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Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Sunday 6 August 2023, full results by category 1.04 MB

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LONG COURSE

Certain athletes have an affinity for certain races. Many have excelled at the Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons over the years, but none have shone as consistently and brilliantly as Adrian Sheppard. Now in the over 50s bracket (though you wouldn’t know it), Adrian offered a master class over this tough course, winning the race outright and smashing his own M50-59 record in the process with a stellar 1:42:57. He also claimed a new bike course record and 2nd run course record along the way.

It was certainly a race for the older chaps, who took 3 of the top 4 placings outright. Next home was Aston Duncan (1:55:41), who set the pace early with a new age group course record for the 1st run of 11:12, perhaps inspiring Adrian to bring forward his own very best. 3rd outright was the first Male Under 50, Scott Melgaard in 1:57:27, though only seconds ahead of the 3rd placed M50-59, Andrew Oberg, with a fine 1:57:51. Chris Weenink took 2nd MU50 with 1:58:04, ahead of 3rd placed James McMurray’s 1:59:23.

Michelle Res was a clear frontrunner (and rider) in the women’s race, establishing strong leads in each of the legs, to win in 2:10:32, from 2nd placed Louise Basyoni’s 2:26:05 and Kim Elms with 2:30:42.

Frederike Stock and Keira Germech (“Bilby Blondies”) won the Al-Female relay team’s 1st prize in 2:09:07, with Keira running away with a new record for the final run leg with a sleek 32:57.

Samuel McNamara and Raymond McAleer of “Macs stacks and tracks” took home the main prize in the All-Male teams in 1:55:37, with Samuel bringing down the record for the final run with an impressive 30:02.

First placed Mixed relay team on the day was Rowena and Stephen, of “Terrawood”, winning in 2:05:12.

SHORT COURSE

Hayley Achurch led from the very start of the women’s solo race and powered home in a commanding 50:51. However behind Hayley, a cluster of women vied for the other podium placings, with just 12 seconds separating 2nd from 5th place. Tiana Sinclair won that charge, finishing in 52:49, with 3rd going to Jennie Walker with 52:51.

Sadly, there are no Over 60 and Over 70 categories in the Short Course race; otherwise Trevor Jacobs would have set another record in the 70+. Instead, he had to settle for 3rd place in the Male Over 50 with his 46:22, behind the flying Bruce Jenkins’ 40:01 – Bruce set a new age group record for the final run leg of 10:50 en route to his win – and 2nd placed Florian Geier with 45:44.

With a few of the frontrunners inadvertently taking an early turn on the bike course, the men’s race opened up, with Dayan McSwain coming through the field to claim top spot in 43:08, from Danny Poole’s 46:21, and 3rd placed Connor Dent with 47:45.

On-the-day Mixed Team entry “Team Fitzgerald” were in a class of their own, to not only set a new course record (the previous had stood for 13 years), of 33:00; runner Taylor Traecey broke both run records (now 5:20 for Run 1 and 10:25 for Run 2), and biker Morgan Fitzgerald set a lightning new fastest time of 17:15.

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Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Canberra, Sunday 11 December 2022, full results by category 894.68 KB

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Canberra, Sunday 11 December 2022, full results overall 310.71 KB

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Of course it’s perfectly normal to run and ride in the warm sun – yet, this felt somehow strange … perhaps because for all of its 17 years, this event has ALWAYS been held in the freezing cold of mid-Winter, with runners and riders for its past few editions, flailing through furlongs of slosh and mire. With the course practically bone-dry today, one had to pinch oneself to be reminded that Black Mountain Reserve was closed when the race was originally scheduled in August due to long tracts of the course being impassable.

Dave Osmond – this race’s most consistent performer across its history – proved he’s just as good in the warm and the dry as he is in the cold and the wet, taking out the long course men’s race with a quality 1:50:28, ahead of another regular, David Simpfendorfer, who this year stepped up from the Short Course to take 2nd in the Long race with 1:53:52, with 3rd going to a resurgent Ben Crabb with 1:56:21. Andrew Leigh sparkled on the last run to convert a significant deficit into a narrow victory in the Male 50-59, winning in 2:09:11 from Mark Duncanson’s 2:09:29, with Jon Schol’s 2:25:14 taking 3rd.

Michelle Res won the women’s Long Course race with a fine showing of 2:08:54. Next woman home was Julie Kael, taking out the Female 50-59 with her excellent 2:33:53. Angela Hipwell took 2nd in the Female Under 50s with 2:50:05, with Clarinda Sheeley rounding out the podium placings in 2:55:47.

Samuel McNamara and Roy McAleer teamed up to form “Macs stacks and tracks”, and take the All-Male teams’ prize with their 2:05:16; while Hayley & Pete Cuttle won the Mixed Teams division in 2:33:05.

In the Short Course race, Daniel Randall used his running speed to advantage in winning the men’s race in a fine 49:57, from Brandon Primrose’s 54:45 and Joseph Howland with 58:20. Mick Hanbury took out the M50+ with 46:36 ahead of Bruce Jenkins in 52:27 and David Baussmann’s 1:03:39.

Hilly Krone was fastest among the Female Under 50s to take the win in 56:42 form Rachel Venn with 59:05, and Michelle Welch’s 1:02:00. Deirdre Walsh took out the F50+ with 1:02:02, from Ray Wilkins in 1:15:34.

The Sri Chinmoy Off-Read Duathlons will return to their mid-Winter calendar abode in 2023.

