Brindabellas and the Bullen Range as well as experience Red Rocks Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges along the whole Murrumbidgee River. Both courses pass by the historic Tuggeranong dry stone wall, built in the 1860s to mark the boundary between two early rural properties.

20km Course

The 20km course is the same as the 8km course but diverges at the drink station at 4.41km to add on another 12km loop by heading up to Kambah Pool via the back of Urambi Hills and the back of the Gleneagles Golf Course, returning to the same drink station via the beautiful trail along the Murrumbidgee through Red Rocks Gorge.

The race starts on the grass next to the locked gate at the W end of the Pine Island N Car Park.

Staying on the grass, follow the boulders all the way along the road heading back towards the Car Park entrance for approx. 440m (0.44) before turning left to pass through onto the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT). Here you will follow a wide grassy track keeping the fenceline to your left. After another 600m or so (1.0) the trail turns left and heads W at the Tuggeranong Archery Range and then 200m later (1.22) turns right (NW), staying near the fenceline. Another 350m later the track turns right (1.57, NE), with a Dam appearing on your right after 300m or so (1.87), soon after which you will turn left through a gate to rejoin the Bicentennial National Trail (1.94) heading N. Follow this track for about 500m before taking care to turn left at the fork in the track (2.48; Course Marshall) to head NW. After another 300m or so, (2.77) turn right at the T-junction to head uphill towards Tuggeranong Town Centre. Climb through the fence (3.3) to take the narrow dirt track up onto the bike path on Athlon Drive (3.41), which you will only follow for approx. 170m (3.58) before veering off onto the dirt road on your left heading towards Tuggeranong Creek. This will take you through a gate (3.72) and then gradually start to curve to the left (3.86) to run parallel with the Creek. Soon you will reach the Drink Station (4.41)

At the Drink Station turn right down the steps to cross a bridge across Tuggeranong Creek and follow the trail downhill for 200m before turning right at the fence (4.61) to climb up behind Urambi Hills. You will steadily climb for almost 1.4K before the track reaches a fence, where you will turn left (6.0) to rejoin the BNT heading W towards the mountains. The BNT continues to climb behind the houses at the S end of GlenEagles to pass through a gate (6.43) and then starts to descend, opening up great views of the Bullen Range and Brindabella Mountains. Approx. 500m later (6.69) turn left at the T junction near the tree to stay on the BNT and head downhill on a wide fire trail for about 300m before it turns right (6.97) to head down to follow the edge of the houses (7.34) and then the edge of the GlenEagles Golf Course (7.58), eventually climbing (8.28) up to Kambah Pool Rd (8.49) where you will turn left to head towards the Mountains and Kambah Pool. Follow the single track that runs parallel to the road all the way down to where it eventually joins Kambah Pool Rd (10.32). Take care here to stay on the far left edge of the road for only 200m as it steeply descends before turning left at the drink station to join the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track and the Canberra Centenary Trail (10.51). You will now follow this single track for approximately 6K, taking in the wonderful scenery of Red Rocks Gorge and then heading back out into farmland and bushland leading back to Tuggeranong Creek, where you will cross the bridge in the other direction and head up the steps to the original drink station at the start of this big loop (16.57).

Turn right at the drink station and then continue straight ahead to soon pass through a gate (16.62) and make a short climb before descending on grassy/rocky tracks to meet the Murrumbidgee Discovery Trail (MDT) next to Tuggeranong Creek at about the 17.2km mark. Follow the MDT through a gate at the Tuggeranong Stone Wall (17.56), taking care only 80m later (17.64) to turn right off the large track and onto the narrow MDT which stays low and runs parallel to the Creek. This delightful piece of single track takes you on scenic journey along the Creek and eventually brings you out at the finish at Pine Island N on the grassy area near the playground and BBQ areas (20.19).

View the 2.2km course map, the 10km course map, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course (includes the 30km course).

Introduction

Hall is older than Canberra, and cross-country runs were held starting and finishing from Hall form the earliest days of organised runs in Canberra. The Hall Showground – the start/finish venue for the third of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series – is an historic venue, which has hosted the National Sheep Dog Trials for the past 30 years. It boasts excellent facilities, including multiple showers and toilets.

The track from Hall through to Oak Hill is the Rolls Royce of Canberra Trails. Especially commissioned for the Centenary Trail project, this beautifully sculptured track is a work of art, a trail to fall in love with… With varying vistas in each direction, you really need to run this wonderful track both ways to fully appreciate it: hence the out-and-back option. Enjoy!

