Race Photos

A record field braved Canberra's coldest morning of the year to venture forth to Telopea Park for the annual Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon, 5 mile and 2 mile race trio. 80 runners completed the Half-Marathon, with a similar number finishing the 5 mile and 2 mile races combined.

Despite the frosty dawn, it didn't take long for the sun to appear in earnest which combined nicely with the effects of the first few laps around the park to warm both limbs and spirits.

Half-Marathoners hit their straps at 9 am, and soon had the course humming with their lively chorus of breaths and footfalls. Quiet determination pervaded the air as lap after lap surrendered to the combined will of measured strides.

The later-rising 5 & 2-mile runners joined the fray at 10 am, merging with the already well-established circle of runners striving for their personal goals.

Joshua Torley emerged first into the finisher's chute, a bright 11:20 2-mile time earning the Under 13-year old first place outright in the shorter race. Next in 12:02 was Florian Rosenberg, first Male 17 and Over, followed by Simon Rohan-Jones, winner of the Boys Under 17 in 12:22.

Hot on their heels was Girls Under 13 winner, the sprightly Olivia Fogarty, first outright in the women's field with her excellent 12:46, ahead of first-placed Girls Under 17, Alana Hurnen in 14:50 and winner of the Female 17 and Over, Kylie Wake in 15:37.

The outstanding run of the day came in the Sri Chinmoy 5 mile race, where Natasha Cole â€“ recently moved to Canberra from Sydney and recovering from many months out of the sport with injury â€“ placed second outright with her superb 29:45. Natalie Archer (31:24) and Jane Zeller (33:12) rounded out the podium placings in the women's race, while Peta Miller took the Women 50-59 category in 48:48.

Ben Wisbey (29:08) was the only male ahead of Natasha, though Steve Rohan-Jones, (29:51) Ian Dias (30:17) and Keith Cassilles-Southgate (30:26) were not far adrift. Gordon Waddington arrived late for the start of the Half-Marathon so switched down to the 5-miler, where he took first place in the Men 50-59 with his 38:31. Meanwhile Paul Archer in 35:03 had led home a quality field in the Men 60-69 category.

Jodie Barker ran a beautifully controlled race to take the Women's Half-Marathon in 1:27:05, from Lizzie Wraith (1:32:23), Nina van Rij (1:36:33) and Kylie Mildren (1:36:36). Denise Driscoll was first in the Women 50-59 with 1:49:55, while Susan Archer showed her true stellar quality in the Women 60-69 category by running 1:37:15.

Regular competitor in this event for many years, Greg Regester clocked his first win in the race with 1:22:17, leading home Luke Schofield (1:23:49), Lance Purdon (1:24:31) and Rodney Foster (1:24:51). Geoff Hawke ran a strong race to place second outright, comfortably winning the Men 50-59 in 1:23:23, while Graham Burke also performed well in the Men 60-69 with 1:35:44. Veterans Lachlan Lewis (2:29:23, Men 70+) and Rad Leovic (2:44:01, Men 80+) may have been among the last to finish, but both received some of the loudest and most heartfelt cheers for the sheer inspiration they offer to all aspiring athletes.

Full results by age category, including one-mile split times for all 3 races, are now published, along with a photo album from the morning.
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Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon, 5-Mile & 2-Mile Race Report

8 June 2009 - Winter has descended on Canberra with its usual intensity, but the frisky morning wasn't enough to deter Canberra's keen running community from Telopea Park for the Half-Marathon, 5-mile and 2-mile races. Though you wouldn't know it from the temperature, the sun was out early. Coupled with the none-too-hot weather, it was a perfect morning for a run- and as it was our largest field, it seems that many athletes would agree.

Though Aaron Woolley easily led the Half-Marathon field at the beginning, he was gradually overtaken by Scott Baxter, who finished with the fastest mile lap in the race (5:40), winning in a time of 1 hour 18 mins 13 secs. In a very strong field, he was followed by Alex Miller and Aaron Woolley.