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Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Sunday 1 August 2021, full results by category 899.78 KB

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Sunday 1 August 2021, full results overall 400.2 KB

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Whoa! We may have seen a smaller-than-usual field today due to various social restrictions presently in place, however the quality of the field – like thick, rich cream – was condensed and even elevated within the more intimate setting. The intensity of racing in the Long Course event in particular, was of the highest order, producing a record crop of outstanding course records on a day when Australia collected a record 4 gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

In a day of head-turning performances, the most phenomenal was surely Margaret Hemsley, who smashed a famous 12-year-old course record for the Female 50-59 category, her amazing time of 1:57:45 placing her 2nd fastest female ever, behind only the stellar Penny Slater. Margaret’s split times (1st run 12:13; bike 1:10:48; 2nd run 34:44) were of course each new best times as well.

In the men’s race, Ben Hill led from the front with an incredible new all-comers best time for this well-established event of 1:30:52, just 22 seconds ahead of the flying Trevor Spencer (whose final run split of 27:30 is a new course best) with 1:31:14. While it must be noted that the overall course is now faster following the shortening of the 2nd run leg last year, the quality of Ben’s win is exemplified in his lowering the long-standing bike course record set by the legendary Dylan Cooper, with a new time of 51:56 (the bike course has been unchanged through the years). Ayden Toovey in 3rd place with 1:32:58, was also inside the previous record time.

Adrian Sheppard followed suit to break his own M50-59 record with a sensational 1:43:29, also breaking his own best times for the bike course (now a sizzling 59:48) and final run (32:15) in the process; winning his category from Mark Duncanson (2:05:16) and 3rd placed Darren Blackhurst (2:08:09). Meanwhile the remarkably consistent Trevor Jacobs, who at one time held the record for the M50+ and still holds the M60+ standard, stepped up to a new category and established a debut record for the M70+ with 2:22:25.

The women’s race (under 50) was won by Matilda Stevenson in 2:16:10, with Mathilde Batailler following in 2nd place with 2:20:26 from 3rd placed Lucy Skeldon’s 2:26:37. Analise Arnold gets the award for most patient competitor of the day, for ‘enjoying’ the course for the longest time, in 3:42:16.

Outright winner in the Short Course race came from the Male 50 and Over category, with Bruce Jenkins showing his younger rivals a clean pair of heels to take out the race in a fine 40:32. Next home came Cameron Pensini, taking out the Male Under 50s, from Justin Hayden’s 41:59 and Robert Berrell with 42:51. 2nd M50+ was Kim Houghton in 43:04, from Geoff Ives’ 46:51.

Samantha Morley was fastest among the Female Under 50, her 46:41 just edging 2nd placed King Cayzer’s 46:45, with Anna De Vries taking 3rd in 55:35. Sally Thauvette was best among the F50+ with 54:58, from Razz Wilkins with 1:04:14.

Our gratitude to all who helped behind the scenes to bring this event into being – to the representatives from the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Environment ACT and Triathlon ACT; and specially to Iain Adinell and Petra Lean, technical officials, and Rebekah Stamatis, event medic.

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Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Black Mountain, Sunday 9 August 2020, full results by category 155.47 KB

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Black Mountain, Sunday 9 August 2020, full results overall 136.69 KB

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For all the things that have changed in our lives this year – staying apart from each other, avoiding gatherings, missing concerts and parties, working from home, all becoming experts in epidemiology – it’s worth acknowledging and appreciating how much has stayed the same – Canberra Winters are still cold, hills are still steep, rain is still wet, mud is still great fun, and exercising in Nature is still one of life’s deepest thrills…

For the annual Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons (2020 edition), held in the heart of the city within the grounds of the National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve, Canberra prepared some of its best ‘social distancing’ weather, to ensure spectators stayed away, and participants lingered only fleetingly before racing directly to leg 4 of the day’s event – a hot shower at home.

With “Breakfast Hill”, our accustomed route up Black Mountain, closed to foot traffic for regeneration, a revised second run leg in the Long Course race measuring almost one kilometre shorter than the “old” route, meant that course records were bound to be challenged, despite the sloppy surrounds. Sure enough, new best times were set for this leg in all 4 age categories represented today.

It was Jarrod Osborne who set this new course alight with a sizzling 29:15 in the men’s race, though Trevor Spencer’s all-round consistency proved the winner on the day, cracking Dylan Cooper’s legendary Long Course record in the process with his new best time of 1:38:36. Next home was Dave Hardwicke in 1:40:46, from Daniel Simpson’s 1:45:28. Newly minted Male 50-59, Adrian Sheppard – one of the stalwarts of this race since earliest times – came 5th overall and claimed new records for every single leg of the race: 11:20 for the 1st run, 1:01:37 for the bike, and 34:25 for the 2nd run, for an impressive overall record of 1:47:24. Trevor Jacobs took out his accustomed 1st place in the Male 60 and Over in 2:27:22, his 45:23 now the record for Run 2, to sit alongside his bike and overall course records.

Penny Slater blitzed the women’s Long Course race, setting new best times for both 1st run (11:20) and 2nd run (33:58) en route to her outstanding overall course record time of 1:50:48, and a 6th outright placing amidst a tough field. Following Penny in the women’s standings were Jennifer Davis (2:10:46) and Melissa Clarke (2:14:58).