2km Novice Course

From the Start, head clockwise around the Hall Showground following the cones for 340m to exit left through a gate and then head 60m to turn right at Hall St (0.40K). Head up the hill, staying on the RHS of the road until you get to the top where you will continue straight onto the gravel road and the Centenary Trail (0.87K). After another 130m of gentle climb, turn right (1.00K) onto the single track to head downhill for only 100m before turning right to step over a fence (1.1K) and then turn left to continue downhill on the single track with the fence on your LHS. After a lovely winding run through the trees you will come to 2nd fence to step over on your left (1.56K). Now you will head straight towards the Showground on a dirt track – passing through an open swing gate 120m later (1.68K), and a 2nd open swing gate another 60m later (1.74K) to cross over to the entrance gate to the Showground (1.78K). (Yellow arrows) Turn left to cross over the Start mat again (1.80K) and run one more clockwise lap of the oval to reach the Finish timing mat near the Grey Shed (2.19K).
 

10km course

The 10km course is an out-and-back to the summit of One Tree Hill and return. The course starts with a loop of Hall Showground (300m) to get into a running rhythm. Pass through the gate at the western side of the Showground, cross the dirt access road into the grassy enclosure. At the north-western end of the grassy enclosure, climb over a stile (500m) and join the old Hall cross-country track through the bush. You will reach a fenceline, which you follow to the left (west) heading uphill. Climb another stile on your right (1.05K) to join a faint single track heading uphill, which joins with the Centenary Trail, Turn right here and almost immediately pass over or through a fence into open ground, heading north and uphill.

Follow the Centenary Trail along the side of the ridge through woodland. At 4.56km take the left hand fork to join the One Tree Hill summit trail, climbing steeply including some stairs to the summit of One Tree Hill (4.98km). Be sure to have your number recorded by the marshal, then turn around and return via the same route, including a lap of the Showground to finish.

View  the 31km course map, and start/finish area.

Take a photo tour of the course.

Introduction

Hall is older than Canberra, and cross-country runs were held starting and finishing from Hall form the earliest days of organised runs in Canberra. The Hall Showground – the start/finish venue for the third of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series – is an historic venue, which has hosted the National Sheep Dog Trials for the past 30 years. It boasts excellent facilities, including multiple showers and toilets.

The track from Hall through to Oak Hill is the Rolls Royce of Canberra Trails. Especially commissioned for the Centenary Trail project, this beautifully sculptured track is a work of art, a trail to fall in love with… With varying vistas in each direction, you really need to run this wonderful track both ways to fully appreciate it: hence the out-and-back option. Enjoy!

31km course

The 31km course is an out-and-back to the summit of Oak Hill and return. The course starts with a loop of Hall Showground (470m) to get into a running rhythm. Pass through the gate at the western side of the Showground, cross the dirt access road into the grassy enclosure. At the north-western end of the grassy enclosure, climb over a stile (670m) and join the old Hall cross-country track through the bush. You will reach a fenceline, which you follow to the left (west) heading uphill. Climb another stile on your right (1.2km) to join a faint single track heading uphill, which joins with the Centenary Trail. Turn right here and almost immediately pass over or through a fence into open ground, heading north and uphill.

Follow the Centenary Trail along the side of the ridge through woodland. At 4.93km take the left hand fork to join the One Tree Hill summit trail, climbing steeply including some stairs to the summit of One Tree Hill (5.17km). Be sure to have your number recorded by the marshal. Turn around here and descend again to turn left at the main track (5.6km).

Continue along the Centenary Trail N and E through varying terrain, a lovely mixture of shaded woodland with occasional open stretches for some sun and to enjoy the views back across northern Canberra and over into New South Wales. Most gates will be open, however some will be closed – these must be climbed over or through. After 13.8km you reach a small reservoir on your left, followed 200m later by the Northern Border Campground (water station). Continue uphill for a further 1km to the lookout at the summit of Oak Hill (marshal), with vistas across Gungahlin. Be sure to have your number recorded here. Turn around here and return via the same route – including the re-ascent and descent of One Tree Hill (be sure to have your number recorded here again!). Enjoy your victory lap back at the Hall Showground!

