With thunderstorms and heavy rain predicted, who would have thought that runners' biggest challenge would be a consistently blazing hot sun?

Yes, the predicted storm came – with a vengeance – but not until the final pack-up had been completed and all runners safely on their ways home.

The finale of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2011 saw a sizeable but sociable field spread between the three distances of 4 km, 7 km and 14 km (2 laps of the 7 km course).

Highlight of the day was the race between Ross Johnson and Phil Bradshaw in the 14 km. Both ran well under the previous course record (and at a faster pace than anyone in the 7 km or 4 km events), with Ross eventually pulling away to win in 48:12, just 7 seconds clear of Phil. Chadi Elashkar was with them through the first lap, and held on for 3rd placing in 49:42. John Dawlings narrowly missed the record for his Male 50-59 category, winning in 1:01:37, while Sid Astbury again took out the Men 60-69 in a fine 1:07:39.

Kristen Sukkar won the Women's 14 km in 1:00:32, while there was a battle royale for 2nd between Amy Curtis (1:01:17) and Anna Helstrom (1:01:19). Raewyn Harlock came in 4th woman overall, and easily broke the Women 50-59 course record with her outstanding 1:01:53. Many commented how grateful they were that the 14 km, 2-lap option was staged today in preference to the Half-Marathon (3-lap) race sometimes held over this course, as the sun became quite oppressive in the second lap.

17-year-old Jak Bukovinsky pulled away from Matt Carroll to take out the 7 km race in 25:12 from Matt's 25:21. David Riches defended his Male 50-59 title with 26:46; while Ian Burke led home the Men 60-69 in 52:31 and Edward McMaster the Men 70 and Over in 49:14.

Courtney Sanford had a convincing win in the Women's 7 km with 29:24. Rosamund Plummer took out the Women 50-59 in 40:41; and Renee Reynolds continued her winning ways in the Women 60-69 with an excellent 43:51.

In the 4 km event, the Girls Under 13s was won by Sianna Steele in 16:54; the Girls Under 17s by Charlie Rose Iron in 18:30; and the Female 17 and Over by Jennifer Stevens in 16:58. Max Jameson took out the Boys Under 13 in 16:44; Daniel Watchorn the Boys Under 17 in 15:20; and Davor Zailac the Male 17 and Over in 15:39.

Full results by category are published, along with a photo album from the morning.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team wish all runners a wonderful Christmas. The Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series will return in 2012.

After a week of solid rain, who would not want to run for sheer joy when the sun rose radiant in cloudless blue over Cooks River on Sunday?

Despite some soggy surrounds around the staging area, the course recovered from the week's drenching remarkably well, and a field over over 200 enjoyed perfect conditions for a morning's run, with no fewer than 8 course records falling.

Commencing at Ewen Park, the 4 km loop alongside Cooks River features 2 footbridge crossings, an out-and-back to Mary McKillop Park and 500 metres of cross-country along the river's southern shore.

The 4 km race saw some exceptional front running from outright winner Shaun Hardy (new course record of 14:49), with a tight finish between 1st female Courtney Sanford (15:17, also a course record) out-sprinting Under 17 Boy winner, Daniel Watchorn (15:18). Hayden Brown (Boys Under 13, 16:01) and Maddison Zahra (Girls Under 17, 19:00) also set new records for their categories, while Miki Ellis took out the Girls Under 13s in 21:15.

The 8 km race saw a world-class run from 56-years-young Keith Bateman, shattering the outright course record with a graceful yet powerful 27:15 (3.24 per km). Keith's dynamic presence inspired participants and organisers alike, raising the bar of excellence to which all can aspire.

Male Under 50 winner Victor Correa also set a new record for his category (29:16), despite being 2 minutes behind Keith. After Keith, the Men 50-59 category featured some especially fine running, with Frank Zeichner (30:01) and David Riches (30:29) running fast enough for 3rd and 5th places respectively in the Under 50s category. Tom Kramer won the Men 60-69 with 52:09.

Elmarie O'Regan is running very strongly at present, her fine showing of 34:27 winning her the women's race from Natalie Malligan (35:03), while Sylvia Nichols' 41:52 took out the major placing in the Women 50-59.

Adrian Horvath just missed the course record in the 16 km race by a mere 3 seconds, his 57:40 the only time under the hour and a clear victory. Witold Krajewski continued the fine showing of our veteran-class men, winning the Male 60-69s in 1:08:45, another course record. Witold now holds the record for the most course records at Sri Chinmoy events in Sydney, with no less than 7 course records over various courses and distances (Iron Cove and Cooks River 16 km, Dolls Point 10 km, Mirambeena 8 km, and Centennial Park Half-Marathon, 14 km and 7 km!)

