The harder you have to work for something, the sweeter the rewards.

Every runner who participated in the inaugural Sri Chinmoy “Tidbinbilla Thriller” will attest to this truth.

This newcomer to the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series made a stunning debut. Entering the stage as the curtain of light mist rose to the sounds of blissful birdsong, attired in the most dazzling Autumn day imaginable, jubilant sunshine bathing the hills in glory, Nature exuberant in every movement and stillness, each sound and hush, cheering each excruciating uphill and exhilarating downhill…

Nestled in the foothills of the Tidbinbilla Range, 3 courses offer 3 banquet options, each with its own enticing menu: the short 3.4km loop of exquisite single track through lush bushland; the middle distance 6.8km extension of the Congwarra Trail venturing to the flank of the hillside with a single robust bent-over climb and stretching of the legs downhill; while the Deluxe Banquet long course 11.8km offers the complete circuit replete with gut-busting zigzagging ascent, breathtaking views across to the Brindabellas you feel you could almost reach out and touch, a series of swooping thrilling descents, alighting to return through the embrace of the bush and the sanctuary of Webbs picnic ground with its proud Finish Arch, smiling watermelon, nourishing lentil burger and the gently soothing sounds of Tidbinbilla River reminding you of your achievement.

Being the premier staging of this event, every winner in every category now holds a course record! Cherish these records while you can because one thing is for sure: crowds will return to feast on the Tidbinbilla Thriller, and challenge themselves to inscribe their own names in the record ledger. See you next year!

New course record holders:

3.4km (short course)

Girls Under 13 – Aya Rattray, 18:53
Girls Under 17 – Jacinta Thomsen, 21:41
Female 17 and Over – Melanie Clarke, 22:08
Boys Under 13 – Alex Botticchio, 16:17
Boys Under 17 – Felix Botticchio, 14:50
Male 17 and Over – Gareth Candy, 16:23

6.8km (middle distance)

Male Under 50 – Kodi Clarkson, 26:20
Male 50-59 – Aston Duncan, 31:08
Male 60-69 – Richard Honey, 39:39
Male 70 and Over – Trevor Jacobs, 47:00
Female Under 50 – Louise Sharp, 31:58
Female 50-59 – Narelle Smyth, 35:42
Female 60-69 – Patricia Blumstein, 53:17
Female 70 and Over – Deirdre Lemerle, 55:35

11.8km (long course)

Female Under 50 – Brittany Harriden, 56:40
Female 50-59 – Shiree Yap, 1:27:23
Female 60-69 – Pam Muston, 1:21:38
Male Under 50 – Jarrod Sopniewski, 51:46
Male 50-59 – David Sitsky, 58:30
Male 60-69 – Ian Prosser, 1:10:28
Male 70 and Over – Peter Fogarty, 1:26:56

The toughest challenge of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series is undoubtedly the 31km of the “Gungahlin Gallop”. With its double ascents of One Tree Hill – one on the way out and another on the return journey – and unrelentingly demanding trail, the effort required is certainly the equivalent of a marathon over regular terrain.

Many of Canberra’s best runners have tackled this course, and to win the race is a badge of great distinction. To claim the course record, requires a runner in very fine physical form, awareness, intelligence and control. So it was a remarkable occasion today that both the men’s and women’s course records should fall in the same race.

Brittany Harriden has participated in 4 of the 5 Series events this year, setting a new course record every time she laced her shoes. Arguably, she saved her best till last – her consummate 2:31:54 today, over half an hour ahead of the next woman, and 3rd place outright amidst a pedigree men’s field – a thrilling exhibition of a beautifully blossoming potential.

On the other hand, Benjamin Butler was making his debut appearance at a Sri Chinmoy Trail Race this season, but ran with a perfect combination of fire and ice – inner poise and power – to break the existing all-comers record by a minute, with a withering 2:07:14, 20 minutes clear of the next finisher.

The other course record to fall in the 31km race was claimed by the ageless Clare Wall, who returned to topple her own record from last year in the F70+, clocking 4:23:21 and coming home ahead of many who have seen less than half her summers.