As for the women. hopefully, that the top two women will forgive this, but we can't resist: It seems that the star of West Side Story won, followed by a Jane Austen heroine. OK, what we mean is that Natalie Wood- not the late Hollywood star, but a regular in our events, and one of Canberra's most talented half-marathoners- won (in 1 hour 27 mins 34 secs), followed by Elizabeth Bennett. (No doubt they get jokes like that all the time. We'll stop it now.) Fleur Hamilton came third.

Despite a mixed-ages field, the two-mile race was the kids' chance to shine. Ben Watson (12 mins 32 secs) came first of both under-13s and everyone else, followed by his brother Jack Watson (13:17). Third (and leader of the under-17s) was Michael Torley. The female winners were also under-13 sisters: Olivia Fogarty (13:51) and Georgia Fogarty, both over a minute ahead of the nearest adult, Katja Wickman.

The five-mile race was won by Daniel Striegl (30 mins 23 secs), followed by Gordon McGurk and Tim Shipstone. The fastest woman was Linda Lindsell (34:08), followed by Linda Gray and Heidi Johnston.

Full results are published, along with a photo album from the day...

Please select the link below for full results by category, including lap split times for each one-mile lap, for the Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon, 5 Mile and 2 Mile races held at Telopea Park, Canberra on Monday 8 June 2009

Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon, category results>>

Sri Chinmoy 5 Mile and 2 Mile races, category results>>

Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon, 5-Mile and 2-Mile Race Report

9 June, 2008: This year's annual Half Marathon event saw a record field- easily the best turn-out in the event's 20-year history. (It was DOUBLE last year's field.)

In the past, it has been one of the more relaxing events for race officials, in which the only concern was the possibility of freezing to death while counting laps in the mid-year Canberra winter. This time, however, we were given an unseasonable warm, sunny morning- and happily, one of the busiest.

In this large (by our standards) field, James Minto won the Half-Marathon in a time of 1:19:36, followed by Gavin Keating (1:20:01) and Alex Miller (1:21:23). Natalie Wood was easily the fastest of the women (1:24:33), despite valiant efforts from Emma Adams (1:35:10) and Carinna Tong (1:38:43).

The shorter races also produced some excellent results. Tim Shipstone won the 5 Mile in a time of 29.31, followed by Geoff Ives (31.05) and Ruben Caley (31.06). The fastest woman (19th overall) was Nicola Torley, of the formidable Torley clan, with 35.01.

In the 2 Mile, teenager Shane Farrant blitzed the field with 11:29, though adults Adam Forsdyke (11:43) and Paco Iglesias (11:47) weren't too far behind. In fact, of the top 10 runners, seven were under 17- and what's more, three were girls! Not that anyone back in the field had any reason to be ashamed. After all, tiny 12-year-old Rebekah Sawkins gave a truly prodigious performance, becoming the fastest female (and sixth overall) in an incredible time of 12:28. Even the impressive races of teens Natalie Archer (13.32) and Georgia Hardy (13.59) were no match for her (though they comfortably beat all the women in the race).

Click here for Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon Results>>

Click here for Sri Chinmoy 5 and 2-Mile Race Results>>

Click here to view the photo gallery of all races>>

About the author:

Nirbhasa is from Ireland. He is an enthusiastic multi-day runner, having completed four times the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - the longest race in the world.

