The ninth and final race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2013 was staged around Iron Cove on Sunday 15 December, over the distances of 14km, 7km and 4km.  Full results for each distance follow:

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km, 15 December 2013, full results by category>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 15 December 2013, full results by category>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 15 December 2013, full results by category>>

Mirambeena – the name resonates as it rolls off the tongue. Mirambeena – the place fulfils all the promise its name portends: a peaceful, magical, rejuvenative ambience envelops the spirits like a sweet fragrance.

Fenced construction work in progress around Lake Gillawarna forced the abandonment of the small loop around that lovely watercourse, depriving the 8km out-and-back course of a little over 500 metres. Hence the advertised 16km run today shrank to a tad under 15km; and the 8km, about 7.5km. The 2 mile race remained 2 miles, though the late change in the turnaround point meant an exact measurement could not be taken and hence all distances run today were uncertified, and not eligible for course records.

Though it was indeed a lovely morning for running – cool (a welcome change from the stifling heat of the day before), overcast and not much breeze – no-one complained of being short-changed on the distance, with the wonderful scenery throughout, a few "honest" hills and ample pancakes awaiting at the finish, more than compensating for the slightly abbreviated course.

All week, the forecast temperature for today had varied: up, down and in between. The one thing that had not varied all week, was the prediction of rain: today would be wet… Imagine our surprise, when almost every runner in every distance completed their races without a drop from the heavens – just like the last Sri Chinmoy race at this venue (in 2012), when everywhere else in Sydney was deluged and the magical Mirambeena stayed dry throughout. The organisers copped it from above during the final pack-up, though fortunately almost all runners were happily on their way home by then.

Klayten Smith – 2009 Solo Winner of the prestigious Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra – led the 15km run from the outset and was never headed, maintaining the elegant style and energising form which are his main suits: finishing in 57 minutes flat. Martin Vu was next in a strong and spirited 1:00:11.

Victor Correa notched up yet another win in his category of Men 50-59 with 1:03:43; Ron Baillie taking out the Men 60-69 with 1:33:26.

Debbie Smith meanwhile was victorious in the Women's 15km with her fine run of 1:08:28, from Verona Kite in 1:12:01 and Rosemary Reynolds in 1:13:26. Pamela Blaikie led home the Women 50-59 in 1:24:39.

The one-lap 7.5km race saw a seriously fast run of 25:11 from Hamish Wallace. Hamish – on today's form – is a runner who radiates confidence, focus and poise, drawing admiration and appreciation from all. Next was Daniel Watchorn, whose 28:10 would have been enough to win on most days. Alistair Watchorn was not far behind, and took out the Men 50-59 with a commanding 31:03, to also run 3rd outright. Next in this category was Stewart Douglas with his 35:17. Surprisingly, the field in the Men 60-69 was the same size as the Men 50-59: these guys were led home by the fleet-of-foot Ric Giddins in 33:20 (6th place outright!), from Terry Rose in 37:46.

The Women's 7.5km race was closer, with Rose Veitch's 33:24 too strong on the day for Lucy Townsend's 33:53, and Anna Hutchins not far behind in 35:27. In the Female 50-59s, Jane Esposito crossed the line first in a fine 36:31; with Lynn O'Mara taking out the Women 60-69 in 44:45.

The 2 mile runners were the only ones to avoid the hills for which Mirambeena is rightly renowned: their turnaround point sitting fortuitously at the foot of the first real rise. 16-year-old 800-metre runner Ben Moss gave the rest of the field a master class this morning with his gallant run of 10:58 – daylight a clear second place. Next across the line was Geoff Barnes, first in the Men 17 and Over with 12:34: he wasn't far ahead of youngster Isabella Mardini, whose 12:40 took out the Girls Under 13s and pipped her brother Marc Mardini's 12:45 in the Boys Under 13. Fiona Matheson was first Female 17 and Over in 18:07.