While there were no Over 50 women in the Long Course race this year, this category was the most outstanding race of the day in the Short Course event – Carolyn Dews raising the bar for a new Course Record performance of 50:48, which saw her also claim new best times for the 1st run (6:23) and 2nd run (12:58). Not far adrift of Carolyn were the impressive Simone Annis in 53:54 and Helen Way with 57:00. Alexandria Nicholls took out the women’s overall race with a fine 44:27, from Katrina Cousins (45:44) and Clarinda Sheeley (49:23).

Guy Jones ran and rode the Short Course men’s race as though breathing a higher grade of oxygen from everyone else, reaching critical turns on the course before marshals were even in place, to win in 38:04, from fast-running Steve Sibraa’s 40:10 and Cameron Pensini’s 40:57. Kim Houghton showed customary class in the Male Over 50s to take the top prize with 46:07, from David Baussmann with 53:19 and John Kennedy’s 58:27 (sorry David and John, there’s no Over 60 category in the Short Course race!).

Astonishingly, for a day when surfaces were at their slipperiest and potentially most treacherous, our medic Mike Corrigan reported not a single scratch or scrape to any human, with the greatest damage to be revealed in the coming week’s cleaning bills!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons (Long and Short Course), Sunday 4 August 2019, full results by category 1.3 MB

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The Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons have a small but loyal following – which may be just as well, for the foot trails of Black Mountain and cosy transition area would not be amenable to large crowds. Those who participate come not to be seen or for world fame, but for exactly what they get – a few hours of strenuous yet uplifting immersion in the rejuvenating embrace of Nature. It’ a niche event that aspires only to be exactly what it is: an appreciation in the best way possible of the nourishing beauty and joy that is the heart of Canberra Nature Park, an integral partner of the life and training of every Canberra runner and mountain biker.

Such events really on help and support not only from organisers but also from volunteers as well as staff and officials from various agencies. Our special gratitude to Lesley Steel for helping out on the day, to Craig Johns and Emily Stacey of Triathlon ACT for all their support (look out for Craig’s video on the TACT website later this week), to Technical Officials Glen Sturesteps and Katie Binstock, and to Mike Corrigan of Sports Medicine ACT, as well as to the staff of the National Botanic Gardens and the Public Land Use Team (ACT Government).

Both Long and Short course races today witnessed some superb individual and team performances. The women’s course record for the Short Course race, like a proud mountain had withstood all challenges for 14 years – until this morning when Laura Darlington submitted a late entry and proceeded to devour the course in a wonderful new record time of 40:27, for 3rd place outright – though Laura couldn’t catch the flying Olivia Stutchbury in the first run leg, Olivia taking out a new record for that leg of 5:42. After Laura, came Bron Ryan in 42:11 and 3rd placing Rowena Woods with 43:44.

Guy Jones was an impressive overall winner of the Short Course race in 36:41 – so fast indeed he beat one of the marshals to their position – from Steven Sibraa’s 39:47, and Michael Smytheman a solid 3rd placing in 42:24. Keeping it in the family, John Smytheman meanwhile took out the Male 50 and Over main award with 46:23, adding to his burgeoning trophy collection from this event.

1st All-Female Team in the Short Course race were the “Super Skinny Prawns” in 54:47; with “Team GRR” taking 1st in the Mixed Team category in 44:30.

First-time entrant in the Long Course event, Tomas Krajca, in a barnstorming race came within a whisker – a mere 25 seconds – of the world-class course record established in 2016 by superstar Dylan Cooper, finishing in an outstanding 1:40:01. In breathless pursuit were the impressive Mark Bourne (2nd in 1:41:29) and Dave Hardwicke (3rd with 1:42:17). Just outside the podium finishers today were race stalwarts Dave Osmond (1:45:18) and Adrian Sheppard (1:45:40), who continue to race at an elite level regardless of the turning over of the seasons. A great tussle came in the Male 50-59 category, with eventual 2nd-placed finisher Patrick Kluth (2:03:25) leading for most of the race, only for the flawless finishing instincts of Martin McCready to run away with the victory in 2:03:06. In the Male 60 and Over, champion Trevor Jacobs set a new course record of 2:15:04 to remind us yet again why he is one of Canberra’s all-time legends. En route to his win, Trevor also set a new age-group best time for the bike course of 1:13:13.

Katrina Cousins was the outstanding Female Long Course winner today in a fine 2:21:15; from Bianca Pietrass-Wong (2:30:16) and 3rd placed Heather Gow-Carey in 3:09:11. Sonja McKenna took out the Female 50-59 Solo category with an indomitable 2:51:45; while the sparkling Catherine Hanley went home with the Female 60 and Over award – and Course Record with her 2:46:13.

Among the Long Course Teams, the combination of “AWC 1” took out the main prize in the All-Male category in a convincing 1:54:05, while “Trailbreakers” were fastest among the Mixed Teams, finishing well in 2:03:44.

Nevertheless, it was the winning All-Female team of “Lize and Eliz” which turned the most heads with a record-shattering display to win the category – and best all the other teams of any combination – in a whirlwind new record time of 1:52:25. Along the way, Elizabeth Humphries broke her own records for the fastest split times for the 1st run leg (10:45) and 2nd run leg (35:34), though she also surrendered a record in the process – her time for fastest bike leg, which is now owned by her team mate from today, Eliza Smyth with a scintillating ride of 1:06:06.