John Dawlings took out the Men 50-59 in 1:10:00, just one minute ahead of Women's winner Raewyn Harlock in 1:11:00. Rosamund Plummer set a new best-time for Women 50-59 with 1:47:06, while Renee Reynolds led the Women 60-69 in 1:48:47.

The fine morning was reflected in some fine performances and a fine mood throughout the field. Congratulations and thanks to all who participated to make this simple run such a memorable occasion.

Full results by category are published, along with a photo album from around the course. The Sri Chinmoy Cooks River run will return in 2012.

It's not every day that a multiple world record-holder pops up at a humble Sri Chinmoy race around Iron Cove. 

Keith Bateman certainly made an impression today with his famous fluent style and ready smile, comfortably winning the 8 km race outright in a new course record time for Men 50-59 of 27:47.  A leading coach and proponent of "barefoot running", Keith's running is the best glowing advertisement for his methods.  Not to be outdone, his counterpart in the Women 50-59, Grace Stone also flowed through the course in a new age group-best time of 38:59.

Roussos Alexopoulos was next home after Keith, winning the Men Under 50 category in 29:02, just ahead of Paul Case and Greg Greene.  Elwyn Elms took out the Men 60-69 in 40:47; and Edward McMaster the Men 70 and Over with 55:40, just ahead of his only rival today, Jim Beisty in 55:59.

Isabelle Crouche was fastest woman on the course with her fine 33:08, well clear of the field and mixing it with the faster men.  Renee Reynolds won the Women 60-69 in 48:23.

Iron Cove is a popular venue to say the least, and when Sydney turns on a day like today, who can stay indoors?  Add to this natural effusion of activity, a cycling event that passed right through today's course and there were certainly a few challenges to surmount beyond the runners' usual reluctant mind and protesting body.

Dan Colquhoun was a start-to-finish winner in the 4 km race, clocking an excellent 15:10 despite the obstacle course.  Also under 16 minutes was Davor Zailac in 15:53.  Next home came Under 13 Boys winner Hayden Brown with 16:35, ahead of Under 17s Boys first place, Jackson Lee in 16:53.

Megan Milekovic led the Under 13 Girls with her fine 20:22; ahead of Hayley Riches and Carla O'Donnell; then all the Over 17 Female division led by Vicky Gall in 21:10.

Meanwhile in the 16 km race, Neil Pearson ran solo and unchallenged for an excellent 57:19, with Pete Conway also breaking the 1-hour mark with his 59:30.  John Dawlings took out the Men 50-59 in 1:09:46; with Sid Astbury leading home the Men 60-69 with 1:15:59.

Mary Tuka (1:12:42) won an absorbing duel with Alisia Barrell (1:12:45) in the Women's race.  Rosamund Plummer took out the Women 50-59 with her 1:44:58.

Full results by age category for all 3 distances are published, along with a photo album from around the course.

A beautifully crisp and clear morning set the scene for the 7th race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney 2011 Series. The golden dawn also summoned an army of other active individuals; the parklands abuzz with horses, cyclists, scooters, skaters, soccer games, kites and all manner of outdoors endeavours.

The assembled runners were soon registered, race-readied and toeing the start line; half marathoners first, then 7km and finally 4km. The staggered starts and looping course provided a magnificent spectacle of runners snaking their way simultaneously along the dirt tracks, numerous ovals, tree lined boulevards, lake side embankments, pine needled forest trails and sprawling grassy expanses.

As I cheered on many familiar faces and immersed myself in the spirit of the race, I reflected upon the friendships that exist without names; friendships forged by smiling acknowledgment, enthusiastic applause and the mutual respect between athletes and volunteers, strengthened through the shared experience of all the things we love about running – the uncluttered minds, the camaraderie of race atmosphere, the serenity of mother nature, the rejuvenation of deep breaths, the meditative cadence of resolute footfalls, feats of uncompromising determination, sheer will power in the face of adversity, the achievement, the relief.

There were some wonderful runs on the day, including these new course records:

4 km Female 17 and Over: Anel Stewart (15:10)

7 km Male 50-59: David Riches (25:56)

7 km Male 60-69: Witold Krajewski (28:47)

Full results by category for all 3 distances are now published, along with a photo album from the morning’s action.

Running is truly an act of self-discovery; a fact confirmed by the contented smiles and elated conversation of the athletes post-race. It is nice yet not surprising to see friendships blossoming and flourishing in such environments. The love of running is a great gift we are all so lucky to share. Fortunate indeed are we who revel in the joy of pushing beyond protesting legs and winter lethargy, out into cold mornings and beyond the boundaries of the mind and body. The solace of the laboured breath and potentialities of ever unfolding running adventures are indeed a balm to the spirit.