Melissa Caldow was 2nd in the Female Under 50s, with 3:06:13, holding off the challenge from Maddy Simson’s 3:07:05. Debbie Maher claimed the F50-59 main prize with 3:41;41, from Kerron Clare in 3:46:11 and Nicole Siddon’s 3:52:50; while Pam Muston (again) claimed the F60-69 1st placing in 3:33:34.

In the men’s race, Jordan Gradden took the silver medal with 2:27:57, with Scott Ferguson completing the podium positions in 2:35:16. David Sitsky prevailed in the competitive M50-59 category with an emphatic run of 2:36:08, from Paul Tilse’s 2:41:10 and Aston Duncan with 2:48:22. Kerry Baxter was disappointed to miss the M60-69 course record by a whisker – a mere 4 seconds with a sensational effort of 2:56:56.

The 10km race also witnessed an outstanding new course record in the Female 60-69 category, with the amazing Kerrie Tanner taming the tower which is One Tree Hill to clock a super-impressive 58:06. Just ahead of Kerrie, Sile Crowe took out the F50-59 in a sleek 57:07, not far ahead of Narelle Smyth’s 57:44 and Melinda Goad with 58:10.

The women’s 10km race was won convincingly by Sarah King who made it 5 wins from 5 starts in the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series middle-distance races this year – a perfect record capped by today’s win in 48:15, ahead of Yolanda Lovie-Toon’s 49:19 and Lisa Winssinger with 52:45.

Patrick Clark also set a new course record in the men’s 10km race, with his impressive solo run of 38:34 – one of only a few to break 40 minutes over this unforgiving course. Behind Patrick were Etienne Blumstein-Jones’ 40:36 and Thomas Naden with 44:12. Daniel Landon took out the M50-59 with 58:51 (we are obliged to note that this time is behind both the F50-59 and F60-69 winning times!); while Mark Duncanson was supreme in the M60-69s with a swift 53:04; and Trevor Jacobs retained custody of the M70+ crown, courtesy of his 1:19:26.

Two more course records were set in the “sprint” 2.2km race: overall winner, Felix Botticchio blazed a new record for his category – Boys Under 13 – of 9:32 (the only other runner to crack 10 minutes was also from the Boys Under 13s, Fin Smith with 9:57); while Daniela Wilsener set a new best time for Female 17 and Over with her 12:04. Maddie Giumelli won the Girls Under 13 in 12:22, and Rhys Anschaw the Boys Under 17 with 17:23. Andrew Cuthel took out the Male 17 and Over with 13:35.

Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series 2025 Pointscore Championship

This year for the first time, saw a 3-way tie for 1st place, and the need to apply some “what if the points are tied?” rules. The category of Male Under 50, saw Daniel McLennan, Daniel Carson and Scott Ferguson all score exactly 29 points for the Series. The first rule applied is: the runner who has participated in more races, gets preference. In this case, Daniel Carson drops immediately behind the other 2 and hence takes 3rd place, since he ran only 3 times (for 2 wins and a 2nd placing). Both of the other contenders completed all 5 races of the Series, so the next rule kicked in: the one who completes more long distance races, gets the nod. Since Daniel McLennan raced all the middle distance events, he was relegated the 2nd placing, with the overall title of Champion going to Scott Ferguson, who raced all 5 long distance events.

The Male 50-59 battle was closely fought throughout the Series, with the top 3 contenders racing every event and sharing the podium each outing. David Sitsky, who opened the Series with two 2nd placings, just got better and better to finish with three 1st placings and 48 points. Aston Duncan and Ben Crabb started the “Gungahlin Gallop” on equal points, and were separated in the end by their final performance and one point, with Aston edging out Ben 43 points to 42.

Goulburn runners dominated the Male 60-69 Pointscore. While Kerry Baxter won all 4 races he entered, for 40 points, he nevertheless had to surrender to Rod Smith, who raced 5 times for an impressive total of 45 points. Graeme Smyth took 3rd with 37 points form his 5 outings.