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Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Long and Short Courses, Canberra, Sunday 29 July 2018 – full results by category 1.22 MB

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Given the potential for freezing cold conditions in July in Canberra, today was remarkably mild and much appreciated by all participants and helpers in the 15th annual Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons. Overnight rain also softened the parched ground, making for excellent riding while freshening the forest to present a soothing welcome for all who were out and about.

Star performance of the day came from Michelle Cooper, who set a new Female course record in the Long Course race of 1:57:24, only one year after the 2 hour barrier was broken for the first time. Michelle’s victory was established by her dominant new bike course record of 1:05:01. Husband Dylan Cooper also produced the second fastest time ever recorded for the Males – though his 1:40:00 didn’t quite match his own record from 2 years ago.

Following Michelle were Jennifer Davis with 2:06:46 and Alice Patterson-Robert in 2:13:50 to complete the minor placings. Dylan meanwhile was shadowed through the first two legs of the race by his friend Rowan Beggs-French, who clocked a fantastic 1:41:30 of his own. David Hardwicke came in 3rd with an impressive 1:47:37. Tony Williams took out the Males 50-59 with 2:06:37; and David Alder the Males 60 and Over in 2:30:40, including bettering his own age group record for the 1st run leg with a new time of 13:02.

Dave Osborne and Elizabeth Humphries are the most-trophied athletes in the history of this event, and this year they paired up to break their own 8-year old course record for Mixed Teams. Their new mark of 1:45:43 included Elizabeth recording new fastest times for both run legs, of 10:51 and 37:29 respectively. "Susie and Claire" took out the All-Female Teams in 2:09:39; while “Fat Boy and the Chump” were victorious in the All-Male Teams with a cool 1:57:18.

David Simpfendorfer was too fast in the first two legs of the Short Course race to be challenged, winning in 36:21 from Guy Jones returning from injury with 37:52 and Steven Sibraa in 39:32; while Geoff Ives took out the Male 50 and Over with 44:08. Narelle Desmet’s superior running strength enabled her to win the Female Short Course race in 44:18 from Jacqui Oberg’s excellent 45:09; while Razz Morgan won the Female 50 and Over in 59:22.

Thea and Sam of “Hard to See” set a new course record for All-Female Teams in the Short Course race with their time of 39:31, including a new bike course best time of 22:17. Verona and Simon of “Mittagong ninjas” sweet all before them in the Mixed Team category to win in 44:36.

One of the risks associated with an off-road event in an urban nature park, is that course signage is sometimes removed by pranksters or walkers who would rather not share the space with such organised events. Unfortunately this proved the case today, when a section of course-marking ribbon along the Black Mountain Summit Loop was removed in the hour before the race, resulting in some disorientation at a 4-way intersection leading to a few runners taking a short-cut home on the final run. While none of the major placings were effected, we applaud in particular Aaron Royall, who upon realising his error when he crossed the finish line, immediately retraced his steps up Black Mountain to complete the full and correct course, an addition of several kilometres and a whopping hill!

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Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Black Mountain Reserve, Canberra, Sunday 23 July 2017, full results by category 1.22 MB

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No matter how many times we come back to the same venue and the same course, the Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons – staged, uniquely, through the National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve – each and every year offer surprises aplenty.

Sometimes bitterly cold at the start, the first surprise of 2017 was a comparatively balmy morning under a cloudless deep (deeper than sky-blue) blue sky. Following on Canberra’s driest June on record, the tracks were hard and stony, leading to a higher-than-usual incidence of flat tyres and mechanical issues on the bike leg.

Penny Slater today dismantled a 12-year-old course record in becoming the first woman to break the 2-hour mark for the Sri Chinmoy Long-Course Off-Road Duathlon. Penny’s impressive 1:59:22 was built on a new course best time over the bike leg of 1:06:03. Jennifer Davis was 2nd among the Female Under 50 with 2:12:22; and Alexandra Durr 3rd in 2:21:18.

Dave Osmond has been the most regular participant in this race since its inception and always places on or about the podium, so it was especially satisfying to see his consistency rewarded today with a victory in the men’s Long-Course race, in a superb 1:42:09. Adrian Sheppard, another stalwart of this event, followed Dave home in 1:46:00, from 3rd-placed Dave Hardwicke’s 1:48:14.

Peter Evans blitzed the Male 50-59 field with his fine round of 2:05:33; while Peter Fogarty took out the Male 60 and Over category in 2:16:53 – and also benefitted from the induction of this category in the official course records, starting from this year. While he took out the overall best time and fastest bike time, nevertheless the fastest times for both runs are now held by David Alder.

Andrew and Ben Tuchler established a new course record in winning the All-Male Team with their line-honours effort of 1:40:03. Daniel Oehm also ran the fastest-ever time for a male team member in helping his team “Meat & Veg” into 2nd placing.

The Belinda/Susie combo of “Jube” were too good in the All-Female team division, winning with 2:27:41; while Antonio and Melanie’s “Mind over Matter” proved the veracity of their name in taking out the Mixed Team prize with 2:18:17.

David Simpfendorfer led the field from the start in the Short-Course race, to carry home the race outright in a fine 35:26. 2nd and 3rd outright were stars from the Male 50-59 category – Kim Houghton was forced to break his own age-group course record with an outstanding 39:45 (collecting a new record for the final run along the way of 11:14), due to a superb charge on the bike from Nick Smee, whose final time of 40:01 was also better than the previous record, and who now owns the fastest time for this age group over the 7km bike course of 21:12.