 

Course Records

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2.15km Under 13 Alexander Spaccavento 10:33 28/5/2018 Chloe Pragt 10:29 28/5/2018
2.15km Under 17 James Egan 10:07 27/5/2019 not yet claimed    
2.15km 17 and Over Darryn Shannon 10:52 27/5/2019 Nerida Spaccavento 10:33 28/5/2018
5km Under 50 Trent Dawson 18:58 27/5/2019 Tash Cole 22:12 28/5/2018
5km 50 - 59 Mark Duncanson 22:46 28/5/2018 Stacey Jukes 27:44 28/5/2018
5km 60 - 69 David Alder 23:27 27/5/2019 Jennifer Saul 36:15 28/5/2017
5km 70 and Over Jim White 30:50 27/5/2019 not yet claimed    
10km Under 50 Thomas Brazier 37:23 29/5/2016 Sarah-Jane Miller 42:57 28/5/2017
10km 50 - 59 Kerry Baxter 43:00 29/5/2016 Kim Greaves 51:08 28/5/2018
10km 60 - 69 David Clarke 45:59 28/5/2018 Jennifer Kellett 58:59 27/5/2019
10km 70 and Over Terry Dixon 59:12 27/5/2019 not yet claimed    

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2.2km Under 13 Ryan Huynh 8:26 26/4/2021 Saleena Ramboer 9:28 30/4/2023
2.2km Under 17 Daniel Randall 8:51 26/4/2021 Elliott Burgess 10:49 30/4/2023
2.2km 17 and Over Rohan Tankey 11:08 30/4/2023 Talia Chambers 10:15 26/4/2021
5km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 19:12 30/4/2023 Elizabeth Humphries 22:38 25/4/2022
5km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 21:19 25/4/2022 Nicole Havranek 30:02 26/4/2021
5km 60 - 69 David Jarvis 29:22 26/4/2021 Ros Smith 36:15 25/4/2022
5km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 28:52 30/4/2023 Patti Wilkins 44:05 26/4/2021
10km Under 50 Tom Driscoll 38:52 30/4/2023 Petra Mossop 45:12 30/4/2023
10km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 44:46 26/4/2021 Kym Kennedy 57:09 30/4/2023
10km 60 - 69 David Alder 52:01 26/4/2021 Elizabeth Simpson 59:55 26/4/2021
10km 70 and Over Peter Clarke 53:34 26/4/2021 Susan Archer 1:08:00 26/4/2021

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2km Under 13 Wyatt Lewis 8:36 14/5/2023 Saleena Ramboer 7:57 14/5/2023
2km Under 17 no claimants unknown   April Barlow 10:41 14/5/2023
2km 17 and Over Ryan Tankey 9:33 14/5/2023 Sibylla Muecke 9:48 14/5/2023
6.3km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 22:06 14/5/2023 Laura Ramboer 27:41 14/5/2023
6.3km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 24:21 15/5/2022 Nicole Havranek 33:11 16/5/2021
6.3km 60 - 69 David Jarvis 34:31 16/5/2021 Elizabeth Simpson 31:10 14/5/2023
6.3km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 31:11 14/5/2023 Monika Short 1:02:33 15/5/2022
15.4km Under 50 Scott Cummins 1:00:23 14/5/2023 Petra Mossop 1:07:54 16/5/2021
15.4km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 1:03:09 16/5/2021 Kym Kennedy 1:16:42 15/5/2022
15.4km 60 - 69 Jon Schol 1:18:27 14/5/2023 Elizabeth Simpson 1:26:43 16/5/2021
15.4km 70 and Over Peter Clarke 1:24:51 15/5/2022 Susan Archer 1:34:03 16/5/2021

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2km Under 13 Patrick Maundrell 7:54 30/5/2022 April Lisle 8:32 31/5/2021
2km Under 17 Thomas Dempster 8:22 29/5/2023 Ally Chambers 8:06 31/5/2021
2km 17 and Over Rohan Tankey 9:27 29/5/2023 Talia Chambers 9:12 31/5/2021
8.3km Under 50 Andrew Gatenby 33:45 31/5/2021 Elizabeth Humphries 38:21 30/5/2022
8.3km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 37:56 30/5/2022 Sally Thauvette 52:58 30/5/2022
8.3km 60 - 69 David Alder 43:57 31/5/2021 Elizabeth Simpson 53:11 29/5/2023
8.3km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 49:17 29/5/2023 Julie Bell 1:06:21 31/5/2021
16.4km Under 50 Adrian McLean 1:07:11 31/5/2021 Petra Mossop 1:15:54 29/5/2023
16.4km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 1:14:12 31/5/2021 Fleur Flanery 1:26:29 29/5/2023
16.4km 60 - 69 Ian Prosser 1:28:13 29/5/2023 Pam Muston 1:37:10 29/5/2023
16.4km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 1:48:05 30/5/2022 no claimants unknown  