Trevor Jacobs was the ultimate winner in the Male 70 and Over, taking the title with 38 points (from a possible 40, in 4 races), from Eric Wainwright’s 36 points and Peter Allen on 24.

Although Brittany Harriden had a perfect record of 4 wins – and 4 course records – from 4 starts (all long course), she had to settle for 3rd place in the Female Under 50 Pointscore Championship, behind Lisa Winssinger (who would have collected the Best Young Talent award, if there was one) with 43 points from 5 races, and the superb Sarah King, who won every middle distance race of the Series to record the only Perfect Score of 50 points among the more than 1000 participants across the entire Series!

Though giving up a one-race headstart, Narelle Smyth managed to edge out her rivals with an impressive haul of 36 points from 4 events in the F50-59s; ahead of Leanne Haughton’s tally of 34 from 5 races; and Debbie Maher with 31 points, also from 5 events.

Newcomer to the Series, Jie Zhou wowed everyone with her superlative performances in every race, completing the 5 events with an insurmountable total of 46 points to take the F60-69 main trophy. Kerrie Tanner was certainly the outstanding performer in this category, winning all races she took part in, however paid the price for missing one race and hence her 40 points were good for 2nd place. Nik Christen meanwhile scored 39 points with a very consistent showing at every race. There were no qualifiers for the F70+ Championship this year, as the criteria requires a minimum of 3 races to be completed.

Held on a cool, misty morning that gave way to perfect overcast conditions, the trails were primed for fast feet and big smiles. Over 400 runners came out to take on the beautiful bushland around Mt Anslie and Mt Majura, with three course options on offer: the family-friendly 2km, the scenic  8.3km, and the more demanding 16.4km for those ready to dig a little deeper.

From the first wave to the last finisher, the energy on the course was nothing short of inspiring. Trail runners tackled gentle hills,  flowing single track to some hard grinding climbs that didn’t let you quit – with grit and good humour, many sharing words of encouragement along the way. It wasn’t just about racing—it was about being out there together.
One of the highlights of the day was the sense of community. Locals, visitors, seasoned trail runners and first-timers all mingled before and after the event, trading stories and soaking up the relaxed holiday atmosphere. 

A huge thank you to the volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly, from course markers and aid station crews to the setup and timing teams. And to the runners—thank you for showing up with such great spirit. Your smiles, muddy shoes, and finish line celebrations were what made the day so memorable.

We’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the next race in the series.

Until then—keep running, keep exploring, and keep the trail magic alive.

New Course Records set today:

16.4km Female Under 50 – Brittany Harriden, 1:15:09
16.4km Male 70 and Over – Peter Clarke, 1:40:52

8.3km Male Under 50 – Patrick Clark, 32:46
8.3km Female 60-69 – Ana Herceg, 52:08

2km Boys Under 17 – Hamish Elliott, 7:22

 

 

 

The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run – history’s longest and largest torch relay – will this year see an international team of runners from over 50 countries carry the Peace Torch 15,500 km right around the circumference of Australia. With the epic journey commencing the very next day, members of the Peace Run team were on hand with the Peace Torch at the Sri Chinmoy “Coleman Clip”, with some of the team using the race as a ‘warm up’ for the big miles ahead.

Follow the around-Australia Peace Run on Instagram and via daily reports on the Peace Run website.

With such positive feelings in the air, the sunshine responded – perhaps a little too eagerly – with the most glorious day anyone can remember for this season-opening race. A record field assembled, and tested the burger production crew, alongside the watermelon-chopping champ, to the full extent of their prowess.

With no mud and little dust around, conditions underfoot were optimum for fast times, and the pointy end of the field did not disappoint.

The 10km runners toiled the longest under the sun’s full force, and had the steepest climbs to surmount, so deserve top billing in our event chronicle. The women’s 10km race was won by the impressive Sarah King in 49:22, from Vanessa Bennett (49:56) and Julie Murphy (51:19). The evergreen Sam Reinhardt took out the F50-59 category in 59:11, in a close race from Natalie Wood’s 59:25. There was an even closer tussle in the F50-59, where Kerrie Tanner (1:03:15) barely edged out Kim Greaves’ effort of 1:03:17.