Phoebe Chadwick-Masters based her victory in the women’s race on a fine bike ride, cruising in to win in 45:21, from Kathryn Hopkins’ 46:31 and Abigail Adera’s 49:01. Razz Morgan took out the Female Over 50s with 57:46, which including a new best time for her age group over the 1st run of 7:11.

The “Ballistic Boyz” of Morgan and Tom won the All-Male team prize for the second year running with 46:27; while Alison and Paul’s “Team Hills” took out the Mixed Team in the Short-Course race in 45:36.

Each race of this type is a world in itself: there are many adventures, dramas, struggles, disappointments and triumphs along the way for each of us. If we had an award for the outstanding performance of the day, it would go to Brett Ladd, who made the trip from Sydney to compete. The published results show that Brett came in second last in the Long-Course race. What the results don’t show, is that Brett stopped to help a fellow competitor who had suffered a broken bike chain – not once, not twice, but THREE times! – thus sacrificing over 40 minutes of his own precious race time.

Our gratitude also goes to Simon Whitehead of Sports Medicine Australia for his invaluable service; to everyone from Triathlon ACT who officiated with a perfect combination of cheerfulness and professionalism; our friends at Access Canberra for helping with permits; and to helpers from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

Results (PDF Download)

ordcatres310716.pdf 1.31 MB

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In some competitions, and on some days, there can only be one winner…

On other days, several contenders can emerge as winners…

Yet today was one of those very rare occasions, when every participant – by a happy conjunction of auspicious weather, venue, course, Nature in repose, fortunate circumstance, general goodwill and an alignment of inner mood and outer conditions otherwise known as grace – was assured of being a winner.

Some records were threatened, a few barely survived, while several were shattered.

The first record was broken even before the day dawned: the largest field (119 entries) ever assembled for this annual gathering at the foot of Black Mountain. As though in response to this expression of intent, Mother Nature joined in with her own record: the warmest day this race has ever experienced, with some spectators sporting T-shirts for the first time in this mid-Winter race’s history.

Headline performance of the day surely belongs to Dylan Cooper, who, in a field boasting several former course record holders, took all in his stride to set a new all-comers course record of 1:39:36 in his debut duathlon. En route, Dylan also bested his friend Rowan Beggs-French’s bike course record with a new standard of 53:30 for the challenging 23km. Rowan – who had urged Dylan to take part in the race – effectively relegated himself to second place, with his fine 1:43:44, from another former record-holder, Dave Osmond in 1:45:45.

In the Male 50-59 category, evergreen Jon Schol took the honours with 2:06:11 from the ever-cheerful Christian Dussault in 2:09:27. Peter Fogarty won the new Male 60+ with his splendid 2:26:26.

Kate Vandenberg’s superior biking gave her the win in the women’s long-course race in 2:09:11, despite Priscilla Barrington running faster in both of the run legs, Priscilla having to settle for 2nd placing in 2:10:35, from Beth Bowen in 2:31:49. Jane Hiatt meanwhile, flew the flag for the Female 50+ with her steady 3:14:50.

In the Long-Course teams division, Craig Benson established a new record for the first run leg of a scintillating 9:48. With Craig teaming with Jack Druery, “Team A” took out the All-Male Teams in 1:48:34. The “Duathlon Dugongs” pairing of Olivia Stutchbery and Kurt Warn won the Mixed Teams in 1:55:36; and the “Duomums 4350” – Kim Greaves and Carol Hartley – ran out winners of the All-Female Teams in 2:27:12.

The Short-Course race was surely Kim Houghton’s finest hour – or rather, his finest 40 minutes and 5 seconds, being how long it took him to win the solo race outright and establish a new course record for 50-and-over males. Kim also wrested hold of John Smytheman’s long-standing bike course record, which now stands at 21:39. John had to settle for 2nd place today in an excellent 49:58.

Only 6 seconds behind the flying Kim Houghton, came the Male Under 50 winner, Steve Sibraa in 40:11, from Peter Daffier in 41:17.

Lou Basyoni led from the front in the women’s race to win in a fine 42:15. Lou won each of the 3 legs, and set a new record for the 1st run leg (by one second!) of 6:01. Felicity Roantree wasn’t far behind in 43:31; from Simone Annis’ 3rd-placed 47:31.

“Team Bennie” (Tom Bennie and Jacob Stewart) set a new best time for the All-Male Team in the Short-Course race of 38:49, as well as taking line honours in the race. Ann Backhouse and Jenna Fitch teamed up to form “J Fit” and take out the All-Female combinations in 55:26; while the Mixed Teams title went to the redoubtable pairing of Melissa Head and Trevor Jacobs (“Headways”) in 39:06, for second across the line.

Gratitude to all who participated, helped, cheered and served in any way to help make this such a memorable and glorious occasion…

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ordcatres050715.pdf 1.05 MB

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The love and joy of life transcends and overcomes all hardships – like for example, a cold morning! In the midst of the coldest spell of weather in Canberra for 30 years, the second largest field ever assembled for the annual Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons gathered at Black Mountain in the fog. There is something about sharing adversity which makes it the easier to bear: while we all felt the cold, the fact that we were all in it together made it not only bearable, but even somehow enjoyable – a talking point at least, and certainly a force eliciting a sharper focus in our efforts, imbuing the event with a heroic strain rendering it all the more memorable. This is one event we will all hark back to in future years: when there’s a hint of cool or mist about the air and grumbling about the cold, we will retort: “This is nothing, you should have been here in 2015!”

The Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons comprise two events – a short course and a long course – each open to solo participants and relay teams of two, a runner and a mountain biker. The first run leg is on roadways through the National Botanic Gardens, while the MTB and second run courses follow tracks and trails through Black Mountain Reserve.

At the “pointy end” of the men’s long course field, the first two placings from 2014 were reversed. Dave Osmond has consistently been one of the best performers throughout the history of this event, always placing in the top few positions either as a solo participant or occasionally in a relay team. Last year he was out-run by then-new father, Rowan Beggs-French who just missed out on the all-time course record. This year however, it was Dave who was able to draw away on the mighty climb up Black Mountain, to win the race outright for the first time in 1:44:15, with Rowan a few minutes back at the finish in 1:46:56.

The new positioning of the bike compound has slightly shortened the first run leg, so it was to be expected that the course record for this leg might be threatened: hence it was no surprise to see Michael Chapman set a new standard of 9:41. Yet just as the first run leg is now a bit shorter so is the second run leg that much longer, so If there were any doubts about Michael’s credentials in setting a new record for a shorter course, they were emphatically answered when he also blitzed a new record for the now-longer second run leg of 31:11. If he can shave a few minutes off his bike time, Michael will be a serious threat in this format.

Meanwhile in the women’s race, Elizabeth Humphries made it a “family affair” by also taking the outright win in 2:07:07 from Kylie Message in 2:18:06. Dave Osmond – who happens to be Elizabeth’s partner – has teamed up with her to win the relay division in past years; however this year they both went solo and reaped the full rewards for years of super-high level consistency and excellence.

Jon Schol came in just ahead of Elizabeth to take out the Men 50+ in 2:06:55.

The “Squadra Coglione” team took out the All-Male teams category in 1:49:39, including a sensational ride from Kel Boers who broke Dave Osmond’s previous course record for the bike leg with a flashing 55:25; while “Megan and Elizabeth” (yes, that’s their team name!) were first in the All-Female Teams in 2:15:46; and “Team Argument” managed to set aside their differences long enough to win the Mixed Teams in 1:58:33.

Cameron Colebatch had earlier won the short course men’s race convincingly in a sprightly 37:50, with Gerry Smith taking out the Men 50+ in 45:11 – including a new course record for the first run leg of 5:42. Jacqueline Oberg from Goulburn took out first place in the women’s short course event with 55:03.

In all the years this event has been held, there has never been an all-male team in the short course race. Hence when youngsters Tom and Morgan submitted a late entry on the morning as “The Ballistic Boys”, they not only were assured of taking out first place – which they duly did in an impressive 51:20 – they also now hold the course record for this division! Meanwhile, Brady and Sarah of “The Braybees” successfully defended their title in the Mixed Teams category with another outstanding outing of 41:00.

On a chilly Canberra morning we had a very good turnout for the annual Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons at Black Mountain.

The long course athletes started first with their run heading into the Australian National Botanical Gardens where they followed the boundary road most of the way around. The field was still quite close together as they mounted mountain bikes and headed out for a strenuous 23km through scenic Black Mountain and Aranda Nature Reserves.

Once the long course was off on their bikes the Short course race got underway. This was a quick affair, with runners back very promptly for their bike leg. Prominent in the lead runners were a number of junior athletes. Adrian Shepherd led the short course from start to finish with a significant lead at the end.

The long course was a much more challenging event and attracted a quality field. Rowan Beggs-French, a new father, had a tremendous race and just missed out by seconds on breaking the course record. A few minutes later he was followed in by Dave Osmond, and Luke Kay who were also closely followed by Guy Jones and Thomas Brazier (honourable mention for fastest run legs).

While the weather never really warmed up the rain that threatened never actually came, providing a nice social time for athletes as they enjoyed their post race breakfast.

Thank you to all the participants and their supporters for making this such an enjoyable race. We look forward to seeing you all at this same location next year.
Full results are published, as well as a photo album.

The Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons were staged on Sunday 6 July 2014. Full results by category for both Long Course and Short Course follow:

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons (Long Course and Short Course), 6 July 2014, full results by category>>

The annual Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons (Long and Short Course), were staged in the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve, Canberra on Sunday 7 July. Full results for all categories in each race follow:

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, 7 July 2013, full results>>

The annual Canberra Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons were staged in and around the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve on Sunday 1 July 2012. Full results by age category for each of the 2 distances follow:

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Canberra 1 July 2012 full results by category>>

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons, Canberra 1 July 2012 full results overall>>

Race Photos

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It's always going to be a cold one â€“ being held in the middle of Winter, in one of Australia's coldest citiesâ€¦ and while it's certainly cool standing around at the finish line, the athletes who took part in the Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons in and around the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve on Sunday 1 July generated quite a bit of heat in their competition.

The first run for both the Long and Short Course events, is held on roads within the Botanic Gardens. The mountain bike follows fire management trails through Black Mountain Reserve and Aranda Bushland; while the final run explores more of the bush tracks around (and up!) Black Mountain.

Charles Nicoll came from 3rd place after the 1st run, to dominate the bike and final run in winning the Short Course race with an excellent time of 35:57; while John Smytheman came from Sydney to collect the main prize in the Men 50 and Over in 44:50. Daniel Waugh set a new course best time for the 1st run of 5:04; and Charles Nicoll a new record for the final run in 9:35. Samantha Rampant took out the women's race in 53:21; and Inge Camilleri the Women 50 and Over in 1:03:40.