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2km Under 13 Caleb Quispes 7:59 28/6/2020 Saleena Ramboer 8:05 25/6/2023
2km Under 17 Thomas Huxley 8:46 24/6/2018 Hannah Quispes 10:01 28/6/2020
2km 17 and Over Abhinandan Willis 7:09 28/6/2020 Emily Klukas 10:36 27/6/2021
8km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 29:21 25/6/2023 Elizabeth Humphries 33:33 25/6/2023
8km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 32:30 26/6/2022 Kate Savage 40:45 24/6/2018
8km 60 - 69 Colin Pearce 37:57 26/6/2022 Elizabeth Simpson 42:17 25/6/2023
8km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 44:49 26/6/2022 Bobby Abernethy 56:42 25/6/2023
20km Under 50 Matthew Robbie 1:13:34 30/6/2019 Elizabeth Humphries 1:27:14 28/6/2020
20km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 1:25:39 27/6/2021 Fleur Flanery 1:39:54 25/6/2023
20km 60 - 69 Trevor Jacobs 1:42:24 26/6/2016 Pam Muston 1:51:08 28/6/2020
20km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 2:01:43 25/6/2023 Margaret Finnigan 2:44:21 30/6/2019

 

Distance Age Category Male Time Date Female Time Date
2.2km Under 13 Daniel Randall 9:50 19/7/2020 Saleena Ramboer 9:42 16/7/2023
2.2km Under 17 Joel Kelly 14:56 22/7/2018 Hannah Quispes 12:01 19/7/2020
2.2km 17 and Over Liam White 11:13 18/7/2021 Nancy Eyers 14:21 22/7/2018
10km Under 50 Kodi Clarkson 39:32 16/7/2023 Elizabeth Humphries 44:24 21/7/2019
10km 50 - 59 Adrian Sheppard 44:54 18/7/2021 Sarah Fien 50:44 22/7/2018
10km 60 - 69 Trevor Jacobs 52:35 19/7/2020 Elizabeth Simpson 59:18 19/7/2020
10km 70 and Over Trevor Jacobs 58:31 16/7/2023 Ruth Baussmann 1:21:21 19/7/2020
31km Under 50 Daniel Carson 2:08:33 16/7/2023 Marnie Ponton 2:35:01 16/7/2023
31km 50 - 59 Andrew Tully 2:28:51 18/7/2021 Fleur Flanery 2:53:26 18/7/2021
31km 60 - 69 Mark Duncanson 2:56:52 16/7/2023 Pam Muston 3:21:28 16/7/2023
31km 70 and Over Peter Allen 4:33:42 21/7/2019 not yet claimed unknown  

 

Series Pointscore Championship

Points will be awarded and accrued for all age groups in the Middle and Longer distance events of all races of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series from 2023, as follows:

1st place in age group: 10 points
2nd place in age group: 9 points
3rd place in age group: 8 points
4th place in age group: 7 points
5th place in age group: 6 points
6th place in age group: 5 points
7th place in age group: 4 points
8th place in age group: 3 points
9th place in age group: 2 points
10th place in age group: 1 point

All entrants in all Middle and Longer distance races at all events of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series will automatically be included in the pointscore competition. To qualify for a Series award, runners must score points from a minimum of 3 races.

Points awarded for Longer and Middle distance races are of equal value, and accrue to a runner's personal series pointscore tally, regardless of whether they are earned from a Middle or Longer distance race.

There are no points awarded for age group placings in the Short distance races.

To ensure that all runners remain in the same age category for the entire Series, a runner's age category is calculated from their age on 31 December at the end of the current series.

PRIZES will be awarded for the Series Pointscore Championship at the conclusion of race 5, the "Gungahlin Gallop" at Hall Showground, to the TOP 3 placegetters in each age category.

The progressive season pointscore tally is published with the event results, after each race of the Series.

Previous Results

  • 2023 Jul 16th
    Sri Chinmoy "Gungahlin Gallop" 31km, 10km & 2.2km Trail Runs, Sunday 16 July, 2023

    The sense that it might turn out to be a special day today was confirmed during the set-up at Hall Showgrounds when, during a slight lifting of the fog, a “cloud bow” loomed over the field. Never seen one? Look it up – also known as a fogbow or ghost rainbow… (see pics in the event photo album).

