The Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race was held at the Athletics Centre, at QE2 Stadium, Nathan, Brisbane, commencing at 9am on Saturday June 18th and finishing at 9am on Sunday June 19th. The event also included a twelve hour and a six hour race.

The wonderful facilities of the new venue coupled with the perfectly mild Brisbane winter weather provided the perfect setting for the event. It was marvelous to see 32 competitors toeing the start line across the three races. Athletes and helpers alike journeyed from across the nation to take part.

The event was magnificent. Its grandeur and scope are exceedingly difficult to capture in a few paragraphs for an ultra event is perhaps something best experienced rather than described. It is difficult to grasp the enormity of the distances covered and the magnitude of the heroic determination; these are often conveyed more convincingly through the starkly poignant trackside realities; the blisters, cramps, nausea, exhaustion, the elation, joy and jubilation, and above all the intrepid determination that carries each runner through the long hours of the night towards a remarkable goal.

The first placed male in the 24 hour event was Trevor Allen who, with characteristic cheerfulness and easy-going disposition, broke the magical 200km barrier with a final distance of 200.405km. Not far behind was Mike Canty with 193.568km. We stand in awe of their superb efforts.

Sharon Scholz was the first placed female athlete with a distance of 163.156 km. An impressive distance, but more so when you consider that, due to a niggling injury from the World Championships only five weeks earlier, she stopped running at around the 16 hour mark. Sharon is a wonder to behold on the track; metronomic cadence, indomitable will power, ultra-efficient gait and unfailing humility and sincerity. During the course of the event she added two records to her already impressive collection, breaking the previous marks for Australian female open for 100 miles (15:57.37) and 12 hours (131.31km). We salute her heroic efforts.

The first placed male in the twelve hour race was John Pearson who covered a whopping 128.379 km. First placed female was Carol Sullivan who covered 92.232km, not bad considering she completed the Comrades Ultra Marathon only a few weeks earlier. In the six hour race Gregory Truloff covered 67.798km to claim first male and first overall, whilst Kerrie Bremner was not far behind with an impressive 63.645km, enough to claim first placed female and second place overall.

We salute and congratulate each athlete who participated in the event. You are true hero-warriors of the running world. May we all draw upon your examples of dedication and perseverance to become not only better runners, but also better human beings. We also offer our most heartfelt thanks to all the helpers and supporters, many of whom were kind enough to lend a hand in the lap counting tent. I think it is fair to say that the event was a great success for all involved. See you next year!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour race, 15 & 16 June 2019, full results by category 210.41 KB

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour race, 15 & 16 June 2019, full results overall 38.54 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 Hour race, 15 & 16 June 2019, full results by category 117.22 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 Hour race, 15 & 16 June 2019, full results overall 31.61 KB

Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour race, 15 June 2019, full results by category 117.55 KB

Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour race, 15 June 2019, full results overall 31.27 KB

Sri Chinmoy track marathon, 15 June 2019, full results overall 35.76 KB

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Why and how does the sight of a bunch of runners circling around a track bring such a surge of joy? The venue is unremarkable – a suburban athletics track; the runners mostly “ordinary” people – no Olympic champions, Oscar winners or rock stars here. Countless times we’ve seen folks running around tracks and not felt this inexplicable thrill, so it’s source can’t be just the outer activity; it has to be the inner reality, the combined aspiration, daring, sacrifice, willpower and quest for transcendence radiating from the hearts, infusing the minds and powering the limbs of each runner-dreamer-warrior-hero before our eyes. We recognise our own better selves, our own yearning for something higher and vaster, the battle against our own self-doubts and fears, the drama of our own lives’ journeys; we feel the quiver of our own souls.

An ultra track race presents a unique concentration, a distillation of single-minded focus, resolution and shared purpose, a revelation, affirmation and celebration of just a glimpse of the infinitude of spiritual power within us all.

It is rare indeed that every single entrant in a 24 hour race toes the start line – customarily there are a few “no-shows” on the day for one reason or another. So for all 41 entrants to assemble trackside for the 9am start was in itself an auspicious augury for a memorable edventure.

A 24 Hour race invariably unfolds in ways no one could have anticipated. The faces assembled at the start line mask a myriad mysteries about to unravel – some surprising, some disappointing, some perplexing, some exhilarating. The faces assembled at the awards ceremony reveal the unravelled threads of searching, struggling, crying, smiling and flying which together comprise the complex tapestry of this rich and rewarding epic.

Donna Urquhart (212.4km) and Daragh O’Loughlin (221.2 km) were both humble and popular winners of the women’s and men’s race respectively. Each remained steadfast, sturdy and strong throughout the long day and night to triumph and surpass their personal goals. Donna also took 3rd outright across the entire field, after an impressive 1st time Campbelltown runner Hoong Wei Wong from Singapore, with 216.8km. The steady and solid Stuart Hughes came in next with 210.4km, followed by 2nd female Simone Hayes with a fantastic sustained performance netting her 198.4km.

Sabina Hamaty took our the Female 50-59 category with her calm and controlled 162 km; Soonchul Shin was outstanding to take out the Male 50-59 with a wonderful 186.8km; while the Elder Statesman of this event, Anyce “Kip” Melham completed his 32nd Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race (variously held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Campbelltown) to win the Male 60-69 category with a hard-fought and glorious 166km. Rod Rainey was best among the Male 70 and Over with 101.6km.

Much of the attention in the front half of the event was on the remarkable Bernadette Benson who ran a stellar race, closing her account after 100 miles in 14:22:30, claiming numerous Open and F50 Canadian and Australian records up to and including 100 miles (full details to be verified and published).

The 12 Hour race boasted perhaps the fastest (though the smallest) field, with “gun” runner Phil Balnave setting the early pace from the 9pm starting bell. It was defending 24-Hour 2-time champion Stephen Redfern who outlasted the best however, maintaining his trademark bouncy lope through a testing night to record a PB of 131.875 km, from John Pearson’s 125.24km and Wayne Calvert with 110.311km. Aaron Francey ran the furthest of the Male 50-59 with 104.09km, and Jonh Nuttall took the Male 60-69 with 61.376km. The only entrant in the Female Under 50, Margie Raymond, completed her marathon in 5 and a half hours.

The 6 Hour race field was next to join the 24 Hour runners on Saturday morning, one hour into proceedings, and added energy and enthusiasm to the track in lane 3 and 4. By 4pm, it was James Chen who had covered the furthest with an impressive 65.954km to take out the Male Under 50, with next home Masanori Chiba in fine form to also take out the Male 50-59 with 64.754km. Kerrie Bremner ran perhaps the standout performance of the event with her wonderful 63.109 winning her the Female 50-59 category (and females outright) as well as taking 4th overall. Bob Marden won the Male 60-69 with 50.65km; Jiyoung Lee took out the Female Under 50 category with 37.233km; while the amazing Margrit Smith, who will turn 85 in 2 days time, gave masterclass to all in focus, calm and determination.

One hour later, at 11am the Marathon brought 24 additional friendly faces to the party in lane 3. With no cut-off time and a relatively straightforward course to follow, a diverse group of marathon newbies, veterans, stalwarts, hares and tortoises variously jogged, galloped and shuffled through the better part of the afternoon. Oliver Carey was the fastest to finish in 3:17:11, from Male 50-59 winner and 2nd outright Eunsu Park in 3:25:48. Jenny Brownlie took out the women’s main award with 3:58:40; Paul Andersson the Male 60-69s with 5:55:37; Jo Andersson the Female 70 and Over trophy in 6:05:41; and the famous David Attrill outlasted them all to take the Male 70 and Over award with a remarkable 8:38:16.

Immense gratitude to Penny Redfern whose cheerful, heartfelt service kept our volunteers in good spirits all day and night; to Billy Pearce, our indefatigable medic who served tirelessly throughout the 24 hours; to the kind staff of Campbelltown Council who take such good care of this wonderful venue; and to volunteers of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.

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Provisional results are published. These will be confirmed once all have been audited.

24 hours can be gone in a flash, a mere flicker in our life’s unfolding history; again, 24 hours can reveal eternity.