Over in the men’s 10km race, Daniel Dreher strode out ahead as though the elevation profile was a flat line, finishing with a front-running 39:23, ahead of Daniel Carson’s 42:08 and Matthew Maundrell with 44:15. Another evergreen contender, Ben Crabb took out the M50-59 category in a jaunty 47:09, barely keeping David Sitsky’s 47:16 at bay, with Aston Duncan not far adrift with 47:56. Rodney Smith was the only M60-69 to crack the one hour barrier in 59:27; while Eric Wainwright proved the adage that “You have to be in it, to win it!” by taking out the M70+ in 1:44:14.

Kodi Clarkson has held the course record for the 5km at the “Coleman Clip” for the past 4 years, and lowered it each time he has run. Today’s 18:23 marked another transcendence from last year’s record. Not that Kodi is getting old – but like a good wine, he continues to improve with every year. The race then for 2nd place saw Patrick Maundrell’s 21:14 too good for Daniel McLennan’s finish of 21:31.

Lisa Winssinger had the best of the women’s 5km race, running unchallenged for a fine return of 23:48, from Wilma Huneke’s 25:23 and Rui Bluett-Jones with 25:48. The Female 50-59 category belonged to Anita Scherrer with a glorious run of 28:10; while Florian Geier took out the M50-59 with an impressive 25:56.

The 5km 60-69 category saw records tumble in both male and female divisions. Mark Duncanson lowered the time and raised the standard in the M60-69 to a new mark of 25:47; while Jie Zhou likewise shone in the F60-69 with an impressive 30:49. Peter Allen meanwhile was the winner of the Male 70 and Overs with 50:26.

The shortest race of the day (the 2-lap 2.2km) also saw a new record set, with Owen Isaacs setting about the course with zeal and zip to record a new all-comers fastest time of 8:25. Next home was Girls Under 13 winner, Sara Thompson with 9:19, ahead of Boys Under 13 winner and runner up, Felix Botticio’s 9:25 and Benjamin Caldow’s 9:29. Then came Boys Under 17 winner, James Gao in 9:47, just edging out Girls under 13 runner-up Samantha Ramboer with 9:49, then Huon Cooper (Boys U13) with 9:53, and Banjo Bluett-Jones (Girls U13) in 10:12.

The next race in the Series will be the “Stromlo Strides” on Sunday 11 May!

Early Sunday rise was well worth it and richly rewarded by the Murrumbidgee River Nature Reserve which welcomed us with its stunning flora covered with frost and reflecting sunrise beams in white protective and crispy layers of icy water. The air was filled with tranquillity and local animal habitants such as birds and kangaroos seemed to feel at ease as we started to prepare for our 2km, 8km and 20km race. Birds sensed opportunity for a free buffet which consisted of delicious lentil burgers, watermelon and bananas being prepared for all runners after having accomplished their races. Initially kangaroos were curiously glancing at us but they soon realised that we were too focused on setting up the race so they calmly continued eating their grassy breakfast.

There were hardly any people at this hour of the morning, however, soon the park started to buzz with excitement of arriving race participants and also members of the public. Pine Island offers its beautiful trails to walkers, runners and mountain bikers. The nearby Murrumbidgee River, which runners run along, added even more richness, variety, beauty and harmony into the whole atmosphere. Water cascades and surrounding trees, especially pines, offered their calmness and were emanating peace which we all hugely need.

26 people participated in 2km run. 5 Boys under 13. 5 Males 17 and over. 11 Girls under 13, 2 Girls under 17 and 3 Female 17 and over.

Felix Botticchio won in boys under 13 category in 9:10, followed by Liam Whitehead in 10:01 and Angus Botticchio in 10:02.