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in today's runs on such a lovely morning in such a charmed little corner of the world. Full results are published, along with a photo album from along the course.

There are all sorts of ways of spending a Sunday morning. Yet there can be few more meaningful, fruitful and rewarding, than to accept and embrace a challenge to body, vital, mind and heart; dauntlessly to proceed against mounting obstacles; and to savour the deep satisfaction which flows from reaching the goal.

All sorts of people came to Iron Cove for just this purpose: to run or walk alongside and around this picturesque bay – some for three full laps comprising a Half-Marathon; others for one full lap of 7km; and some for a relatively brief out-and-back 4km. Many different faces, ages, shapes, colours, accents, gaits, outfits and expressions, each with their own purpose in being there – all drawn together by a shared fulfilment, that inexpressible inner glow of personal achievement.

It's not the first time and it won't be the last, that Max Jameson has won a race: yet to do so in an Open event from the Boys Under 13 category (in the 4km run, his time – 15:40) is quite an achievement. Not to be outdone, next home was Isabella Mardini, running in the Girls Under 13s, in the fabulous time of 16:30, not far ahead of her brother Marc, in 16:41. Anthony Chau came in next, leading home the Boys Under 17 in 16:54; from Simon Hewson, the fastest of the Males 17 and Over in 17:16; while Amy Mitchell took out the Female 17 and Over category in 19:42.

Jake Stollery has developed a habit of running Sri Chinmoy races solo this year – or so it must seem, as his margins of victory have left him with little company out on the course. Today he broke his own course record for the full 7km loop of The Bay, bringing the target time down under 23 minutes, to 22:58. Jake was over 2 minutes ahead of James Parry (25:11), who in turn was more than 2 minutes ahead of Ryan Sinclair (28:05). Richard Zhary took out the Men 50-59 category in 28:05; and Michael Tayar the Men 60-69 in 40:06 in a close tussle from Paul Mitchell (40:14).

Lizzy Georgopoulos was too quick for the rest of the field in the Women's race, coming hime in 30:02 in a tight contest from Sarah Foley (30:11) and 3rd placed Ros Allison (30:18). Sarah Osvath took out the Women 50-59 in 34:49; and Kate Rowe set an enviable new course record in the Women 60-69 category, of 33:54.

Raewyn Harlock was sheer class after a break from running for several months, winning the women's race outright from the Women 50-59 category in an excellent 30:33 – though she missed out on her own course record set a year ago. Kaye Johnson, herself a sprightly 47-years-young, won the Women Under 50 category in 1:33:13, from Renee Simon in 1:38:22 and Dianne O'Brien in 1:42:49.

Arthur Huxtable set a new course record for the Men 60-69 in the Half-Marathon with his fine 1:46:50; while Victor Correa continued his winning ways in the Men 50-59 with 1:31:24. Outright winner of the race was the outstanding David Tonge who ran an excellent time 1:17:38, especially considering the rising temperatures of the last lap. James Everett came in next in 1:21:29; from Lachlan Dansie's 1:24:41.

Full results by category are published, along with a photo album from professional photographer Paul Wilcock.

The sixth race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2013 was held on Sunday 8 September at Cooks River with races over 3 distances – 16km, 8km and 4km.  Full results for each of the 3 distances follow:

Sri Chinmoy Cooks River 16km run, 8 September 2013, full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Cooks River 8km run, 8 September 2013, full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Cooks River 4km run, 8 September 2013, full results>>

There is a simple satisfaction in running beside water. Somehow the mind, emotions and nerves are soothed by the mere presence of a river, lake or the sea. The mental challenges which sometimes accompany a run seem more remote, as though dissolved. There is a sense of freedom, of possibilities yet undiscovered...

437 runners gathered in Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point, by the lapping waters of Botany Bay for their choice from the 3 most-raced distances in road-running – 5 km, 10 km and Half-Marathon.

