You could be excused for believing it was mid-Summer out at Googong on Sunday.

The 7th running of the Sri Chinmoy Googong Challenge saw by far the highest water level – 100% of the reservoir's capacity, up from below 40% when the event was first staged – as well as the largest field yet assembled for both the Long and Short course events… all under the smile of a gloriously warm and sunny day.

The high water level meant the introduction of a new challenge – Drawdown Crossing, which in previous races has been a dry creekbed, this time presented a 20-metre wide, chest-deep water feature which was variously punted, paddled, waded or swum.

Star performer in the Short Course (3.3 km run / 5 km paddle / 11 km mountain bike / 3.3 km run) was Jessica Robson, who set a new overall course record of 2:05:52, as well as new records for the mountain bike (45:02) and both run legs (14:58 and 18:02).  Todd Hayward also set a new course best for the 1st run of 12:27.

New records were also established in the Short Course All-Female Team Division by the "Googong Girls" (2:04:07); and in the Mixed Teams all Over 50, by Gordon and Catherine Waddington (2:24:30).

In the Long Course solo race, both Melanie Simpson (1:57:14) and David Simpfendorfer (1:39:20) set new course best times for the fiendishly tough 31km mountain bike leg.  "Team Rainbow" broke the course record for Mixed Teams with their 3:19:37, as well as scooping new records for the 1st run by Sukhajata Cranfield (19:31) and a breathtaking ride from Ben Lees (1:31:21); while Ria Johansen also set a new best time for female team riders with her 2:10:19.

A beautiful setting and a seriously challenging course make this a day for those who like to live life to the full.

Gratitude once again to all volunteers from the Queanbeyan SES who provided communications, marshalling and logistical support throughout the day.

Full results are published, along with a photo album.

The 8th Sri Chinmoy Googong Challenge will be staged in September 2012.