To all our friends competing in the Sydney Marathon next weekend we wish you the best of luck and we look forward to seeing everyone at race 8 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2011 at Iron Cove on October 16th!

Full results are published, and also a photo album.

Race Six of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2011 was held at Greystanes on Sunday July 31st. Athletes enjoyed the picturesque paths of Prospect Creek as they covered distances of 6km, 12km and 24km on a mostly flat course.

Amidst all the activity of the day and the individual stories of each participant there was an overwhelming consensus that it was a great course and that it should appear more frequently on our event calendar. It is indeed an ideal venue for a fast time and an all-round enjoyable experience; the paths are wide and uncongested, the air fresh and the vegetation lush and beautiful.

The weather on the day was ideal; a crisp, still and clear start, with beautiful sunshine then bringing increasingly delightful warmth to post race proceedings. Operationally everything ran very smoothly, providing the perfect platform for many notable feats of athletic achievement. Fourteen course records were set across the seventeen categories on the day! Perhaps a record in itself! They can be viewed here.

Of course, it goes without saying that there were many other heroes on the day; runners who challenged the pride of frightening distance and with poise, power and perseverance coaxed an extra ounce of effort from aching legs and burning lungs. Well done to you all!

We look forward to seeing you all at our next race at Centennial Park on 11th September.

(In answer to several enquiries we do not maintain records relating to the number of pancakes consumed post race).

Full results by category are published.

It is unlikely that anyone who ran across the high span of the Captain Cook Bridge this morning will forget the experience any time soon. Usually this crossing is remarkable for the spectacular views on all sides - but today, no one mentioned the views, possibly no-one even saw them.

The all-consuming focus was on staying upright and making forward progress against the onslaught of battering cross-winds, winds so strong that several runners lost their chest numbers to the skies, and wearers of spectacles had to carry their glasses in their hands for fear they would fly out over the Pacific. Runners were bent sideways against the gale, each footfall a grateful reminder of the benevolence of gravity.

Given the ordeal of the wind, especially on the second loop of the Half-Marathon, the times recorded were exceptional. Andrew Cross set a new all-comers record of 1:14:10 for the Half-Marathon, while Kerry Bray lowered her time for Women 60-69 to 2:06:10. Robbie Neill likewise set a new all-comers course record in the 10 km event, of 22:28; while Witold Krajewski continued his record-setting ways in the Men 60-69 with a fantastic run of 41:01, matched by Helen Stanger with a new record of 46:55 for the Women 60-69. In the 5 km event – in which runners did not have to contend with the Bridge – new records were set in the Boys Under 13 by Jack Porter of 19:25, and in the Boys Under 17 by Nicholas Barrett of 18:10.

A record field had assembled on an unusually cold July morning, and all were glad to be running, even just to warm up. The 5 km race saw a clear winner in Brent Harris who ran solo for his 16:47. Linda Corrie was also a big winner in the Women 17 and Over category with 21:46.

The 10 km race was the largest field of the day with 172 finishers. Aside from the record-breaking runs of Robbie Neiil, Witold Krajewski and Helen Stanger, other notable runs were from Michelle Chadwick to win the women's race outright in 39:54; David Riches who ran a fine 37:51 to win the Men 50-59 category; Carla Horwood who took out the Women 50-59 in 52:56; and Edward McMaster whose 1:10:56 brought him the main prize in the Men 70 and Over.

Andrew Cross' excellent run in the Half-Marathon only slightly edged out Adrian Horvath who finished in 1:14:30. Chris Horwood took the Men 50-59 with 1:31:07, and Arthur Huxtable the Men 60-69 in 1:42:50. Magda Karimali placed in the top 10 overall with her 1:24:18, 9 minutes ahead of her rivals. Kerry Bray continued her winning ways, to break her own course record set last year.

It's not every day that the final finisher gets a special mention. Peter Hart's 3:44:38 Half-Marathon won't be entering any record books, but testimony to a glowing spirit of determination that has seen him lose 32 kg in the last 3 months. Crossing the finish line, he didn't even pause for a pancake, but continued right along to walk home…

Full results for the races are published, along with some photos from the morning.

Race 4 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2011 was held at Mirambeena Regional Reserve over 16 km, 8 km and 2 miles on Sunday 12 June 2011. Full results by age category for each of the 3 distances follow:

Sri Chinmoy Mirambeena 12 June 2011 16 km full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Mirambeena 12 June 2011 8 km full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Mirambeena 12 June 2011 2 miles full results>>

The convivial atmosphere pervading The Bay this morning reminded us all that runners really are one big family. From all walks of life, young and old, stylish and style-less, gazelles and galumphs - our bond is a love of running, and the joy of life itself.

