The Sri Chinmoy Labour Day 10km/4km Race has continued to grow with each successive year, but organisers were astounded by today's field: 276 runners registered, far and away the largest group of runners to eagerly arrive at the Acton Ferry Terminal for the race since it began over 20 years ago.

As there were so many runners, it took an extra long time simply to register them all, meaning that the races began 35 minutes late- which is, erm, ANOTHER race record. Apologies to all runners for this untimely delay- especially those who found themselves running late for other appointments.

Another apology: Alf, our usual photographer, was in Adelaide visiting his family for the long weekend. This means that the photo gallery is smaller (and sad to say, less accomplished) than usual, as the only photos were taken by some of the other, less image-savvy officials, in the midst of juggling other duties (and without the super-deluxe camera that Alf has in his possession).

Official business aside, it was an almost perfect day for a run: fine, sunny, with just the matter of a stiff breeze to contend with. Alex Matthews (left) easily won the 10km fun run and set a new course record with an impressive time of 32:38, followed by Scott Imhoff (36:17) and Grant Stanfield (36:35). Emily Brichacek was the first woman home in 37:45, followed by Natalie Wood (40:53) and Emily's sister, Jenny (41:38).

In the 4km fun run, Robert Torley- not for the first time- was the first one across the line, in a time of 14:41. Unlike previous years, however, 18-year-old Robert won the open male division, rather than the under-17s division of previous races. He was followed close behind by veteran runner Geoff Monro (14:51) and Shane Farrant (15:27), who now picked up the under-17 prize that had so often gone to Robert. Daniel Hearle (16:25) was the top under-13 competitor, followed by Robert's brother Joshua Torley(16:54).

The women's 4km race was equally exciting, with Hannah Angove (15:33) winning overall- and taking home the under-17 medal. Hayley Gosman (16:05), another veteran of our kids' races, now entered as an 18-year-old- and was the fastest runner in the open female category. She was followed by another under-17 runner, Anna Brichacek (16:07), and Sara Hely (16:28). The first under-13 girl was Nicola Torley, yet another from the amazing Torley clan, in a time of 16:36.

Whatever unpredictable changes occur, it looks like we can still depend on the Torleys to dominate the 4km race. (The patriarch, Paul Torley, was also in the race- achieving a time of 16:38.)