Rohan Tankey led in Male 17 and over category in a time of 10:09. Second place was granted to John Astridge in 11:23 and third place went to Allister Botticchio in 13:25.

Saleena Ramboer won in Girls under 13 category in 8:26, followd by Annika Astridge in 09:01 and Samantha Romboer in 09.38.

Tara Holmes ran a superb 08:15 (a new course record) in Girls under 17 and Hannah Nockels finished in 10:01.

Female 17 and Over were led by Laura Ramboer in 08:40 – another course record time for her category. Second place went to Kristina Whitehead in 15:04 and Hannah Fabros took third place in 17:48.

The 8km run gathered 147 runners and out of 147 runners there were 43 Male under 50, 16 Male between 50-59, 3 Male in 60-69 category and 4 in 70 and Over. 63 Females in Under 50 category,  13 Females in 50-59 and 5 in 60-69.

Kodi Clarkson led the Male under 50, breaking his own course record with 28:45. Patrick Clark was right behind in 29:36 and Thomas Naden finished in 32:43.

In 50-59 Male category, Aston Duncan won in 34:36, followed by Ian Naden in 38:32 and Andrew Dempster in 40:16.

Richard Honey won Male 60-69 in 43:50, Graeme Smyth took second place in 47:27 and Chris Mill received third place in 55:36.

Male 70 and Over was led by John Kennedy on 50:35, followed by Rod Harrod in 54:37 and Eric Wainwright in 1:06:44.

Sarah King won Female Under 50 in 36:08 and Prue Davies ran very close behind in 36:30, followed by Lisa Winssinger in 37:45.

Shiree Yap led Female 50-59 category in 42:18. Michele Legge took second place in 46:38 and Natasha Newman took third place in 47:29.

Alice Jones won Female 60-69 in 54:16, Jennifer Rankine received second place in 56:54 and Judith Bibo finished third in 1:05:12.

The most popular run turned out to be 20 km run which welcomed 172 runners at the start line. There were 74 Male under 50, 25 Male in 50-59 category, 5 Male in 60-69 category and 2 in Male 70 and Over.

50 Female under 50 decided to participate in 20km run. 13 Female in 50-59, 2 Female in 60-69 and 1 in 70 and Over category.

Brayden Clews-Proctor achieved an astonishing result of 1:16:44, followed by 1:17:12 which went to Brandon Suter. Daniel Carson ran just behind the two leaders in 1:18:57.

Glen Robinson won in Male 50-59 in 1:28:23. Second place went to Ben Crabb in 1:30:25 and Tony Hrstic tool third place in 1:39:42.

Mark Duncanson ran in fantastic time of 1:43:21 in Male 60-69 category. Ian Prosser closely followed him in 1:44:26 and Stephen Graham finished in 2:01:29.

Peter Clarke came first in Male 70 and Over in a superb new course record time of 1:59:20 and Trevor Jacobs in 2:06:24.

Sarah Parkins won Female Under 50 in fantastic 1:32:15. Grace Crane took second place in 1:38:29 and Keira Germech came third in 1:39:38.

Female 50-59 was led by Natalie Wood in an amazing 1:48:19. Narelle Smyth came second in 1:56:01 and Kim Greaves finished third in 1:56:24.

Pam Muston finished in 2:08:32 winning in Female 60-69 and Kerri Gisik came second in 2:35:56.

Diana Schneider won in 70 and Over in another new record time of 2:39:02.

All runners deserve a big applause and congratulations for their running efforts and running results in such a challenging course which is uneven, hilly, bushy and muddy. To achieve such astonishing results on a difficult trail run is an admirable achievement. Runners celebrated their hard work with nutritious and well deserved veggie burgers and fruits and received their medals at the end of each race category.

We hope to see you at the next race, the “Gungahlin Gallop” in July and we wish you happy running!

Mount Stromlo: Location of the ANU's Observatory, favoured by mountain bikers, and home to countless ducks, cockatoos, and inquisitive kangaroos. Rain was forecast. Lots of it. So when our crew arrived to set up, we were relieved to find it not raining. “Who knows? Perhaps it will be a nice day” we said to ourselves. The ground was sodden from the previous day's rain, with large puddles at the edge of the grassy Robert de Castella Cross Country Running Track which was our start and finish point.