Each adventurer-explorer-warrior-hero-soul who dared to take that one step forward to the starting line at 9am on Saturday 2 June at Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Track, stood at that line with excitement, anxiousness, trepidation and above all, eagerness for a rendezvous with destiny, a surrender to an unfolding inner and outer drama in which each runner would be both protagonist and audience, as each one chiselled, wrestled and wrangled cherished secrets from the heart of the Unknown. We, witnesses to the story, would also be changed for the better by what we would see, feel and become…

THE RACES

While it’s true that the “smaller” races of 12 hours, 6 hours and the marathon would not happen without the 24 hour race as the backdrop and in that sense they could be seen as supporting or subsidiary events, it’s also true that the additional energy, enthusiasm, aspiration and rich humanity these races bring to the track serve immensely to invigorate, inspire and expand the horizons of the 24 hour race and its runners. Being able to employ lane 3 thanks to the computational wizardry of an electronic timing system, brings additional atmosphere, intensity and purpose which lifts and benefits all the races and participants.

6-HOUR RACE: start time, 10am Saturday

With the 24 hour race already one hour into its journey, a new chapter opened with the arrival in lane 3 of 15 runners aiming to cover as much distance as possible in the ensuing 6 hours. Running parallel with the 24 hour racers, their aims were congruent, though operating within a tighter timeframe. The field was certainly a motley crew of diverse nationalities, ages and backgrounds.

Tom Stevens took out the major prize in the race with a fine 67.422 km, from Japan’s non-stop Energiser Bunny, Masanori Chiba who won the Male 50-59 with 64.054km with Sarah Lately leading the women and taking 3rd outright with 62.962km.

THE MARATHON: start time, 11am Saturday

Despite another marathon being held just up the road on the same day, 16 willing subjects came to test their mettle against the classic distance in the controlled environment of the track. Given that the race would continue as long as the 24 hour runners were still out there, there was effectively no cut-off time for the marathon, a fact which doubtless attracted a few who might otherwise have had concerns about testing the patience of course marshals.

Kevin Heaton ran a superbly-paced marathon to win in 3:29:05, from Tom Luxton’s 4:11:01 and Victor Ziegler’s 4:32:07. Kathleen Ho was 1st placed among the women with 4:43:05, from Tina Wills in 4:51:22 and Celine Lamy with 4:52:23. The star of the show was undoubtedly 85-year-old Francis Dearn who ran in the company of Belinda and Glenn Lockwood, to clock an impressive 8:43:42 for the full marathon distance, a gritty performance of courage and faith rewarded with that sweet taste of completion.

12-HOUR RACE: start time, 9pm Saturday

Dark had well and truly descended on this early Winter’s night and the 24 hour stalwarts were already tunnel-visioning themselves for the push or grind or climb or float through their toughest ordeals ahead, when another group of fresh faces and legs gathered for their own assault of the night: the 12 hour race.

Standout performers in the 12 hour adventure were outright winner Dan Lollback with 121.533km, alongside 2nd overall and female winner Katy Anderson who clocked a breezy yet mighty impressive 113.772km. In addition to their own great performances, the 12 hour runners provided a wonderful service to the 24 hour field, keeping them company and bringing extra firepower to the track when it was most needed.

24-HOUR RACE: start time, 9am Saturday

An athletics track is always a sporting arena: during a 24 Hour race, it morphs also into both drama theatre and battlefield. Many of the dramas and battles are staged and fought entirely within the hearts, minds and bodies of the participants, while the helpers and spectators are privileged to witness some of the results of these inner struggles, duels, setbacks and victories. The competition between participants is largely secondary, and tends to follow the outcomes of the inner plot lines.

Gary Mullins set the pace early in a bid to gain a qualifying time for the Australian National 100km team; however he soon realised it was not to be his day and withdrew from the arena. From this point it was seasoned campaigner Matthew Eckford who led the way, with Stephen Redfern, Karsten Schiemann and Bruno Lorenzi Lima close together for the first 50km. The women’s race likewise saw a close contest through the marathon with the vastly experienced Sharon Scholz closely tailed by Heather Hawkins and Sabina Hamaty.

All eyes were on Rod Rainey as he steadily progressed towards his goal of a new 6 Hour Australian Record for Males 70+, which he duly set with a new best distance of 55.723km (yet to be ratified). Rod continued beyond the 6 hour mark up to 100km, at which point he called it a day.

Matthew Eckford’s goal was the 240km final distance required to qualify for the Australian 24 Hour team. It didn’t bother him that he was running so far ahead of the pack – 240km beckoned loud and clear and kept him focussed as he continued with brisk pace and strong form. At 100km he led by 40 minutes; at 150km his lead had grown to nearly one hour over the field. Inevitably his relentless output started to take its toll and his lap times gradually decreased. Both Karsten and Bruno dropped out of contention by now, yet Stephen Redfern continued bounding around the track with the same quiet reserve and effortless, weightless style. Now firmly in second place, he continued to make up ground throughout the night and the early hours of the morning. The other steady improver was John Yoon who had moved into 4th by the 100km mark, and 3rd place by 150km.

In the women’s race, Sharon Scholz was never going to be threatened nor would she ever much reduce her pace; nor would the mighty impressive Heather Hawkins be in danger in the women’s 50 and Over category. It was Cheryl Symons who slowly worked her way through the field. At the 100km point she was still a long way behind Sabina Hamaty, Karen Chan and Vanessa Phillips: by 150km she was comfortably in front of them all.

At no point in the race did Matthew Eckford appear to be on track for anything but 1st place: even the early burst from Gary Mullins was only ever likely to yield 100km or at most 100 miles. Yet as he passed his goal of 240km a curious thing happened – a combination of sheer exhaustion from the Herculean effort of running alone at the edge of his capacity and endurance for nearly a day, utter relief at having reached his goal, and perhaps the prospect of a physically and emotionally painful showdown with a fast-finishing Stephen Redfern, saw him happy to step off the track with a mere 15 minutes remaining in the race, with 242.201km to his name. Stephen meanwhile, who had already surpassed his personal best distance by more than 20 kilometres, was riding a rare tidal wave of inspiration and simply could not slow down, taking the lead soon after Matthew’s withdrawal and gliding to an astonishing and memorable victory with 245.566 golden kilometres. Both were ecstatic with their efforts and rightly so. John Yoon likewise finished powerfully to also claim a personal best and 3rd place with a remarkable 227.61km, an effort which would be good enough to win many a 24 hour race.

The next 3 placings were filled by women: Sharon Scholz ran a beautiful race, always seeming in control to again claim the crown of Female Champion with 188.45km. Heather Hawkins also ran an amazing race to win the Female 50-59 category and 2nd place overall with an incredible 178.927km; from the remarkably consistent Cheryl Symons with 177.35km. Not far after Cheryl came the first placed Male 50-59, Soonchul Shin from Korea running his first ever 24 hour track race with a wonderful effort of 176.531km, having been pushed all the way by Colin Wiley with a fine run of 173.033km.

Also topping the immortal 100 mile mark were Arthur Sargeant with 165.158km; Sabina Hamaty with a fantastic 164.294km; and the great Anyce “Kip” Melham, running his 31st or 32nd Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour race and taking the Male 60-69 category, having dug ever so deep for a mightily impressive 163.852km. Craig Gustard came home with 163.009km; while Justin Scholz completed at least his 10th Centurion effort by walking 100 miles in 21:50:43 at which point he withdrew from the race (thus slipping a few notches in the standings). Karen Chan just barely missed the 100 mile mark by a mere 28 metres and deserves a most creditable mention for her wonderful run of 160.906km.

Constance Attard had never entered a race of any distance in her life, let alone a 24 hour race. Her plan was “to walk with a happy heart” for as far as she could, and that she certainly did, clocking an amazing 123.426km to take 2nd in the Female 50-59 category – an impressive race debut if ever there was one!

David Attrill came to the track today expecting to walk about a marathon: however he was so inspired by Rod Rainey’s record-breaking run that he continued … and continued … eventually taking out the Male 70 and Over category with a whopping 120.632km, all of them walked.