    One moment, we were swathed in fog, then as soon as the ghost rainbow raised its magic wand, the remainder of the event bathed in bright sunshine. The races were all super-fast up front, with several course records tumbling faster than the descent from One Tree Hill.

    Saleena Ramboer has been the star of the shorter races all season – from the Girls Under 13 category, Saleena won 4 of the 5 races OUTRIGHT (in the Ainslie Amble, she placed second outright), and smashed her age category record also in 4 of the 5 events. Saleena again showed a clean pair of heels to the field today, winning (and setting another record) in 9:42.

    Next home in the 2.2km race was Boys Under 13 winner, Noah Grey in 11:14, from Male 17 and Over winner Rohan Tankey with 11:24. Then there was a close finish for 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the Boys Under 13 between Thomas Jowitt (11:48) and James MacFarlane (11:50), with Liam Whitehead right behind in 11:51. Samantha Ramboer was next fastest behind her sister in the Girls Under 13 with 12:11, ahead of Madeline Gloede in 12:47; while Sian Jowitt took 1st place in the Female 17 and Over with 17:13.

    15-year-old Kodi Clarkson was shadowed for the entire 10km run up One Tree Hill and return, by 14-year-old Patrick Clark from Warri, the two young guns both beating the old course record, their blistering 39:32 (for Kodi) and 39:46 (for Patrick) the first times the 40-minute barrier has ever been beaten on this daunting course. They commanded a full 4 minute lead on 3rd placed Kieran Wilson’s 43:57. Sarah King ran strongly to claim 1st prize in the women’s 10km with 49:31, from Laura Ramboer (yes, she is Saleena and Samantha’s mum) in 50:20 and Lacey Wilson in 51:46.

    In a fast M50-59 field, Bruce Jenkins took the honours in 49:08, from Andrew Dempster’s 50:15 and Steve Richardson with 50:57. Sam Reinhardt won the F50-59 with a fine run of 56:23, though not far ahead of Kim Kennedy in 56:55 ahead of Cindy Raikabula with 1:11:07. Elizabeth Simpson continued her dominant season in narrowly missing her own course record from 3 years ago in the F60-69 with 59:30, from Razz Wilkins with 1:11:15 and Mira Dumancic’s 1:20:29. Across in the M60-69, Kim Houghton showed he is well and truly back on track to cross the line first with 56:02, ahead of John Woollard’s 56:45, and Colin Thomson in 1:03:11. Trevor Jacobs meanwhile, in the Male 70 and Over, set another course record to add to his still-standing record in the M60-69 in the same event, this time breaking the one-hour mark, running 58:31 to take the category from David Baussmann with 1:11:06, and John Harding’s all-walked 2:12:34.

    The 31km course is tougher than it looks. Every year, this one yields multiple “never again!”s at the finish line – yet somehow, they keep returning for another crack. Because it is, after all, a lovely trail and we do love a challenge, don’t we?

    The field was led strongly from the front, with both women’s and men’s course records surrendering to the pace. Marnie Ponton was in her own class in the women’s race, searing a new record time of 2:35:01 and placing 11th overall. Next home for the women were Allie Corripio in 2:48:15 and 3rd placed Jordan Anderson with 2:54:48. In the men’s race, Daniel Carson looked almost effortless in slicing 5 minutes off the existing record with his master-class 2:08:33. Max Taylor (2:12:23) also dipped under the old record; while 3rd placed Alex Dreyer’s 2:14:24 would have been the 2nd fastest time ever, just last year.

    Andrew Leigh MP, Federal Member for Fenner, ran a quick patrol along the northern border of his electorate, to win the M50-59 in an impressive 2:49:57, ahead of Wayne Strudwick’s 2:59:50 and Hayden Price’s 3:24:51. In the F50-59, Nicole Siddon took the main prize with 3:28:41, from 2nd placed Anita Scherrer in 3:31:45, with Debbie Maher filling the 3rd spot in 3:45:41.

    Pam Muston, of Kowen Forest trail running fame, meanwhile broke another of her own records (set 3 years earlier) in the F60-69 with an amazing 3:21:28, from Julia Mitchell with 4:00:39, ahead of Jane Hutt in 4:02:14. Over on the males side, Mark Duncanson was the first M60-69 ever to run under 3 hours, setting a focussed and fantastic new best time of 2:56:52, winning from Craig Wisdom (3:12:49) and Rodney Smith (3:20:24).