9 June 2008

5 Mile Race

Overall	Name	Time	Category	Cat Place
1	Tim Shipstone	29.31	Male U50	1
2	Geoff Ives	31.05	Male U50	2
3	Ruben Caley	31.06	Male U50	3
4	Paul Torley	32.37	Male U50	4
5	Andrew Daly	33.22	Male U50	5
6	Ka Yeung Chang	33.23	Male U50	6
7	Michael Grau-Veliz	34.42	Male U50	7
8	David Alder	34.50	Male 50-59	1
9	Nicola Torley	35.01	Female U50	1
10	Robert Moore	35.33	Male U50	10
11	Alan Hopkins	35.41	Male U50	11
12	Natraj Bott	35.47	Male U50	12
13	Jeffrey Gardner	36.27	Male U50	13
14	Charlie Modrak	37.18	Male 50-59	2
15	Darren Leseberg	38.44	Male U50	14
16	Edward McRae	38.44	Male U50	15
17	Tony Haycraft	38.51	Male U50	16
18	Dennis Gray	38.57	Male U50	17
19	Trevor Matthews	39.47	Male U50	18
20	Brian Mexon	39.52	Male U50	19
21	Peter Waterhouse	39.55	Male 50-59	3
22	Liz Powierza	40.19	Female U50	2
23	Tom McGoram	40.23	Male U50	20
24	Sally Faulks	40.51	Female U50	3
25	Mark Will	42.59	Male U50	21
26	Leah Cain	43.07	Female U50	4
27	Nikki Merzliakov	43.46	Female U50	5
28	Mark Skimmings	43.46	Male U50	22
29	Sue Crommie	44.12	Female U50	6
30	Nikki Jackson	44.27	Female U50	7
31	Anna Spierewka	45.11	Female U50	8
32	John Crommie	45.21	Male 50-59	4
33	Pam Faulks	45.26	Female U50	9
34	Michelle Kennedy	45.45	Female U50	10
35	Kelly Alomes	45.45	Female U50	11
36	Joe Chiera	46.11	Male 50-59	5
37	Peter Uotila	46.27	Male U50	23
38	Michael Harms	46.55	Male 50-59	6
39	Ian Alder	47.59	Male U50	24
40	Karen Donnellan	48.1	Female U50	12
41	Margaret McSpadden	48.15	Female 60-69	2
42	Jennifer Gilchrist	53.17	Female 50-59	1
43	Heather Fuller	55.07	Female U50	13
44	Karyn Mintz	55.07	Female U50	14
45	Nicole Thomas	55.53	Female U50	15

2-Mile Race

Overall	Name	Time	Category	Cat Place
1	Shane Farrant	11.29	Male U17	1
2	Adam Forsdyke	11.43	Male 17+	1
3	Paco Iglesias	11.47	Male 17+	2
4	Daniel Hearle	11.57	Male U13	1
5	Joshua Torley	12.04	Male U13	2
6	Rebekah Sawkins	12.28	Female U13	1
7	Tim Sawkins	12.3	Male 17+	3
8	Natalie Archer	13.32	Female U17	1
9	Alex Walsh	13.35	Male U17	2
10	Georgia Hardy	13.59	Female U17	2
11	Michael Torley	14.03	Male U17	3
12	Ted Walsh	15.04	Male 17+	4
13	Kathleen Bleakley	15.17	Female 17+	1
14	Steve Janek	15.22	Male 17+	5
15	Alison Spies	16.30	Female 17+	2
16	Katherine Caley	16.40	Female U13	2
17	Jessica Lawless	17.27	Female 17+	3
18	Zelda Trichard	18.00	Female 17+	4
19	Damein Van Der Toorn	18.10	Male 17+	6
20	Tim Huggins	18.30	Male 17+	7
21	Avryl Lattin	19.00	Female 17+	5
22	Hanna Sawkins	19.40	Female U17	3
23	Emily Alder	19.47	Female U13	3
24	Catherine Garvan	19.52	Female 17+	6
25	Vivienne Walker	20.09	Female 17+	7
26	Jenny Sawkins	20.11	Female 17+	8
27	Anitra Cowan	21.56	Female 17+	9
28	Donna Rousch	22.20	Female 17+	10
29	Jane Vincent	22.30	Female 17+	11
30	Melanie Hanson	27.32	Female U17	4
31	Ruth Mintz	28.13	Female U13	4
32	Clare Alder	30.52	Female U13	5

Race Photos

View gallery »

Sri Chinmoy Canberra Half-Marathon Report

Telopea Park, Canberra 15 July 2007

Members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team are often asked whether, as runners ourselves, we ever have a chance to compete in their own events. The answer was revealed today: yes. and no. Our computer timing system has made things easier, so a member of the team, Noivedya, was free to participate in the Half-Marathon for the first time in over a decade.