Every runner and walker in the race deserves their own write-up and many a victory is not recorded in the results pages; these victories are recorded on the tablets of our aspiring hearts, on the beaming smiles at the finish line, and in the lasting legacy and memories of these fleeting 24 hours on a track in Campbelltown.

Our gratitude beyond words to Billy Pearce who provided medical expertise and cheerful on-track support to organisers and runners alike throughout the entire 24 hours; to Martin Fryer for his superb timing and results service as well as untiring support and encouragement from his own vast ultra experience; to the caretakers of Campbelltown Stadium Athletics Track for their incredible embrace of the event; to “My Rainbow-Dreams” vegetarian cafe in Canberra for supplying food throughout for runners and helpers; and to volunteers from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Mongolia, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race, 8 & 9 July 2017, full results by category 120.28 KB

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race, 8 & 9 July 2017, full results overall 37.35 KB

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race, 8 & 9 July 2017, full lap splits 316.16 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 Hour Race, 8 & 9 July 2017, full results by category 114.6 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 Hour Race, 8 & 9 July 2017, full results overall 30.99 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 Hour Race, 8 & 9 July 2017, full lap splits 86.41 KB

Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour Race, 8 July 2017, full results by category 118.13 KB

Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour Race, 8 July 2017, full results overall 34.53 KB

Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour Race, 8 July 2017, full lap splits 133.85 KB

Sri Chinmoy 24 hour, 12 Hour & 6 hour Races, 8 & 9 July 2017, milestone times 124.95 KB

Race Photos

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The Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race has been a fixture on the Australian Ultra Running calendar since the early 80s. Without fail, every single edition of this event has been memorable for the heroism and glowing inspiration of the many types of runner – noble athlete-warriors, philosophers, poets, battlers, explorers, adventurers, dreamers, angels and sheer sloggers – who have graced the track with their stupendous self-giving deeds.

2017 was a another wonderful addition to the tradition.

24 hour race

In the women’s 24 hour race, Cheryl Symons offered a master class in the value of endurance and persistence. Initially, Annabel Hepworth had led the women with her sprightly clip; once Annabel “pulled the plug” after 100km, Jade Crime inherited the lead. Yet through the small hours of the night it was Cheryl who was to bring her stamina to the fore and finally prevail with an impressive 165+ km. It was over 22 hours before Cheryl took the race lead. Jade took the 2nd placing with 100 miles – 161.2km; while Tracy Turner filled out the podium spots with 145.7km. Tracey Hind came in 4th by completing a shade over 133km; while evergreen Joy Walden won the Female 50-59 division with 111.4km.

Among many fine performances, Stephen Redfern’s was judged by many to be the standout run of the race. Winning one of Australia’s premier 24 hour races only 4 years after taking up running, is a phenomenal achievement. After completing a mighty impressive 196km to take 2nd place at this event last year, Stephen’s maturity, grace and composure were notable signs of his rapidly ascending curve of improvement, which saw him rewarded with a huge Personal Best of 220.4km and the Male Champion’s Trophy. All, both on and off the track, were inspired by Stephen’s attitude, drive and energy throughout the 24 hours.

Next home for the men was our German visitor from Bangkok, Karsten Schiemann, whose dogged determination saw a fine result with 206.6km. Regular participant in the Sri Chinmoy 24-Hour race, Chris Toyne ran another superb race to take 3rd place with 181.5km, from Robert Philpott’s consistent and calm 176.7km.

First among the Male 50-59 and 5th among all the men was the remarkable Anyce Kip Melham, completing over 100 miles (161.6km) in tallying no less than his 30th Sri Chinmoy 24-Hour Race – having raced this event over 4 decades in Adelaide, Brisbane and Blacktown prior to its present incarnation in Campbelltown. An athlete who runs totally from his heart, Anyce carries a deep radiance of love and oneness, his very presence bringing together the community of every race in which he participates. Dean Metcalf was not far behind Anyce with 156.7km to take 5th Male Under 50, ahead of Sean Smith’s and Arthur Sargeant’s 153.9km (6th and 7th respectively). Canberra’s Colin Wiley (133.6km) would take 2nd in the Male 50-59; Philip Balnave 3rd with 123.6km; Tony Wilms 4th with 120.4km; and Peter Tutty finishing 5th with 75.2km.

Kieron Blackmore, reigning in his tendency for speed through much of the race, brought home the Male 60-69 with exactly 120km from Robert Osbourne (113.8km), Louis Commins (110km) and Victor Correa (84.4km). The Male Under 50 were completed by the popular Eddy Oba with 116.9km; Steve Domonkos with 115.6km; Kurt Topper’s 107.8km; Hamish Knox who covered 89.2km; and Andrew Meagher completing 88km.

12 hour race

A full moon unobstructed by a single cloud shone bright throughout the night, gazing over proceedings like a benign and approving deity, flooding the arena with a silver serenity.

It is rare that a race is won outright by someone in the 60-69 category. Perhaps rarer still that an open race is won by one walking the whole way. Almost unheard of is it that both feats would be accomplished in the same event, yet that is exactly what veteran walker John Kilmartin achieved in the Sri Chinmoy 12 Hour Race, with his outstanding 1st placing of 84.3km.

The next placing was also remarkable: Lib Smith, competing in the Female 50-59 not only beat all the other women home, but also all the (running) men of the field with her 78.2km! Nova Gallagher came in after Lib, winning the Female Under 50 with 76.2km.

Sarankhuu Jargal, visiting from Mongolia, was first of the Male Under 50, clocking 61.2km to run the furthest he has ever run in a race. Martin Pluss took out the Male 50-59 with 42.4km.

6 hour race

A decent field of 21 runners tackled the “short” race of 6 hours, with a wide spectrum of purposes, aims and goals. While it was the briefest of the 3 events staged over the weekend, this one certainly upset the record books!

Gene Dykes from Pennsylvania, USA dominated the first stanza of the race as he flew about the track in pursuit of several age records. In the process Gene successfully collected no less than 7 consecutive USATF Masters Track records: for 15km, 10 miles, 20km, 25km, 2 hours, 30km and 20 miles for the M65-69 age group. Congratulations Gene on your outstanding run!

John Nuttall smashed the existing 6 hour Australian National M65 record by about 10km with his superb outing of 65.491km. Larissa Tichon also triumphed in her quest to break the W25 Australian 6 hour record by completing 66.149km.

Ryan Gooding defended his title, narrowly missing his distance from last year with 68.5km this time around, looking as good as ever. Next home were the record-breaking Larissa Tichon and John Nuttall. Following them was Geoff Barnes, winning the Male 50-59 with 63.2km from Masa Chiba’s 60.9km. Rod Rainey took out the Male 70 and Over with his 49.8km; and Belinda Lockwood the Female 50-59 with 47.04km.

Our deep and flowing gratitude to Billy Pearce who offered medical support with heart throughout the 24 hours; and to Martin Fryer and his assistant Tom of Flyer Ultra timing services for their consummate timing and results service.

Mighty congratulations to every entrant, every finisher and every supporter of this wonderful event!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results by category 125.64 KB

Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results overall 124.44 KB

Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results with split times 124.12 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results by category 114.47 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results overall 112.89 KB

Sri Chinmoy 12 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results with split times 109.53 KB

Sri Chinmoy 6 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results by category 119.11 KB

Sri Chinmoy 6 hour race, Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre, 18 & 19 June 2016, full results overall 117.03 KB

Race Photos

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Note: the results published here are provisional only.

A 24 hour race is run not so much Against the Clock, as With the Clock. This particular 24 hour event might also be remembered as a Race Against The Rain: a massive low pressure system was all week threatening to unburden itself over Campbelltown during the course of the event. As it turned out, the race was held almost totally rain-free; with some light showers at the start and again during the take-down post-race before an enormous downpour struck.

Sharon Scholz always looked to have the women's 24 hour race in her keeping, with such wealth of experience and deep reserves of determination and courage to draw upon. In taking the Sri Chinmoy 24 hour Women's Title for 2016, Sharon placed 2nd outright in the race and crested the magical 200km marker with a final tally of 201.931km. She led a small but high-quality women's field which more than held their own, taking 3 of the top 6 placings overall.