    THE SERIES POINTSCORE CHAMPIONSHIP

    Having been scheduled in 2020, and then 2021, and then 2022, this was the first year of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Pointscore Championship, with today’s Series Finale, proving decisive in several categories. Trophies were presented to the top 3 placed runners in each age group – Under 50, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and Over.

    With equal points awarded in both the middle and long distance races for the top 10 placings (from 10 points for 1st, down to 1 point for 10th) at each event, the pointscore competition proved a tactical challenge, with runners gauging their personal strengths against the relative depth of field participating in each distance. Some opted to run only middle or only longer distance races for the whole season, while others chopped and changed according to which distance might give them an advantage on a given day.

    MALE 70 AND OVER – Long Live the King! Trevor Jacobs was superlative, not only winning every race of the Series for a maximum 50 possible points – he also set a new course record in every race! Now that there is a Series point score, perhaps all times across a Series could also be tallied up for a Series course record? 2nd place in this category went to John Harding, with 42 points. Formerly one of Canberra’s best marathon runners, John is now the quintessential tortoise, walking every single event and taking thousands of photos of runners en route. Peter Badowski only participated in 2 races, winning them both, but not meeting the minimum requirement of 3 races to qualify for a Series award.

    FEMALE 70 AND OVER – with no Females 70 and Over participating in the minimum of 3 races to qualify for a Series award, we hope that Bobby Aberbethy, Julie Bell and Maria White, who all participated in the “Ainslie Amble”, will be inspired to join more events next year.

    MALE 60-69 – after the penultimate “Tuggeranong Trot”, Jon Schol and Mark Duncanson were locked on 37 points apiece, and with both lining up for the 31km today, the Championship became a match race. Jon took off like a bullet but Mark had a plan and ran a superbly controlled race to claim a fantastic course record and convincingly claim the overall prize with 47 points, with Jon settling for 2nd in the Series from 44 points. The consistent John Wollard took 3rd with 37 points. All 3 winners completed all 5 of the races in the Series. Honourable mention to Kim Houghton, who missed 2 races mid-Series following an horrific encounter with an e-scooter, but came back to win his final 2 outings in the middle distance, finishing with 28 points from 3 starts.

    FEMALE 60-69 – Long Live the Queen! Elizabeth Simpson scored a perfect 50 points from 5 races, winning every middle distance of the Series. Perhaps the only reason Elizabeth didn’t match Trevor Jacob’s amazing feat of breaking every course record was that she already holds most of them from previous outings! 2nd place in the Championship goes to another sensational Queen of the sport, Pam Muston, who won all 4 long distance races that she contested, to take 40 points from 4 starts. While Judith Bibo and Razz Wilkins both finished with 34 points, the fine print revealed Judith to be the winner of 3rd place as she had participated in all 5 races. Canberra is certainly blessed with some amazing role models among our female runners of all ages.

    MALE 50-59 – this category was dominated by middle distance runners, Andrew Dempster finely matched with Bruce Jenkins, trading places throughout the Series. Bruce won the 1st race and the last, but it was Andrew’s fine form through the middle of the Series, winning 3 races on the trot (including The Trot), to take the Championship with 48 points (from a possible 50) to Bruce’s 46. 3rd placing fell to the consistent Paul Wood, who just pipped Hayden Price by one point – 39 to 38.

    FEMALE 50-59 – Kym Kennedy was superb, motoring with one win and 5 second placings gaining her 46 points across the Series from a possible 50. 2nd placed Leanne Haughton, with 30 points, again proved the value of participating in every race (Kym and Leanne were the only 2 runners in this category to present at all 5 starts), while 3rd spot was taken by Alanna Grant with 28 points from 4 races.

    MALE UNDER 50 – the youngster men’s category featured a constant tussle between long and middle distance, with 1st and 3rd going to seasoned long distance runners, while 2nd and 4th places were taken by middle distance teenagers. Only 3 points separated the top 4 placings – 41, 40, 39, 38… Scott Cummins proved the ultimate “Mr Consistency” by taking this most competitive category despite winning only one race of the Series – his 41 points coming from one 1st place, one 2nd, two 3rds and one 5th place (today). The most eye-catching running of the Series came from 2nd-placed Kodi Clarkson, who not only won all 4 races he entered (all middle distance) – he also set a new course record in every single event, portending a very bright future indeed. Rowan Lewis proved another super-consistent performer, his 39 points for 3rd in the Series, accruing from two 2nd placings and three 4ths. A special mention also to Xavier Quispes, who was leading the Series after 4 races, but took ill the day before this final race and almost didn’t make it to the start line. After one win and three 2nd placings, the punishing One Tree Hill saw Xavier slip back to a brave 10th placing today, to finish just one point away from a deserved Series trophy.