However, we were not counting on the popularity of our 2-mile and 5-mile races. A year after they were introduced, allowing our half-marathon event to include races for the whole family, these races are proving a hit. Despite the morning temperatures of 1 degree (as part of a notorious Canberra winter), many inspired runners arrived for these two races, doubling the entire field. Even as the weather actually became COLDER, they stayed to socialise and enjoy breakfast.

The poularity of the two races meant that, among other things, we needed all hands on deck. Noivedya had to stop running, mid-way through the race, to help with timing. Ah well. maybe next year.

The first person to REALLY finish the half-marathon, however, was Tim Porter (right) in 1:22:07, followed by James Minto in 1:23:12 and Wayne Bulloch in 1:23:44. Jim White was the fastest veteran in 1:35:50.

Natalie Wood was easily the first woman home in 1:31:00, followed by Thea Zimpel in 1:36:58 and Sue Archer (the first veteran) in 1:41:25.

Meanwhile, the 5-mile race inspired great runs from Jeffrey Van Gangelen (28:06), James Humphreys (30:18) and Paco Iglesias (30:56). The top women were Kym Chisholm (35:55), Kayler Torley (37:32) and Deahne Turnbull (37:44).

In the 2-mile race, Robert Torley (11:30) came first, followed by the first under-17 boy, Shane Farrant (12:16), and 12-year-old Reuben Caley (12:33), the fastest male in last week's short-distance Off-Road Duathlon. Ka Yeung Cheung (12:34) and Daniel Hearle (12:37), another under-13, were hot on Reuben's heels. The first three females were also under 17 years old: Catriona Windsor (12:49), Annie Harper (13:15) and Sarah Burgess (14:03).

A more unusual (but as most athletes would agree, no less enjoyable) development this year was the pancake breakfast. We have served pancakes at the half-marathon for a few years now, but this time- as well as Audrey's secret batter recipe- Kate provided both sweet and savoury toppings, resulting in queues of runners. The stewed apple was finished before the end, leaving the vegetarian mornay for the last half-marathon finishers. Now THERE'S a race breakfast! Needless to say, nobody was complaining.

Full results by category (Half Marathon) >>
Full results by category (5 Mile and 2 Mile races)>>
Photo album>>

Race Photos

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Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon, 5 Mile Race and 2 Mile Race, 6 August 2006

Canberra's annual Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon in Telopea Park was this year supplemented with two new races - a 5-Mile and a 2-Mile race over the same course...

The annual Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon is generally at the coldest time of year and has occasionally been held with ice on the track. 2006 was different however, as bright sunshine greeted an eager field for a 9 am start, with temperatures quickly becoming tolerable and (almost) even comfortable!

For the first time, two additional races were staged over the same course, to provide the Half-Marathoners with extra company and an injection of fresh energy after one hour of exertion.

The Sri Chinmoy 5-Mile and 2-Mile races started at 10 am with a modest but promising field, one hour after the commencement of the Half-Marathon, providing new colour, excitement and atmosphere to the scene. These once-common "Imperial" race distances have become a rarity in Australia since the introduction of the metric system.

The course for all 3 races was a 1-mile (1.623 kms) loop on cycle path and road-verge in and around picturesque Telopea Park. The loop course provided runners with regular access to drinks and the encouragement of friends and support crew, as well as a convivial atmosphere amongst the field, who were able to mingle with each other throughout.

Dean Chiron lead Andrew Howes from the outset of the Half-Marathon, and the placings remained that way to the finish line, with Dean clocking around 6 minute laps consistently to win the race in 1:19:52.

Third outright was 59-years-young Des Brown, who led an outstanding contingent of over 50's athletes, all of whom featured in the first half of the field. Meanwhile Geoff Barker defended his Men 60 - 69 title from 2005, and the astonishing Rad Leovic (pictured at right) returned from winning a Silver Medal in the 75 - 79 years age group at the World Duathlon Championships just last week in Newfoundland, Canada.