The 24 hour men's race saw several leaders. First it was David Turnbull from England, who was aiming at 100km and therefore started at a brisker clip than most. Brendan Davies – current Australian Ultra Runner of the Year, surprisingly appearing in his first ever 24 hour track race – was running with superb form and control, as was the New Zealand champion and 12-hour M60 World Record holder Bryan McCorkindale. Yet when running at such high intensity, any number of hidden forces can assail the attempt, and both Brendan and Bryan would be forced to withdraw during the night.

Malcolm Gamble ran a steady race from the outset, and proved the immense value of a clear and steadfast plan, no matter what else might be happening around him. Malcolm was resolute throughout the night and by morning held a clear, unassailable lead which he would carry to the finish to be crowned the 2016 Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Male Champion with a fine 222.656km.

The second place winners in both the women's and the men's races were 24 hour first-timers, and both came seriously close to topping 200km at their first attempt: Donna Urquhart took 2nd in the women with a wonderful 192.53km while Stephen Redfern came even closer to 200 with a superb run of 196.575km.

John Yoon (185.916km), Kristy Lovegrove (175.327km) and Sean Smith (163.603km) were next in distance, just ahead of the indefatigable Centurian Justin Scholz, who proved his resilience and class by yet again cracking the elusive 100 mile mark – walking.

The Male 50-59 race turned into a friendly duel between 2 gentlemen of the track, with Kieron Blackmore (157.555km) ultimately yielding the title to the evergreen Anyce 'Kip' Melham (166.720km), racing in his 29th Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race!

Every entrant is deserving of our admiration, congratulations and awe. We hold you all in the highest standing.

If the 24 hour race had seen a fast start, the 12 hour race started as a veritable sprint: with Rick Cooke running as though late for an appointment, American Steve Stowers and Dan Symonds hot in pursuit. This small field produced a nevertheless intriguing race which was always captivating. Steve came with a mission, which he fulfilled to perfection, breaching the US 50 mile and 100km records for M50, making the trip well worth his while. Dan Symonds won the race convincingly in the end with 116km completed.

Gemma Worland took out the Female Under 50 with 86.781km, and Lib Smith the Female 50-59 with 72 km.

The 6 hour race proved a right ding-dong battle with the top 4 placings separated by only 1 km each. Ryan Gooding took the honours with 69.821 km, and Sonia Green the women's race with her wonderful run of 63.029km.

Our gratitude to all who played a role in this magnificent drama: each and every runner; all of the runners' helpers, family and supporters who came with their hearts' encouragement and goodwill; alongside the medical team of Robert Glasson-Smith and wife Lina; Martin Fryer whose dedication to perfection produced an immaculate set of results and enabled us all to enjoy peace of mind through the race; the ever-helpful staff of Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre; and members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

In 2017 the Sri Chinmoy 24 hour, 12 hour and 6 hour races will likely be held in July, on a weekend to be confirmed – at the same wonderful venue.

Results (PDF Download)

24hrcatres140615.pdf 58.15 KB

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Ancient cities had their stadia, where citizens flocked to witness great dramas of the human condition – epic tragedies of Sophocles, lavish intrigues of Seneca, masterful eloquence of Shakespeare – for entertainment, edification and ultimately, for transformation.

Today our stadium is but a simple 400 metre loop of synthetic compound; our protagonists humble runners and walkers: yet our drama is every bit as gripping, as moving, as universal, elevating and yes, as transforming as any offered on any stage of yore.

Here the drama unfolds largely within: the outer quest to pile up loop after loop after loop, mirrors the inner quest to transcend. The outer prize may be a trophy and a pat on the back: the inner prize a glimmer of self-discovery, a further finger-hold on the baffling rockface of self-conquest.

2015 saw the Sri Chinmoy 24 hour, 12 hour and 6 hour races staged for the first time at Campbelltown Sports Stadium Athletics Centre track. With all amenities of a world-class facility, yet removed from the turbulence and tension of the inner city, the atmosphere at Campbelltown amongst athletes, organisers and facility staff was friendly, supportive and happy throughout. We look forward to returning next year and beyond.

In an event which is more about inner reward than outer accomplishment, it is not always meaningful to focus on distances and comparisons – for one who may have covered only a slight distance may yet have resolved all manner of inner conflicts along the way and achieved a sense of blissful liberation as a result.

Yet one performance commands our attention, admiration and amazement: Bryan McCorkindale from Christchurch, New Zealand broke the World Record for Men 60 and Over for 12 Hours. Bryan, the defending champion from last year’s 24 hour race had entered the 24 hour event again with the intention of having a shot at the 12 hour and 100 mile records and then seeing what might be left for the remaining time. As it happened, he was on good pace for the 12 hour record but had to dig very deep to stay on pace during the final few hours. His determination and focus were extraordinary and swept the entire environs and spectators into an all-consuming effort of will to reach and breach that goal: first the track record of 129.525 km set by our own Cliffie Young in Sydney in 1982; and next the all-time 12 hour record of 132.167 km by the legendary Frenchman Max Courtillon at Moreuil in 1988 … Bryan’s outer calm belied an indomitable power that felt like a volcano burning on a measured fuse. All else was blocked out of the awareness as we witnessed the stupendous effort required to transcend the best that 60+ humankind has yet achieved. In the end, there were only 400 metres in it – a mere one of those laps after laps after laps – as 12 hours yielded 132.565km and a new World Record for Bryan and, it felt, for us all.

Bryan, we salute you, a true champion among champions.

The annual Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour and 12 Hour Track Races were staged at the Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June 2014. Final results, as well as progressive results follow:

Final standing by category>>

Final standing for 24 hour and 12 hour races combined overall>>

24 hour race, 21 hours progressive standings, and 12 hour race, 9 hour progressive standings>>

24 hour race, 18 hours progressive standings, and 12 hour race, 6 hour progressive standings>>

24 hour race, 15 hours progressive standings, and 12 hour race, 3 hour progressive standings>>

24 hour race, 12 hours progressive standings>>

24 hour race, 9 hours progressive standings>>

24 hour race, 6 hours progressive standings>>

24 hour race, 3 hours progressive standings>>

It was my great pleasure this year to step up from being a helper at the two previous editions of this event to being the Race Director. It wasn’t a hard decision as it is a Race Director’s dream to have such an experienced and joyful group of volunteers to work with as the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT) and such a wonderful mixture of runners to serve that spanned an experience spectrum from complete newbie to National Team level, and that came from near (Sydney) and far (Western Australia and New Zealand).

I have already had feedback from many runners telling me about how the enthusiastic support by members of the SCMT and their provision of such an outstanding selection of tasty food (some runners were asking for the recipes) helped them to achieve something special in their chosen events.

24 Hour Race

After the traditional minute of silence to contemplate the journey ahead (and to be grateful for all that had helped them get to the start line!) the 24h runners enthusiastically embarked on their mission on a slightly wet track after some steady overnight rain. Thankfully, the weather cleared to perfect running conditions for the rest of the race and the performances matched this accordingly.

24h Men

A fine standard was set in the Men’s 24h race with 5 entrants finishing over the 200K mark, 11 exceeding 100 miles and 24 entrants exceeding 100 K. The early race lead moved from John Power to Kevin Muller but eventually New Zealander Bryan McCorkingdale (M60-69) prevailed with a perfectly paced race that reflected his strength and experience.

Serial ultramarathon racer Kevin Muller completed over 220K in this race only one week after coming 2nd in the Gold Coast 100K race!

Experienced C2K campaigner and keen trail runner Kevin Heaton showed his class with 216K on his 24h track debut, displaying great restraint to walk extra periods early in the race when he was ahead of schedule.

A very determined and focused Robert Knowles stuck to a brutally tight schedule in the last 6 hours of the race in an attempt to get his 24h Guinness Book of Records barefoot title back (the existing record was around 211K), which required a barefoot PB of over 30K. The provisional results (212.210K) suggest that he may have just sneaked in a new record, which is a phenomenal achievement.