    FEMALE UNDER 50 – unlike the men’s table which saw the long and middle distances equally represented, the Women Under 50’s final placings were dominated by middle distance runners in part because their participation rate was higher than the best female long distance performers. The top placings could not have been closer. With Sarah King winning the final round today, Laura Ramboer had to come second to secure her overall Series win, and that’s exactly where she finished, to take the Series win by one point, 43 to Sarah’s 42 points, both women running superbly in all conditions, all Series. Lacey Wilson, travelling for each of the 5 races from East Jindabyne, took the final podium placing with 39 points, coming from two 2rd placings, two 3rds and one 6th.

    Our appreciation and thanks to all volunteers, medical staff, to Martin Flyer and his timing assistants, to officials from ACT Government, to My Rainbow-Dreams café for catering and most especially, to all runners who took part across another fantastic Series in 2023.

     

  • 2023 Jun 25th
    Sri Chinmoy "Tuggeranong Trot" 20km, 8km & 2km Trail Runs, Sunday 25 June, 2023

    Gratitude.

    What is it, really? For most of us, most of the time, gratitude is a concept, a good idea, a nice word. More than happiness, beyond wellbeing, and far transcending thankfulness, gratitude flies far above thoughts and ideals, beyond our field of vision and perception, moves us more than feeling, encompasses more than our capacity, elevates us beyond our aspirations, and may reveal our purest being.

    My point being … runners in Canberra don’t have to work so hard to find reasons to be grateful, and to touch that euphoric state which is simple gratitude. It is presented to us, handed on a plate, time and again. Anywhere around Canberra, at any time of day and time of year, we just have to do our part – lace up the shoes – and gratitude comes running to meet us.

    Take today, for example… you can pretty much write your own race report from here on, describing the unique alignment of inner and outer conditions that produced such a special race for you today. This was truly one to savour, and yes, to be grateful for.

    Not surprisingly, several course records tumbled over, in each of the distances:

    * Trevor Jacobs lowered the mark for Male 70+ in the 20km to 2:01:43 (Trevor currently holds 3 separate records for this event);
    * Fleur Flanery set a sensational new time for F50-59 in the 20km of 1:39:54, in placing 2nd female overall behind the flying Sasha Lee (1:30:01);
    * Bobby Abernethy claimed a new Female 70+ time in the 8km of 56:42;
    * Elizabeth Simpson continued her record-setting season with a new F60-69 best of 42:17 in the 8km;
    * Elizabeth Humphries took 3rd outright in the 8km race to rewrite the records ledger for Females with a dazzling run of 33:33;
    * Kodi Clarkson lowered his own 8km Male course record with an outstanding solo run of 29:21, a full 4 minutes of free air behind him;
    * Saleena Ramboer was fastest all-time for the Girls Under 13 – and won the 2km race outright – with her fleet-of-foot 8:05.

    Wyatt Lewis was next behind Saleena, winning the Boys Under 13 in 8:34, ahead of 2nd Girl Under 13 Sara Thompson’s 9:01, from 1st Male 17 and Over, Rohan Tankey with 9:29. Winner of the Female 17 and Over was Bronwyn Turner with 11:02.

    Age group winners in the 8km race:

    * Male Under 50 – Kodi Clarkson, 29:21
    * Male 50-59 – Andrew Dempster, 34:22
    * Male 60-69 – Kim Houghton, 41:14
    * Male 70 and Over – Peter Allen, 1:35:43
    * Female Under 50 – Elizabeth Humphries, 33:33
    * Female 50-59 – Shiree Yap, 41:43
    * Female 60-69 – Elizabeth Simpson, 42:17
    * Female 70 and Over – Bobby Abernethy, 56:42

    Age group winners in the 20km race:

    * Female Under 50 – Sasha Lee, 1:30:01
    * Female 50-59 – Fleur Flanery, 1:39:54
    * Female 60-69 – Pam Muston, 1:56:57
    * Male Under 50 – Thomas Banks, 1:16:29
    * Male 50-59 – Aston Duncan, 1:31:36
    * Male 60-69 – Mark Duncanson, 1:43:31
    * Male 70 and Over – Trevor Jacobs, 2:01:43

    The Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series pointscore will be decided at the final race on 16th July, the “Gungahlin Gallop”, with several age group placings coming down to the wire. With equal points being awarded for placings in the Middle and Long distance races, intriguing contests have been evolving with runners occasionally switching distances if they sense an opportunity to place higher in another distance – it’s all fair tactics!