The women's Half-Marathon field saw the first 5 women finish within 4 minutes of each other. Thea Zimpel took line honours in the excellent time of 1:38:02, though the race of the day belonged to Sue Archer racing in the women's 50-59 category, who crossed the line a mere 3 seconds behind Thea. Alexa McKay, Reegan O'Keefe and Deahne Turnbull followed soon after. Val Chesterton took out the over 60's main award.

Meanwhile Barton McPherson (pictured at left) showed a clean pair of heels to Andrew Law and his other pursuers in the men's 5-Mile race, flying around the course in 27:08. Elizabeth Bennett likewise overcame the strong running of Kym Chisholm to finish in the fine time of 32:36.

Shane Farrant, running in the under 17 boys' category was the fastest finisher in the 2-Mile race in 12:43, with under 13 girl speedster Nicola Torley showing the rest of the fields how it's done with a 12:53 finish!

A pancake breakfast was enjoyed by all while awards were distributed under cloudless blue skies.

For the first time, complete lap (1 mile) time splits have been published for all races including the Half-Marathon, so athletes can accurately gauge their relative pace throughout the race.

Complete results by age category are now published for the Half-Marathon and the 5-Mile and 2-Mile races. Visit the photo gallery covering the 3 races.

We look forward to the company of runners for the next Sri Chinmoy Races in Canberra, the traditional Labour Day 10 km & 4 km to be held on Monday 2 October from Acton Ferry Terminal. Online entry is now available for both races.

Race Photos

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Held in the middle of Canberra's Winter, the annual Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon staged on a one-mile loop in and around Telopea Park is traditionally a glove-wearing occasion.

This year was no different, with runners only discarding their hand-wear after several laps, while most lap-scorers remained well-rugged up throughout. The race is 13 laps of a certified one-mile loop on cycle path and road, with a little bit extra at the end to make up the full half-marathon distance. Runners' laps are recorded by a dedicated crew of lap-scorers, who were comforted by a regular hot-drinks service.

The race has been held very year since the late 1980s, and has often been used as a 'hit-out' by those in training for either the Australian Marathon Championships at the Gold Coast, or the Sydney City to Surf in August. It is the Canberra Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team's main running event for the Winter season.

The loop course is mostly flat, though a few undulations offer variety for the running muscles. A short hill near the top of the cycle path section is more than offset by a long, slightly downhill run along the road next to the park. The course through the park is certainly a pleasant run on a good running surface, while the one-mile loop format offers the opportunity for regular contact with other runners and supporters, as well as a reliable drinks service.

Those who reckon on taking over 2 hours for the run can avail themselves of the opportunity to start half an hour earlier than the rest of the field. Some of these surprised themselves by finishing well inside 2 hours, with several of the women early-starters figuring in the awards.

The later (9 am) starters had the advantage of an extra 30 minutes of sunshine, which was valiantly striving to banish the pervasive grip of what had been a cold, wet night. In all, 56 runners started the race, with 54 ultimately finishing. The outstanding performance on the day was by Over 50s runner Steve Bradford who won the race outright, offering his younger competitors a master-class in controlled, focussed racing.

Among the women's field, Michelle Wu stamped her class on the race from the outset, showing smooth and dynamic form throughout to finish a clear winner.

By the time the race was over, the sun had transformed the chilly dawn into a glorious Winter's day, with runners thoroughly enjoying an impromptu picnic breakfast of pancakes and fruit.

Full results by category are now posted, listing all finishing times.
Images from the event can be viewed at the race gallery.

Centennial Park has become the most popular venue for Sri Chinmoy Sydney Races and for good reason – an ever-changing cross-country course over dirt, grass and gravel takes you alongside pretty ponds, across playing fields and through lush groves of natives. With the occasional horse idling by, it's easy to imagine you're out in the countryside – until you look up at the imposing city skyline, which you can almost touch. Parking anywhere near the Robertson Rd gates. On-the-day registration opens at 6.45 am and closes at 7.55 am, with races starting from 8 am.