Matt Chamberlain was one big ear-to-ear smile as he celebrated breaking 200K while Chris Knowles had a superb run to make the nervous 190’s. Adam Connor, Geoff Last, Darren Kime and Colin Brooks also ran very brave and determined races (with some impressive new PBs in there) to break the famous 100 mile target.

Whilst a recently injured and underprepared Justin Scholz might have been disappointed with missing the walking records he was going for, the rest of the runners and helpers were simply amazed that he could yet again walk well over 100 miles in 24 hours on a bad day!

Trevor Allen, Steve Domonkos, Dean Metcalf and Kurt Topper all ran a credible 150K plus, each fighting their own personal battles to make it into this challenging distance range.

The effervescent Geoff Tomlins finished his very first 24 Hour Race with a very tidy 143K despite an early foot injury, some extreme chafing and some extended breaks. He gave a fantastic interview at the awards ceremony that was colorful and full of pithy wisdom. Joining him in the 140’s were excellent runs by Charbel Sandroussi, Anyce “Kip” Melham (a long time participant of this event and previous winner), and a very mellow and contemplative Billy Pearce, who was using this race as a training run for the Adelaide 6 Day Race later this year.

For some runners and walkers this year it just wasn’t meant to be but they had the courage to start, to do their best on the day, and remained in good spirits throughout: Michael Thompson fought blisters, Mal Gamble was not quite healed from a soleus injury and Jo Blake’s conscience as a dad got the better of him in the mid afternoon as he snuck off for quite a few hours to see one of his sons’ football matches before returning to the track, but eventually retiring later on. Visiting New Zealander Andrew Shelley was hoping for his Centurion walk debut but unfortunately things didn’t go his way - I have no doubt he will be back even more determined to get it right. A number of walkers and run/walkers, including the inimitable Louis Commins, Robert Osborne and Graeme Thompson performed admirably, and the ever popular Greg Finlay finished on 114K with a “blistering” last lap after a race plagued by blisters!

24h Women

It was wonderful to see the return of previous Australian 24 Hour representative, Meredith Quinlan, to the winner’s podium with one of her typical steady paced races, a very strong finish, and yet another final result in the 210 to 220K range. Meredith has been spending more time on the mountain bike recently but decided to return to the track to remember just how fun these events can be!

Like Kevin Muller, Annabel Hepworth is a serial ultramarathon racer who also achieves amazing results week after week with almost no recovery in between. She displayed incredible strength and resilience to run over 180K in what she believed to be quite a cathartic race for her, having started the race with many things weighing heavily on her mind but finishing with a beautiful smile and an open heart.

Third place went to Jade Crim, who had a blinder of a race, finishing with 157km thanks to her mighty perseverance and the help of a very supportive and animated crew while fourth place went to the ever smiling New Zealander Heather Andrews who attained an excellent 135K in style.

Fifth and sixth places went to two delightful visitors from Brisbane: both Cassie Smith and Subala Kamalan had tough races but both triumphed with very credible distances of 123K and 100K, respectively.

12 Hour Race

The start of the 12 Hour race at 10 pm brought a new wave of energy to the track which certainly helped the 24 h participants to enter their second half with renewed vigour.

12h Men

So far in 2014 Canberra’s Paul Cuthbert has completed two tough trail ultras (North Face 100K and 168K Ultra Trail Mt Fuji in Japan) but decided to broaden his experience and have a go at the 12 Hour, which he won (supported by his lovely family) on debut with over 116K on a much less forgiving surface. I’m sure Paul is looking forward to once again making the podium in the upcoming Canberra 101K trail race in September.

Second place went to a smiling and stylish James Sylvester whose positive attitude led him to a smart 111.6 km, while 3rd and 4th was a close contest between Matt Menegazzo’s 104K and Mark Northcott, who was very happy to break 100k with 15 minutes to go and power on to 103K.

Another Paul with a strong trail ultra heritage, Paul Shoemark, ran a courageous 98 K to fall just short of the century. Rob Howarth also had the century goal but entered at short notice, had a strong start and recovered at the end after a mid race slump to finish with a very respectable 88km on debut.

Stromlo 12 Hour regular and stalwart Saul Richardson once again surpassed 80K while Australian champion racewalker and Coburg 24 Hour race director, Tim Erickson, had a hard day at the office and unfortunately fell well short of the remarkable records that he had set in the previous edition of this event.

One of the truly inspirational performances of this event that went under the radar involved Greg Smith. This race was the icing on the cake for Greg after a remarkable journey in the last 6 months including abstention from alcohol, losing 20 kg of bodyweight and raising almost $6000 for the Australian Missing Person’s register. Cheered on by coach Gary Mullins and a very enthusiastic crew Greg exceeded his wildest expectations by walking 65K!

Legendary vets ultrarunner Ron Schwebel set an absolutely cracking pace in his brave attempt to break the M60 50K record but the brutal pace proved too much in the cool conditions and cramping unfortunately forced him to retire early.

12h Women

Bernadette Benson came into this race with a mission to go hard and take a lot of records home and she did this and more. In a gritty and extremely focused display of strength, grace and determination she covered over 133K to take out first outright place as well as setting new records including the Canadian W45 6hr record, the AUS and CAN W45 100k records, and the AUS and CAN Open 12 hr records for W45. Her speech at the awards ceremony was memorable, perfectly capturing her own success and disappointment, giving honest and gracious thanks to those who helped, and bringing all runners into her victory, by explaining how she had watched others going through their own tough times and drew on the strength and courage they all showed.

Cambewarra’s Sabina Hamaty is always a glowing presence on the track and she not only fulfilled her aim of just running for pure joy (rather than competitively) but also just happened to run a very good distance of over 108K for second place.

Third place went to Helen McDonald who, like many others, made a very successful transition from trail to track with an impressive 98K on debut, while Rebecca Horsburgh surprised herself my walking an amazing 68K on very little preparation Cathie Wiltshire (Cool Running’s Gadfly) didn’t have a great run for her in terms of kms but was delighted to achieve 64K and a bonus sprint finish after carrying a back injury for the last 12 months.

Closing remarks

Overall, the event was a great success, thanks to the runners, crew, volunteers and the support of the race sponsors (Shotz Sports nutrition Australia for the best electrolyte, gels and bars around; Blisterprevention.com.au for ENGO patches and superb education materials, and Highly Tuned Athletes for Video recording of the event as well as their race packs and great offers on specialist electronic gear that is highly sought by ultra runners).

An absolute standout aspect was the incredible atmosphere at the track created by the crews, most notably the luminous Sarah Jane Marshall and her colleague Gordon Plunkett who not only crewed for their 7 runners but catered to any other orphans throughout the race with an energy that was absolutely infectious.

What is most gratifying for a Race Director after the sleep deprivation has worn off is the realisation that all of the runners, crews and volunteers that were present last weekend have had their lives changed forever - none of us will ever be the same. A shared journey of determination, grace, enthusiasm, poise, courage, gratitude, joy and love and an absolute understanding of what it means to be part of the true universal oneness of humanity.

I do hope we see everyone again next year but in the meantime I will leave you with two quotes from Gordon Plunkett’s crewing report posted on Cool Running Australia which capture some of my feelings in a nutshell:

“One thing I love about this sport is some people you have never met but after a quick hello and 24hrs of pain you know them very well and remain friends for a very long time”.

“Sharing this from another side was just awesome; helping runners to achieve their running goals is very rewarding”.

Full results are published, as well as a photo gallery from the weekend.

