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...

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.