The rain held off, but we faced other difficulties. The megaphone wasn't working! I set it down, it began to make a low, discontented crackling sound. This was the only noise it made all day. So as a result, I had to shout a lot.

Then a stiff, cold breeze picked up. Our finish arch began to wave about in an ungainly manner. Concerned that its flailing about might harm the race clock, or a passerby, we took it down as soon as the races all started.

In the 2km race, Tara Holmes (under 17) took the line honours overall in 7:31, and set a new Girls Under 17 course record in the process. Felix Botticchio (under 13) was fastest boy in 08:42.

Further course records tumbled in the 6.3km race. Kodi Clarkson was the men’s winner, breaking his own course record from last year, with his super-swift 21:40.  Sarah King also lowered the women's record, winning the race in a fine 26:33, while Shiree Yap busted the F50-59 previous best time with her fleet-of-foot 31:26.

The 15.4km race amongst the men was a reprise of the Cooleman Clip, with Bradon Suter (58:44) setting a new men’s best time, and edging out Brayden Clews-Proctor (59:06) for first place – though this time by a slimmer margin than in Race 1 of the Series. Ian Prosser in the M60-69 also bested the age group record for this course with his winning 1:18:13.

Sarah Parkins was the fastest woman in the 15.4km with 1:10:25. Special mention to all our over 70 finishers: Peter Allen and John Harding in the 6.3km race, and Peter Clarke, John Kennedy and Diana Schneider in the 15.4km.

And thanks and congratulations to all the mothers who celebrated Mother's Day with us at the Stromlo Strides.

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.

 

Published results are provisional. Please advise any errors or anomalies to [email protected]

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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.

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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

With a wet, muddy, freezing and unpleasant day forecast for today’s event, pre-race registrations were understandably low. The brave or unwitting signed up regardless, the cautious and unsure waited in the wings, reserving their right enter to on the day or not at all.  We arrived at Chapman oval expecting those fence sitters to relish in the warmth of their houses and cozy beds but to the contrary…. Half of Canberra looked at the rain lashing at their windows, the dark clouds drifting in double time against the sky and decided: “Let’s go.” Unexpected lines of people stood their ground against the wind waiting to register. Our generally ample supply of three pens was passed around by the crowd signing up to charge into the hills and return washed in mud.

The intermittent rain provided an arbitrary antidote to the clear and obvious evidence of footsteps stirring the wet earth. Many returned spattered in it, others looked spotless. They all ran straight for the drinks table where the unfilled cups had acquired an unasked for centimetre of water. Even swimming makes you thirsty!

Despite – or because of? – the less than ideal conditions, several course records fell in each distance, including:

* 10km Male Under 50 – Tom Driscoll surpassed Matt Robbie’s formidable time with his 38:52, to win by a full 3 minutes
* 10km Female Under 50 – Petra Mossop said “I can do better than that!” and won by over 5 minutes, to transcend her own superb record with 45:12
* 10km Female 50-59 – Kym Kennedy 57:09
* 5km Male Under 50 – Kodi Clarkson bettered his own record with 19:12
* 5km Male 70 and Over – Trevor Jacobs 28:52
* 2.2km Girls Under 13 – Saleena Ramboer not only set a new record, she won the race outright with 9:28
* 2.2km Girls Under 17 – Elliott Burgess took 2nd outright with 10:49
* 2.2km Male 17 and Over – Rohan Tankey 11:08

This was but the first of a whole series of trail races for this year. Already the runners have shown their spirit to transcend not just their own capacities but what would have been some very acceptable excuses and reasons to have a spa day. We would promise the other races won’t be like this, but it seems many runners actually liked it. It brings a joy - the knowledge we have the strength to match a situation. So the weather we can invite to do as it pleases, because we are confident in our ability to overcome inclement conditions.