Nature and the weather came early to the party, conspiring to provide the perfect morning for this celebration –not a hint of Autumn chill, a faintly whispering breeze and light so clear you'd want to bathe in it. The distances on offer – 16 km, 8 km and 4 km – offered each runner and walker a course to sumptuously satisfy his or her appetite for the day.

The 16 km race saw a fine battle with 3 runners testing each other over the first 8 km lap, before John Heww drew away in the second half to win in 56:15, from Pete Conway (57:58) and Dani Andres (59:11). Carl Barker, recently returned from the UK and injury, offered a grand effort of 1:01:49, to miss the course record for Men 50-59 by a mere 8 seconds; while Sid Astbury continued his winning ways in the Men 60-69 category in 1:14:29.

Anna Hellstrom led home the women in 1:07:41, from Athene Chariot (1:10:28) and Mary Tuka (1:11:54); with Kerry Bray setting a wonderful example with her always-cheerful 1:31:54 to take out the Women 60-69.

Half the field today opted for the 8 km, so competition for podium places was the most intense in this middle distance. Greg Greene took line honours with his excellent 28:53. David Riches was 5th across the line to win the Male 50-59 category with a superb 30:47. Jim Josephson claimed the main prize in the Men 60-69 in 42:56, and Edward McMaster the Men 70+ in 58:59.

Meanwhile in the women's race, Nataliya Herington (32:44) held off the super-consistent Elmarie O'Regan (33:14); Sylvia Nichols ran sublimely as ever to win the Women 50-59 in 39:53; and Renee Reynolds likewise in the Women 60-69 in 46:51.

Nic Pittman was the only entrant in the Boys Under 17 category in the 4 km race, and was therefore assured of a first place medal, yet he made doubly sure by blitzing the entire field in 15:39, his nearest rival nearly one and a half minutes later being Max Jameson, whose 17:05 took out the Boys Under 13s. Phil Mitchell's 17:46 was the best time among the Males 17 and Over.

Sarah Durante's 19:03 not only won her the Girls Under 13 prize, it also proved too fast for the entire women's field, with Amy Mitchell coming in not long after in 19:13 to lead home the Females 17 and Over.

Full results by age category are published, along with a photo album from a perfect morning by The Bay.

Centennial Park is indeed a favourite venue for both organisers and runners in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series Races.

What a pleasure it is to run on the meandering cross country course; through the pine forests, past the pristine lakes, along the levees and through the magnificent groves, with the natural undulations of the grassy terrain fostering a tremendous sense of connection to the environment.

The day was indeed a littler wetter than previous events with some significant pre-race downpours boding ominously for all involved. However conditions cleared considerably for the majority of the race with the cooler conditions being appreciated by many runners, despite the ground being heavy underfoot in some places. 451 athletes took part in the event and it was indeed a magnificent spectacle as they surged off into the distance from the start line.

Perhaps the gallery pictures capture the spirit of the race more than minute description. The smiles and grimaces, jubilation and desperation paint a magnificent canvas of human experience. It is experience that cannot be downloaded or even imbibed vicariously. You can only feel it if you get out there and give it a go, proceeding boldly beyond doubt and uncertainty. It is a feeling that runners know well. It is the reason we all come back to these races again and again.

There were many notable performances on the day. Catherine Barlin broke her own course record in the Girls Under Thirteen 4km category with a time of 16:25. Witold Krajewski set a new course record in 1.32:06 in the Half-Marathon Male 60-69 category.

The victors and their times across the various distances and categories are as follows:

4km Male

Under 13: Max Jameson, 15:42

Under 17: Aaron Ramjan, 18:29

17 and Over: Neil Robertson, 13:46

4km Female

Under 13: Catherine Barlin, 16:25

17 and over: Stacey Robertson, 17:00

7km Male

Under 50: Edward Fernon, 24:27

50-59: David Riches, 26:59

60-69: John Bowman, 38:58

70 and over: Bert Sloan, 45:47

7km Female:

Under 50: Natalie Sheffield, 27:39

50-59: Jane Richardson, 35:27

60-69: Rosa Saladino, 58:03

Half-Marathon Male

Under 50: Sean Barry, 1.21:19

50-59: John Dawlings, 1.37:14

60-69: Witold Krajewski, 1.32:06

Half-Marathon Female

Under 50: Melissa Norris, 1.29:47

50-59: Jenny Choo, 1.56:29

Let us also celebrate the unsung heroes; those who may not have featured in the awards presentations yet embodied the ideal of self-transcendence in the fullest. Like the bloke who had been sick for three days yet still completed the half-marathon. I do not know his name yet the determination in his eyes as he crossed the finish line will inspire me for days to come.

A big thank you to all who participated today. Look forward to seeing you all at Iron Cove on May 22nd. Good luck with your training!

A photo gallery has been published, as well as full results by category.