Online entry for this race is now closed. On-the-day entries (cash only) will be accepted on Sunday morning from 6.45am.

Canberra Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon

The annual Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon, a fixture on the Canberra running scene for over 15 years, was staged on Sunday 17 July at Telopea Park...

This race caused some controversy in its early days because its multi-lap format was considered radical by many runners at the time. Among a running fraternity used to running all manner of scenic routes in and around Canberra's abundance of bushland and parkland reserves, there was a feeling that the format would be boring, for want of scenic contrasts.

However the race of 13 times a one-mile loop in and around the delightful Telopea Park soon established itself in spite of its doubters. Those who took up the challenge remarked on the many advantages such a course offers: the ability to precisely pace oneself through the many stages of the race; the fraternity of being surrounded by virtually the whole field throughout and being able to see precisely where one's fellow-runners and rivals are placed at all times; the frequency of drinks and aid stations; and the constant community of support from well-wishers, organisers and finished runners in attendance.

It has often been remarked that one is not really focused on the scenery while in 'racing mode,' and the proximity of good services and encouragement complement the ever-increasing familiarity of the environment to enhance the racing experience for all concerned.

The race was never intended to 'take over' from the established and popular point-to-point scenic races. However it has established its own niche and following among runners, being used by many in training for the Gold Coast Marathon and/or the Sydney City to Surf as an ideal guage of training progress and fitness.

The 9 am start is realistic in Canberra in mid-Winter. There is a special 'early' start at 8.30 am for walkers and those who anticipate taking longer than 2 hours to complete the event. The friendly atmosphere and hearty post-race breakfast are also drawcards.

Read the full race report, view results and photo gallery...

July 18th, 2004

To view race photos click here

Place	Name	Time	Category	Categ Place
1	Dean Chiron	1:19:48	M <50	1
2	Trevor Fairhurst	1:21:49	M <50	2
3	Ian William	1:22:42	M <50	3
4	Peter Clarke	1:25:40	M 50-59	1
5	Rob Ginnivan	1:26:00	M <50	4
6	Gavin Keating	1:26:43	M <50	5
7	Sven Wittchen	1:29:58	M <50	6
8	Ken Mansell	1:32:11	M <50	7
9	Joern Fischer	1:34:44	M <50	8
10	Charlie Modrak	1:35:51	M 50-59	2
11	Tony Haycraft	1:35:59	M <50	9
12	Jim White	1:36:48	M 50-59	3
13	Ross Gregg	1:37:26	M <50	10
14	Mal Pearce	1:38:36	M 50-59	4
15	Paul O'Dwyer	1:42:38	M <50	11
16	Bryan Thomas	1:43:30	M 60-69	1
17	Nigel Byng	1:44:03	M <50	12
18	Jason Kendall	1:44:19	M <50	13
19	Simon Christen	1:46:42	M <50	14
20	John Hawkins	1:50:23	M <50	15
21	Ceinwyn Whittaker	1:54:09	F <50	1
22	Howard Duffy	1:55:59	M <50	16
23	Greg Lye	1:57:29	M <50	17
24	Michael Thomas	1:57:47	M <50	18
25	Caroline Campbell	1:58:53	F 60-69	1
26	Dave Southgate	2:03:54	M 50-59	5
27	Karen Collins	2:04:05	F 50-59	1
28	Robyn McClelland	2:06:54	F 50-59	2
29	Stephanie Moles	2:07:05	F <50	2
30	Maria White	2:07:20	F 50-59	3
31	Rad Leovic	2:11:59	M 70+	1
32	David Morphett	2:17:55	M <50	19
33	Chris Lathbury	2:20:04	M 50-59	6
34	Catherine Gardner	2:24:15	F <50	3
35	Rilka Macainsh	2:28:54	F <50	4