In the Long Course race, Matthew De Pommeroy powered through the ride to set up his winning margin, crossing the line in a fine 1:44:30 from a fast-finishing Dave Osmond (1:45:49). Trevor Jacobs â€“ a late switch from a mixed team to solo male in the Men 50 and Over â€“ set a new course best for his category of 2:02:54, breaking the bike record en route with his 1:07:37.

In the All-Male Teams division, the team of "Maverick & Goose" (Tom Brazier and Edmund Hall) set a new course record of 1:46:27.

In the women's race, Bron Ryan rode an amazing 1:06:46 for a new women's course record ride, in the process setting up a commanding victory with the fastest run splits as well seeing her home in 2:00:50, within sight of Heather Evans' famous course record of 2:00:04 set back in 2005. Jenny Simpson flew the flag for the Women 50 and Over, finishing in 3:01:01.

Full results are published, including individual leg splits, overall and by category; while a photo album reflects the faces of the day.

The Long Course and Short Course races of the Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons were staged in and around the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve in Canberra on Sunday 3 July in 2011. Full results, including split times and placings for each leg, by age category and overall, are published. Please select the relevant link below.

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons Long Course results, by age category>>

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons Long Course results, overall>>

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons Short Course results, by age category>>

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons Short Course results, overall>>

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Congratulations to all who participated in the Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons held in the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve on Sunday 3 July 2011.

This year saw the largest field yet assembled for this event, with 80 finishers (up 25% on last year) across the two races. A relatively mild Winter's morning, with little breeze and a firm track yielded ideal conditions for racing, followed by a bumper pancake breakfast.

Unfortunately a missing marshal on the first run leg of the Short Course race meant that the entire field ran a longer course than advertised, though not a single athlete complained about the extra 'value for money.' The good conditions on the trails through Black Mountain saw no fewer than 4 new course records fall for this leg â€“ Christelle Van Niekerk setting a new fastest time for Women Under 50, John Smytheman for the Men 50 and Over, Liz Widdicombe for Women 50 and Over; and Raeleigh Tennant for fastest woman in a team. Raeleigh's team of "Amy, Raeleigh & Greta" also broke the overall course record for an All-Female Team, despite the longer 1st run leg.

Cameron Colebatch took line honours in the race, winning in 45:31, with John Smytheman 1st Male 50+ in 54:19. Christelle Van Niekerk won the Women's race in 49:34, with Liz Widdicombe taking out the Women 50+ prize in 1:05:14.

Meanwhile in the Long Course race, Peter Young quickly overcame a deficit from the 1st run to work his way to the lead and eventually finish first in 1:50:28 - though line honours went to the "Cookaranda Team Bros" team of Callum McClusky and Reuben Caley in 1:50:07, a new record for their category (with Callum setting new records for males in a team in both run legs as well). Geoff Hawke set a new fastest time for the Males 50+ with his 2:06:22, and also set new best times for both run legs en route.

Elizabeth Humphries â€“ who teamed up with Dave Osmond to establish the Mixed Teams record in 2010 â€“ raced solo this year, taking the Women Under 50 category in 2:05:26. In the Mixed Teams this year, "The Cramps" (Courtney Weller and Ken Hoffman) ran out winners in 1:59:58.

Full results are published, along with a few photos from the compound â€“ unfortunately our main camera malfunctioned on the morning, so we only have a few shots from a mobile phone.

The Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons will return on the first Sunday in July 2012.

Please see below the full results, by age category and overall, for both the Long Course and Short Course Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons staged in the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain Reserve, Canberra on Sunday 4 July 2010.

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlon Long Course category results>>

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlon Long Course overall results>>

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlon Short Course category results>>

Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlon Short Course overall results>>

Race Photos

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Any glimpse of the photos from the Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlons would suggest a glorious, sunny day. While that was true enough, the sunshine and blue skies shared space with Canberra's notorious winter chill. As the course was set up, the temperature was minus four. Though it became somewhat warmer, the weather was still a fascinating mix of seasons. A typical July day in Canberra.

Happily, this was ideal weather for the intrepid runners, cyclists and duathletes who had arrived for the event. The most exciting way to see the city's famous Black Mountain, including the National Botanic Gardens (though most of the cyclists didn't spend too long admiring the scenery), the race is followed by a pancake breakfast, which has become a mainstay of Sri Chinmoy races over the years. Considering the location of the start line (on the edge of the bushland, away from major roads), and the number of young families who came to participate in teams, or to support each other as spectators, it was like a family picnic day, with the barbecue working overtime to cook dozens of pancake brunches.

The Long Course athletes were the first away, and after their first run â€“ a 3.3 km hilly circuit around the perimeter road of the National Botanic Gardens â€“ it was ACT Triathlete representative Michael Gosman leading the way from former pro triathlete Jason Chalker. It was not long into the ride, however, that Jason asserted his superior mountain biking skills, clocking a new bike course record for the 23 km double-loop course around Black Mountain Reserve and Aranda Bushland, of 56:41. Jason powered through the very tough 7.5 km mountain run â€“ including the infamous Breakfast Hill up the flank of Black Mountain â€“ to finish in 1:42:41, only 27 seconds adrift of his own course record set 2 years previously. After Michael Gosman (1:46:15), David Denny and Peter Young also came in under the magical 2 hour mark. Peter Macartney took the Men's Over 50 division in 2:15:26.