Martin Fryer

Race Director

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

19 June 2014

The annual Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour & 12 Hour races for 2013 were staged at Blacktown International Sportpark on Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 June. Full results overall, and full lap splits for each runner follow:

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour & 12 Hour races, overall finish results>>

Full lap splits for each runner, 24-Hour race

Trevor Allen	Gary Mullins
Larissa Tichon	Neil Armstrong
Sarah Richardson	Jade Crim
Justin Scholz	Sarah-Jane Marshall
Sharon Scholz	Charbel Sandroussi
Stuart Cole	John Nuttall
Karen Woon Cheung Chan	Cassie Smith
Steve Jordan	Saul Richardson
Anyce 'Kip' Melham	Robert Knowles
Robert Osbourne	Blair Watson
John Glen	Phil Essam
Annabel Hepworth	Reinier Jessurun
Susie Ro

Full lap splits for each runner, 12-Hour race

Jonathan Blake	Belinda Balkema
Rick Cooke	Luis Vazquez-Recio
April Palmerlee	Darren Kime
Tim Erickson	Cathie Wiltshire
Brett Molloy	Sri Kurra
Ian Jessurun	JC Santa Teresa
Kent Vaughan	Callum Ritchie

Race Photos

View gallery »

This past weekend a group of hardy and inspiring runners participated in the Sri Chinmoy 12/24 Hour Championships at the excellent Blacktown International Sports Park. The daytime conditions were perfect for a fast race, with a cool breeze and a little sun. Temperatures again dropped overnight, although it was nowhere near as cold as last year.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team tried out a new timing system which provided live results for the runner as they passed the timing tent. It was generally agreed that this was a great success for all involved.

Both events were enthusiastically contested however the most notable observation would have to be the womenâ€™s 24 hour results. Out of the top ten finishes in the 24 hour race, the women placed 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th. Another notable observation was the high number of runners who completed over 100miles, with Sharon Scholz, Steve Jordan, Anyce â€˜Kipâ€™ Melham, Robert Osbourne and John Glen all earning their centurian title. Congratulations to Steve Jordanâ€™s 100+ miles effort after 15 attempts, and Sharon Scholz for transcending her previous distance by such a big margin.

The 24 hour field included a good mix of experienced and new ultra marathon runners and walkers. For much of the race Larissa Tichon, Sarah Richardson, Sharon Scholz, who was walking, Annabel Hepworth and Karen Chang were within a few kilometres of each other. Each runner experienced the high and low moments which are common to the sport. In the end there was only a lap or two in it with Larissa taking out first place in the womenâ€™s category clocking up an impressive 192.935 kilometers, closely followed by Sarah with 192.293 kms. Sharon came in third, walking, with an amazing 187.653kms. She was only 2km behind her husband Justin.

In the menâ€™s race the first 13 hours were dominated by an impressive run by Gary Mullins and Trevor Allen. Gary looked very strong throughout, but as we know, ultra running is a mysterious sport at times and half way through the race Garyâ€™s intense pace caught up with him. Trevor delighted onlookers, or perhaps confused them, with his running strategy. Endlessly smiling he vacillated between a relaxed saunter and an impressive gallop. The unorthodox approach seemed to pay off with Trevor winning the race outright with an impressive 201.048 kilometres. While that was going on Justin Scholz stormed his way through the race with consistency and determination. None could tell if he was motivated more by catching Trevor or by not being caught by his wife â€“ I will let you decide! Either way, this earned him second place in the menâ€™s race with 189.678km. Bringing in third place was Stuart Cole. Stuart Cole epitomised the spirit of ultra-marathon running, with his steady determination and effort, rare breaks and gentle character he covered a distance of 181.439kms.

The 24 hour field was completed by a team of dedicated and much loved runners who shared their own journey with their supportive family and friends. Charbel Sandroussi , Susie Ro, Neil Armstrong and Saul Richardson ran really well and added a bit of humour, family love and internationalism to the race.

Similar to the 24 hour race, the 12 hour race had a mix of familiar ultra-veteranâ€™s and fresh new faces. Ian Jessurunâ€™s joy at competing in his first ultra-marathon was very catching. JC Santa Teresa stood out for his cheerfulness, Sri Kurra for his steady determination. It was also nice to see Darren Kime and Cathie Wiltshire back from last year. They ran very solidly throughout the race, as did Callum Ritchie.

At the front end of the field in the menâ€™s race Jonathon Blake and Rick Cooke blazed around the track for the whole 12 hours. Both runners shared the first place spot throughout the race. Rick planned on breaking the races previous record for 12 hours, which he did by around 4km. Rick showed true sportsmanship in expressing his sincere joy for Jonathon who ultimately won the race. Jonathonâ€™s inner poise, strength and experience earned him the title.

The womenâ€™s race was won by April Palmerlee, breaking the 100km mark by 6 Â½ kilometres in the process. Running with power and concentration, April appeared surprising fresh at the end of the race.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team thanks the runners, their family, friends and helpers for making the weekend a success and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Results and a photo album are published.

Race Photos

View gallery »

Sitting in the oversized lap-counting tent quite early on the morning of the race I was struck by the calmness of the steady stream of athletes approaching to pick up their race numbers for the 24-hour journey they were about to endure. They all looked fit, but each person clearly had a different strength or quality they were about to share with their fellow runners, helpers and lap-counters.

The weather was clear and crisp, landscape seeming to reflect the anticipation, pulsating energy and curiosity as we all entered the unknown realm of our future. Before any of us really had time to take stock the whistle had blown and the runners were loping around the track in a mixed display of dynamism, grace and quiet achievement.

The venue was the perfect location for this race. The facilities offered the runners and helpers everything they could possibly need. The track was in perfect condition, the scenery was beautiful and serene and the cooking and bathroom facilities were comprehensive. All we had to do now was run and count laps.

Of the 35 brave souls that entered the 24-hour race, 7 of them were women. A fact I was quite pleased to see. Another fact that really should be noted was the results. No less than four of these women placed in the top 10 of the race. Allison Lilley, the 2012 Women's 24 Hour Ultra Marathon Champion ran 192.168 kilometres. This is one of the best performances by a woman in Australian running history and placed her third overall. She was followed by Cassie Smith, whose 181.479 kilometres and overall 5^th place was another amazing achievement. Larissa Tichon cheerfully ran her way into third place by attaining her pre-determined goal of 180 kilometres. Michelle Thompson's power race walk took her to 9^th place overall with a total of 174.896 kilometres. It was delightful to see the talent Australian women have to offer this great sport.

The men's 2012 24 Hour National Ultra Marathon Championship was won by Mike Canty, an ex track runner who gracefully completed 210.892 kilometres. He looked very fresh for the duration of the race and saved the outer signs of the physical toll the race took on him for the moment everyone was watching as he came up to receive his trophy. Hope you're feeling better soon!

Trevor Allen and Justin Scholz battled it out for second and third. Trevor coming in with 193.410 kilometres, closely followed by Justin with 190.660 kilometres. Paul Wright, Phill Le Marinel and Jason Murphy rounded out the top ten finishers by running in excess of 168 kilometres. Phill also won the prize for being the most polite runner on the track.

Now it's time to get creative. Take your shoes and socks off, run down to the end of the street and back and then keep running for another 23 hours and 59 minutes or until you have covered 166.444 kilometres. This is what Rob Knowles did. In the process he broke two world records (pending verification) and raised nearly $10,000 for charity. No pun intended, what a feat!

At midday on the Saturday, the 24-hour runners were joined by around 20 6-hour runners. In the planning stages of the race this seemed like a great idea. However as the field took off it became clear that we were in for an edge of the seat nail-biting experience. For about three hours Ben Malby and Raymond Wareham treated us with a demonstration of the boundless capacity of human endurance and speed as they practically sprinted around the track. The pace was serious and the lap counting tent was sent into a concentration frenzy. Is it shallow to complain about having a sore neck and wrist from keeping up with counting their laps?

In the end it was the steady level gait of Gary Mullins that took line honours in the 6-hour by running an impressive 72.290 kilometres. He was followed by Kevin Muller (67.367km) and Peter Mullins (62.338) who as well as coming third overall won the 50-59 age category. Fighting illness, Keith â€˜Buzzâ€™ Hong still managed to run 62.071 kilometres and came in fourth overall. Ray James came in fifth running 61.822 kilometres and narrowly missed out on breaking the world record for his age.

In the women's race Denise Maguire dominated the race from the beginning and crossed the line with 60.430 kilometres. She was followed by Sharon Blair (51.707) and Angela Mcilwain (50.941).