    * Male Under 50 – participating in every race and never placing lower than 2nd, another 2nd place at Gungahlin will guarantee Xavier Quispes the overall prize
    * Male 50-59 – Andrew Dempster has a lock on this category as long as he places in the top 3 in the final race
    * Male 60-69 – the final showdown! Jon Schol and Mark Duncanson are locked on 37 points each. If they race head to head at Gungahlin, the Series will be decided on that result – if one chooses the 10km and one runs the 31km, then everything will depend on performances of others…
    * Male 70 and Over – with straight aces, Trevor Jacobs looks to have this one sewn up
    * Female Under 50 – Laura Ramboer’s consistent season has her in the box seat, and will take the prize even if Sarah King finishes one place ahead of her at Gungahlin
    * Female 50-59 – Kym Kennedy is unassailable
    * Female 60-69 – Elizabeth Simpson will take this category, though Pam Muston’s 3 wins from 3 races have put her in good standing to take the silver
    * Female 70 and Over – Julie Bell and Bobby Abernethy are all tied up at 10 points apiece…

  • 2023 May 29th
    Sri Chinmoy "Ainslie Amble" 16.4km, 8.3km & 2km Trail Runs, Monday 29 May, 2023

    Published results are provisional. Please advise any errors or anomalies to canberra@srichinmoyraces.org

    *************

    Susan Marshall reports, from amid the 16.4km field: This morning’s race took place on two of Canberra’s tallest mountains, our pride and joy. Ainslie, the pride – overlooking the lake, parliament and carefully laid lines of the city. Majura, the joy – wild and natural, steep faces preserving a hidden origin, icy and secretive in winter, blooming and teeming in summer. The course journeyed along lesser travelled paths into spots of shy and secret beauty living separate and unbeknownst to many.

    The army taking on the 16.4km course was 170 strong. It broke away at the start like a herd of stallions. The long wide stretch of the first kilometre seeded the field. We gathered into small families, passing and being passed as our strengths and weaknesses played out upon the terrain. The first single trail geared slowly up Mount Ainslie. Near the summit the ascent steepened. As though slamming into a brick wall our speed was knocked back. Hunched with arms on thigh bones, levering ourselves upward, we eventually crested the rise. The toughest part of the course was over, but reserves were relinquished and there was much to come.

    Caution is advisable descending. With rocks, roots, and overgrowth cutting visibility concentration was imperative, but still we chased each other down the hill. With no time to think, eyes and attention locked on the path, we took ground where we could. Accelerating on small rises and braking on descents we bounced, trudged, ran and walked up the second mountain. Finally down, the Hackett Houses track deceived with an air of civility, twists and turns concealing its long road to the finish line. This was the last opportunity to advance in the field, spurring on any contenders not completely spent, the wide trail an open book for the final sprint.

    *************

    Congratulations and gratitude to all who participated in any way on this superb morning – runners, helpers, officials and spectators/wellwishers. Any memorable experience is always a team effort, relying equally on the input of all involved, no matter their role.

    Particular commendation to all who set new course records today:

    * Petra Mossop took 3 minutes off her own fantastic time from last year, perfectly embodying the spirit of self-transcendence to win the 16.4km race in 1:15:54
    * Fleur Flanery showed she has not been hiding under a bush, and is enjoying superb form with her new F50-59 best time for the 16.4km of 1:26:29
    * Pam Muston made it a clean sweep of records today for the women’s 16.4km age divisions, besting her own course record with a dazzling 1:37:10
    * Ian Prosser took away one of Trevor Jacobs’ numerous records, setting a new M60-69 fastest time for the 16.4km of 1:28:13
    * Trevor Jacobs made up for one lost record by adding a new one for the M70+ in the 8.3km race, with 49:17
    * Elizabeth Simpson was the only female to eclipse their age group records in the 8.3km, setting an express new best of 53:11
    * Thomas Dempster’s 8:22 is now the fastest time for the Boys Under 17 category in the 2km
    * Rohan Tankey established a new record of 9:27 for the Male 17 and Over in the 2km