In the women's Long Course race, Ana Duncan was solidly ahead in each of the 3 legs, claiming victory in 2:17:11; while the team "Daysies" (Tanya and Liz Day) took the All-Female team award with their combined time of 2:32:14.

Meanwhile the combination of Elizabeth Humphries (running) and David Osmond (mountain biking) proved irresistible in the Mixed Team division. With Elizabeth setting new course records for a female-in-a-team for both runs, and David likewise breaking the bike record for a male-in-a-team, the combined time for their "Humpty Dumpty" duo was inevitably a new course best for this division of 1:47:42.

Emma Viotto showed allround excellence in her clear win in the Short Course women's event, including setting a new record for the bike leg en route to her winning 41:56 (the second fastest time overall). Helen King looked fantastic in winning the Women Over 50s in 58:27, which also featured a new course best time for the mountain bike leg.

Geoffrey Ives was the only solo male athlete ahead of Emma, taking out the men's event with 39:39; while Gordon Waddington led home the Men's Over 50 division with his 51:45.

The only teams entered in the Short Course race were Mixed Teams. The competition was set up early with close friends Isobel Magrath and Katherine Caley coming into the first transition neck-and-neck. Their dads kept up the pace, riding within 10 seconds of each other for the 7 km mountain bike, leaving it to Isobel's brother Benjamin to bring "Brunch Bunch" home in a new Mixed Team course record time of 37:27, not far ahead of Isobel who backed up for her second run on behalf of "Beats Homework".

Full results are published, along with a photo album from the morning.
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Sri Chinmoy Black Mountain Duathlon Race Report

5 July 2009 - The 6-year history of this event has witnessed weather of all descriptions, but never before what was served up today- vast blue skies and glorious sunshine!

Our thanks to the authorities of the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Canberra Nature Park for encouraging the use and full enjoyment of these wonderful environments.

The Long Course athletes were first out of the blocks, cruising around the 3.3 km outer perimeter road of the Gardens before mounting their bikes and heading off up the hill for the first, shorter 7 km loop around Little Black Mountain. Once they were away, it was the Short Course athletes' turn to run through the Gardens, before following the same route into the bush.

After the 7 km loop, the Short Course athletes went straight to their final run, while the Long Course riders headed out for another, longer 16 km route covering the whole western flank of Black Mountain and including a loop through Aranda Bushland. Then came the day's biggest challenge- the final 7.5 km bush run, featuring the infamous "Breakfast Hill", a 700 metre climb almost to the summit of Black Mountain- a tough ascent no doubt, but rewarded with superb views across North Canberra.

First home in the Short Course (and first to the pancake table) was the redoubtable "Beats Homework" team of Peter and Catherine. Then came the solo men led by Brett Jones in 41:17, the solo women led by Ilona Dreghorn in 47:01, then over-50s men with Michael Dupe in 48:48 and the over-50s women with Jill Farrer in 56:37.

The outstanding performance of the day belonged to Over 50s World Champion Margaret Beardslee, whose time in the Long Course of 2:14: 56 not only saw her setting a new course record and coming in first woman overall, but also eclipsing all the male competitors of the same vintage.

Libby Adamson came in first among the under 50 women in 2:17:53, using her riding skills to set up her victory. Nathan Versey meanwhile led home the men under 50 with a superb 1:46:37, while Bob Harlow- fresh from a stint of training in sweltering India- led home the over 50s men in 2:25:37.

Congratulations to all participants, who helped make this event so enjoyable and rewarding.

Full results are published, along with a photo album of the morning's action.

The next Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport event is The Sri Chinmoy Googong Challenge- combining running, paddling and mountain biking on and around the picturesque Googong reservoir- on Sunday 4 October.

Race Photos

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Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlon Race Report 8 July 2007

It was time for the kids to shine in the Canberra Sri Chinmoy Off-Road Duathlon, as they took the honours in the short course.

Reuben Caley, aged 11, proved his mettle in the short but still challenging course of a 2 km run through the National Botanic Gardens, 7 km mountain bike and 2.5 km run through the Black Mountain Reserve, beating all adults to easily become the first solo duathlete across the finish line.

Only two teams crossed the line before him. Reuben's sister, 10-year-old runner Katherine Caley, and their cycling father Peter, formed a team appropriately named Beats Homework- and not only won, but broke the course mixed-team record by 4 seconds in a time of 38:44. Another father-daughter team, Dad & I- comprised of another 10-year-old, Hannah McClusky, and her father Alistair- were not far behind, coming through in 39:55. For a race that is usually dominated by adult teams, this was an exciting turn of events!

These prodigious young athletes were among the only people to run uphill at top speed in the second run- after the cycle leg- and though some predicted that they would slow down, it was not enough to be overtaken.

The tough long course race (3.3 km run, 23 km mountain bike, 7.5 km mountain run) was won comfortably by one of Canberra's top off-road racers, Jason Chalker (left), in 1:44:47- only 33 seconds behind Blair Martin's all-time course record. The platform for Jason's strength was a bike time of 58:42- faster than anyone else has ever done the course. Heather Logie (2:05:31) took the women's trophy. Another record-breaker was Peter Fogarty, who rewrote the standard for male 50+ athletes (2:16:38), setting new fastest times for both run legs in the process.

Fortunately, though a wet day threatened throughout the previous night, the rain stayed away and the sun even broke through for a while. The drenching rain in the lead up to race-day left its mark though with muddy smiles the order of the day at the finish line.