With the excitement of the 6-hour race receding, the 24-hour runners were nearing their half way mark. By now there was a tangible rhythm to the race as all the various components seemed to be functioning just how they should be. The food was coming out regularly and was delicious and nourishing, the coffee machine opened up just in time for the evening shift, and the lap counters had finally worked out how to calculate a split, much to the relief of the lap counting captain.

The weather had held up until this point and we had been treated by a clear, sunny, cool day. However, as the darkness descended on the track the warmth seem to literally be sucked out of the air, only to be left with what seemed like a giant freezer. We all scrambled for anything that could ward off the unrelenting chill.

It was at this point that the 12-hour runners took to the track. We were very fortunate to have Martin Fryer, a much loved and respected ultra running champion offer us his services for the weekend. He was an enormous help during the challenges of the concurrent day races and we were comforted to know he would be there for the 12-hour. In the evening Michael 'Slowmo' Bedward, local Sydney running identity also arrived to count laps throughout the night.

Agnieszka Flak led the women out and never really lost a beat over the next 12 hours. Her performance of 112.747 kilometres saw her taking line honours in the womenâ€™s category and fourth outright. It was a fantastic run. She was followed by a very pink and very cheerful Sarah-Jane Marshall (85.067) and a very consistent Cathie Wiltshire (75.699).

Adrian Horvath loped around the track with an effortless grace that reminded one of a river casually making its way to somewhere. He won the men's category with 129.477 kilometres. He was followed by the focused and determined Rick Cooke, in a none too shabby 123.514 kilometres. Wayne Botha came in third with another high mileage result (117.521).

Paul Every, the ultra-marathon veteran, also cracked the hundred kilometre mark. Having run with Paul before, it was nice to see him do his thing with the poise and cheer of the dedicated long-distance runner.

The weekend was filled with a myriad of wonderful experiences for anyone who was lucky enough to be there. I have heard many wonderful stories and hope the memories inspire everyone to come back again next year.

Full results are now published, along with a photo album from around the track.

Niboddhri Ward, Race Director

O/all Place	No.	Name	Cat	Cat Pl	Final Distance
1	44	Gary Mullins	M 0-49	1	72.2900
2	42	Kevin Muller	M 0-49	2	67.3670
3	71	Peter Mullins	M 50-59	1	62.3380
4	47	Keith 'Buzz' Hong	M 0-49	3	62.0710
5	77	Raymond James	M 60-69	1	61.8220
6	41	Chris Yates	M 0-49	4	61.6000
7	62	Denise Maguire	F 0-49	1	60.4300
8	45	Joseph McCann	M 0-49	5	60.4100
9	51	Darren Kime	M 0-49	6	53.6330
10	73	Edward Tobiasz	M 50-59	2	52.4160
11	61	Sharon Blair	F 0-49	2	51.7070
12	74	Robert Boyce	M 50-59	3	51.4560
13	63	Angela Mcilwain	F 0-49	3	50.9410
14	48	Raymond Wareham	M 0-49	7	50.0000
15	79	Alan Staples	M 60-69	2	49.1270
16	72	Mark Nicholls	M 50-59	4	42.4000
17	49	Kevin Ghazi	M 0-49	8	42.4000
18	46	Anh Le	M 0-49	9	37.0150
19	78	Eric Trad	M 60-69	3	36.1580
20	50	Ben Malby	M 0-49	10	30.8000
21	43	Tim Stone	M 0-49	11	28.8000

O/all Place	No.	Name	Cat	Cat Pl	Final Distance (km)
1	92	Adrian Horvath	M 0-49	1	129.4770
2	94	Rick Cooke	M 0-49	2	123.5140
3	93	Wayne Botha	M 0-49	3	117.5210
4	84	Agnieszka Flak	F 0-49	1	112.7470
5	96	Paul Every	M 0-49	4	104.5680
6	99	Brett Molloy	M 50-59	1	99.1280
7	98	Michael Thompson	M 50-59	2	91.1000
8	82	Sarah-Jane Marshall	F 0-49	2	85.0670
9	83	Cathie Wiltshire	F 0-49	3	75.6990
10	95	Callum Armstrong	M 0-49	5	53.6240
11	97	Wayne Gregory	M 50-59	3	40.0000

Sri Chinmoy 2 4 Hour Race Results>>
Sri Chinmoy 1 2 Hour Race Results>>
Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour Race Results>>

24 HR
Place	First Name	Last Name	Gender	Gen Pl	Laps	Kms	Extra metres	Final Distance (km)
1	Trevor	Allen	Male	1	501	200.4	0.005	200.405
2	Mike	Canty	Male	2	483	193.2	0.368	193.568
3	Sharon	Scholz	Female	1	407	162.8	0.356	163.156
4	Steven	Houldsworth	Male	3	399	159.6	0.144	159.744
5	Steve	Jordan	Male	4	361	149.706	0.059	149.765
6	Tony	Ayris	Male	5	342	136.8	0.251	137.051
7	Alun	Davies	Male	6	329	136.435	0	136.435
8	Paul	Every	Male	7	336	134.4	0.032	134.432
9	Grant	Cameron	Male	8	335	134	0.363	134.363
10	Robert	Middleton	Male	9	329	131.6	0	131.600
11	Robert	Boyce	Male	10	288	115.2	0.364	115.564
12	Keith	Sullivan	Male	11	268	107.2	0.007	107.207
13	Anyce	Melham	Male	12	205	82		82.000
14	Duncan	Foster	Male	13	173	69.2		69.200

12 HR
Place	First Name	Last Name	Gender	Gen Pl	Laps	Kms	Extra metres	Final Distance (km)
1	John	Pearson	Male	1	320	128	0.379	128.379
2	Geoffrey	Last	Male	2	279	111.6	0.03	111.630
3	Bernie	Norris	Male	3	269	107.6	0.046	107.646
4	Carol	Sullivan	Female	1	230	92	0.232	92.232
5	Bruce	Webber	Male	4	184	73.6	0	73.600
6	Michael	Schultz	Male	5	184	73.6	0	73.600
7	Eric	Tradd	Male	6	79	32.761	0	32.761

6 HR
Place	First Name	Last Name	Gender	Gen Pl	Laps	Kms	Extra metres	Final Distance (km)
1	Gregory	Truloff	Male	1	169	67.6	0.198	67.798
2	Kerrie	Bremner	Female	1	159	63.6	0.045	63.645
3	David	Abrey	Male	2	151	60.4	0.02	60.420
4	David	McKinnon	Male	3	141	56.4	0.213	56.613
5	Ian	Watson	Male	4	136	54.4	0.158	54.558
6	Kazu	Fukushige	Male	5	135	54	0.369	54.369
7	Sonya	Graham	Female	2	133	53.2	0.374	53.574
8	Susannah	Harvey-Jamieson	Female	3	120	48	0.159	48.159
9	Mallani	Moloney	Female	4	92	36.8	0.159	36.959
10	Helen	Stanger	Female	5	48	19.2	0	19.200
11	Lindsay	Phillips	Male	6	40	16	0	16.000

The Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race incorporating the Australian Ultra Runners Association 24 Hour Championships was held at the University of Queensland Athletics Track, St Lucia, Brisbane, commencing at 9am on Saturday June 19th and finishing at 9am on Sunday June 20th. The event also included a twelve hour and a six hour race.

The verdant grounds of the University, set on the banks of the Brisbane River, coupled with the perfectly mild Brisbane winter weather provided the perfect setting for the event. It was marvellous to see 42 competitors toeing the start line across the three races; a significant increase from previous years. Athletes and helpers alike journeyed from across the nation and even from around the world to take part.

Philosophical reflection aside, this yearâ€™s race was particularly notable as, for the first time in the long history of the event, it was won outright by a female athlete with Bernadette Benson covering an amazing 200.8844 km. Her courage and steely resolve during the last hour crowned her magnificent performance as all involved urged her on towards the magical 200km mark. Colin Solomon was the first placed male athlete with a distance of 190.9355 km. Even in the closing stages of the race his form was relaxed and elegant; a wonderful sight to behold. We salute them both.

