A beautifully crisp and clear morning set the scene for the annual Sri Chinmoy Barwon River Run with over 200 enthusiastic runners eager to test themselves over distances of 18k, 12k and 6k. We were delighted to be joined by a number of runners all the way from Hong Kong who added an unexpected international flavour to the event. The love of running truly transcends all barriers of language and culture!

Operationally everything proceeded smoothly and the runners were soon on their way around the delightful riverside course. Young and old, fast and slow, experienced and first timers were all encouraged and cheered; spurred on to personal bests or simply to determined feats of perseverance and resilience as the mercury continued to rise throughout the morning.

In the men's 6km Beng So set such a cracking pace that our lead cyclist had difficulty in staying ahead! Beng finished in a time of 22:05 with David Tranter and Paul Carrol taking out 2nd and 3rd overall respectively. Jane White was the first female across the line, and fourth overall, in a time of 24:13. Special mention also to Under 15 athletes Nathan Boicos, Isaiah Daniels and Sebastien Asher who all achieved top ten places. You have a bright future ahead of you!

In the 12km race a mere 22 seconds separated the top three men with Ken Walker taking the honours in 47:28. Brianna Bunworth ran beautifully to come across the line first in the female race in a time of 49:47, over three minutes clear of second placed female Kym Saunders.

The 18km race saw Maddie Lawson edge out Donna Dew for first place in a time of 1:22:31 whilst in the men’s David Howard put in a magnificent effort as he ran to victory uncontested in the superb time of 1:08:30.

Special mention goes to Brent Durran’s Healthier Life personal training group. It was great to see so many of you out there all in the quest for a healthier life. We salute you!

It was great to bask in the post-race atmosphere filled with the contented smiles and elated conversation all our hero-runner-friends. Over the course of the day I heard at least three volunteers arrive at the same independent conclusion; ‘People in Geelong are so friendly’.  Well, it must be true!

We, the organisers, are extremely grateful to you, the runners, for making these events such a success. Long may the running community prosper and flourish. We look forward to seeing you all at Princes Park on April 27. Good luck with your training!