The first placed male in the twelve hour race was Michael â€˜Milovâ€™ Lovric who, with characteristic humility, determination and joyfulness, covered an amazing 129.0118 km. First placed female was Elizabeth Swain who covered 83.0319km. In the six hour race Susannah Harvey-Jamieson covered 65.3522km to claim first female and first overall, whilst Lee Walmsley was the first placed male covering a distance of 57.5162km. Also particularly notable were the efforts of Marie Boyd and Michelle Thompson. Marie covered 146.5399km in the 24 hour race, unofficially smashing the Australian 60-69 female record which had previously stood at 109.567km. Michelle completed 53.5604 km walking the 6 hour event, unofficially breaking the Australian residents female open walking record which had previously stood at 51.423km. Well done Marie and Michelle!

Individual heroics aside, the event was characterised by a wonderful feeling of oneness and self-transcendence. The efforts of each and every individual were applauded and appreciated in a unifying proclamation of the tremendous spirit of the ultra running community. All through the long hours of the day and night the feeling both on the track and in the lap counting tent was tremendously inspiring. The suffering of the athletes was at times clear to see, yet amidst their trials and tribulations they were still able to muster a smile for the lap counters and gentle words of encouragement for their fellow competitors. This spirit was a great victory for our shared love of running and was wonderfully personified by Sharon Scholz who, after withdrawing after only 8km, immediately joined the lap counting crew. It was only at 3am, as we both struggled to stay awake during the graveyard shift, that I discovered her early exit was attributed to a slow recovery from an incredible 24 hour personal best of 224 km only five weeks earlier. Such humility!

Often it seems that time somehow distorts during these events, stepping outside our typically structured day to day existence and into a world where, be it as helper or runner, the only focus is to simply â€˜keep goingâ€™. One must surrender to the inescapable reality of the clock, for it is not until the final hour, or perhaps the final minutes, that any notion of imminent respite can finally be embraced. It is a great journey of self-discovery which unfailingly awakens dormant capacities hidden deep inside us.

Scroll down for 12 & 6 hour results

24 HOUR
O/all Place	Name	Gender	Gender Pl	Age Cat	Age Cat Pl	Kilometres
1	Bernadette Benson	Female	1	40-49	1	200.8864
2	Colin Solomon	Male	1	40-49	1	190.9355
3	Clare Holland	Female	2	50-59	1	178.6413
4	Geoff Last	Male	2	50-59	1	169.8143
5	Lisa Harvey-Smith	Female	3	30-39	1	168.6892
6	Stuart Price	Male	4	30-39	1	164.1219
7	Brendan Mason	Male	3	40-49	2	162.5621
8	April Palmerlee	Female	4	40-49	2	155.1827
9	Trevor Allen	Male	5	30-39	2	152.2905
10	Billy Pearce	Male	6	40-49	3	151.0879
11	Marie Boyd	Female	5	60-69	1	146.5399
12	Warren Wright	Male	7	30-39	3	143.4622
13	Steve Jordan	Male	8	50-59	2	138.5532
14	Robert Boyce	Male	9	40-49	4	135.7133
15	Doug McKay	Male	10	50-59	3	129.2973
16	Tony Ayris	Male	11	40-49	5	127.6827
17	Paul Wright	Male	12	50-59	4	124.0000
18	Keith Sullivan	Male	13	50-59	5	120.6728
19	David Waugh	Male	14	30-39	4	118.8000
20	Anyce 'Kip' Melham	Male	15	50-59	6	107.6000
21	Mick Francis	Male	16	50-59	7	70.8000
22	Duncan Foster	Male	17	30-39	5	69.6000
23	Sharon Scholz	Female	6	30-39	2	8.0000

12 HOUR
O/all Place	Name	Gender	Gen Pl	Age Cat	Age Cat Pl	Kilometres
1	Michael 'milov' Lovric	Male	1	40-49	1	129.0118
2	Bernie Norris	Male	2	18-39	1	109.1750
3	Zac Braxton-Smith	Male	3	18-39	2	101.0063
4	Graeme Watts	Male	4	50-59	1	95.2747
5	John Harris	Male	5	50-59	2	87.9996
6	Cliff Benson	Male	6	60-69	1	84.8275
7	Elizabeth Swain	Female	1	40-49	1	83.0319
8	Brad Boyle	Male	7	50-59	3	50.0000

6 HOUR
O/all Place	Name	Gender	Gen Pl	Age Cat	Age Cat Pl	Kilometres
1	Susannah Harvey-Jamieson	Female	1	18-39	1	65.3522
2	Lee Walmsley	Male	1	18-39	1	57.5162
3	Matt Fitzgerald	Male	2	18-39	2	55.8787
4	Andy Steele	Male	3	50-59	1	55.3133
5	Carol Sullivan	Female	2	50-59	1	54.2508
6	Michelle Thompson	Female	3	40-49	1	53.5604
7	Mallani Moloney	Female	4	18-39	2	51.8017
8	Jayne McGaughey	Female	5	40-49	2	48.0809
9	Barry Hamm	Male	4	50-59	2	35.7444
10	Belinda Hamm	Female	6	50-59	2	33.5289

Results: 24 Hour, 12 Hour & 6 Hour Races>>

Significant Milestones>>

Full results of the Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour 12 Hour and 6 Hour Races held in Brisbane on the weekend of 27 and 28 June 2009. Please select from the links below.

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour race full hourly results (pdf format)

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour race full hourly results (xls format)

Sri Chinmoy 12 and 6 Hour races full hourly results (pdf format)

Sri Chinmoy 12 and 6 Hour races full hourly results (xls format)

Sri Chinmoy 24, 12 and 6 Hour races - significant splits (webpage)

Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Festival of Running

Results

24 Hour
O/all Place	No.	Name	Laps	Kms	Extra metres	Final Distance
1	16	Michael (Milov) Lovric	523	209.2	224.4	209.4244
2	11	Colin Brooks	455	182	347.9	182.3479
3	20	Tony Collins	441	176.4	312.6	176.7126
4	3	Malcolm Gamble	436	174.4	58.7	174.4587
5	18	Glenn"Horrie"Lockwood	430	172	312.4	172.3124
6	13	Robert Boyce	418	167.2	274.3	167.4743
7	5	Anth Courtney	409	163.6	169.1	163.7691
8	14	David Billett	405	162	245.5	162.2455
9	9	Peter Lines	392	156.8	245.1	157.0451
10	6	Stuart Price	384	153.6	34.1	153.6341
11	10	Brett Saxon	363	145.2	224.4	145.4244
12	2	Deryck Skinner (walker)	357	142.8	233.2	143.0332
13	19	Richard McCormick	356	142.4	337.1	142.7371
14	7	Erin Kreiss	351	140.4	34.1	140.4341
15	17	David Attrill	345	138	124.7	138.1247
16	8	Doug McKay (walker)	318	127.2	353.4	127.5534
17	4	Tony Ayris	306	122.4	326.8	122.7268
18	12	Peter Gray	287	114.8	244.5	115.0445
19	15	Doug Reid	263	105.2		105.2000
20	1	Anyce â€˜Kip' Melham	208	83.2		83.2000

12 Hour
O/all Place	No.	Name	Laps	Kms	Extra metres	Final Distance
1	30	Paul Monks	234	93.6	185.9	93.7859
2	32	David Brelsford	212	84.8	222.3	85.0223
3	33	Ernie Hartley	209	83.6	124.4	83.7244
4	31	Sue Bardy	157	62.8	148.1	62.9481
5	34	Mark Tuxford	136	54.4	68.7	54.4687

6 Hour
O/all Place	No.	Name	Laps	Kms	Extra metres	Final Distance
1	45	Kim Cook (m)	164	65.6	165	65.7650
2	41	Mark McGowan	154	61.6	133.1	61.7331
3	42	Zac Savage	150	60	113.9	60.1139
4	40	Neil Angel	147	58.8	109.7	58.9097
5	43	Tom Naylor	103	41.2	177.1	41.3771
6	46	Sue Worley	93	37.2	301.5	37.5015
7	44	Kym Loprete (f)	63	25.2		25.2000