First to start were the Half-Marathoners, who were soon trundling around the St George Sailing Club to complete a small loop of 1.1 km, followed by 2 larger loops of the 10 km course which follows cycle paths through Cook Park– first northwards as far as Ramsgate Beach, then returning south back past the start/finish area, to the Georges River Sailing Club before crossing Captain Cook Bridge over the mouth of the Georges River, and returning via the same route to Peter Depena Reserve.

As the races progressed the superb weather and delightful camaraderie of the running community sweetened the experience for all involved. 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; courage in the face of adversity; self-transcendence.

Full results are published here, as well as a photo gallery.

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 in this magnificent and dynamic city of ours. We look forward to seeing you all at our next race-  Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 6: Cooks River 16km, 8km & 4km runs on 8 September

There were no lurking lightning-storms, no last-minute double-bookings of venues, no dramatic injuries, no timing calamities – just a lovely morning for a run, in a sublime venue, with a wonderful gathering of people all looking to better themselves and enjoy the process immensely.

Race 4 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2013 was held this morning, Sunday 9 June over the distances of Half-Marathon, 7 km and 4 km over this now well-used and much-loved cross-country course.

Course records fell in each of the distances today – all in the Female categories:

In the Half-Marathon, Laura James – who already holds the 14 km course record at this same venue – took a few minutes from the previous best time, bringing it down to 1:23:34 to set a new mark for the women.

In the 7 km race, Eija Stewart ran a new nest time for Women 50-59 of 33:37; while not far behind her, Kate Rowe set a new benchmark for Women 60-69 of 34:54.

In the 4 km race, Taylor Porter ran a wonderful time of 15:28 to establish a new course record for Girls Under 13. Congratulations to all the new course record holders! You are inspiring us all to transcend ourselves in whatever ways we can…

Drew Arthurson ran from the front for the entire Half-Marathon, always looking composed, focussed and in control. His finish time of 1:14:51 left him a few minutes ahead of Danny Burgess (1:17:25) who had to hold off a threat from the Spanish-speaking duo of Leonardo Rodriguez Pena (1:17:26) and Mauricio Loaiza Jaramilo (1:17:48).

The ever-green Victor Correa took out the Men 50-59 in 1:26:34 from Alan McLennan (1:28:15); with Greg Marsh (1:51:15) winning the Men 60-69; and Daniel Klenbort the Men 70 and Over in 2:55:54.

While Laura James took the main spotlight in the women's race, Kathryn Parkinson was an excellent runner-up with 1:26:32; from Tiffany Knight in 1:33:35. Jacqueline Korhonen took out the Women 50-59 category with her 1:56:29; and Kerry Bray once more stood victorious in the Women 60-69 with 2:13:52 – an inspiration to us all!

Aside form the stellar showings in the older women's categories of the 7 km race mentioned above, Zoe Williams was in fine form in the Women Under 50 with a slick 28:18; in front of Athene Chariot – sharpening up for her defence of the Traralgon Marathon next weekend – finishing in 29:35, and Naomi Tancred in 30:57.

Jake Stollery dominated the men's field from the outset, winning the 7 km race in style in 23:42; from the fleet-of-foot Ali Najem in 24:36; and Adam Chadwallder in 24:47. Dennis Johnson took out the Men 50-59 in 29:01 from Warren Williams' 29:38; while James Box proved too fast in the Men 60-69 with 30:59 from Bruce Flaherty's 33:10.

Taylor Porter's 15:28 saw her take 2nd place overall in the 4 km event, after Girls Under 17 winner, Catherine Barlir's 15:20 and a little ahead of Sianna Steele in 15:42. 1st place Female 17 and Over was Sally Hannah in 16:03.

Max Jameson won from a record field in the Boys Under 13's race, with an impressive 15:10; ahead of Boys Under 17 winner, Ben Muston in 15:17, who just tipped Hayden Brown in 15:21. Meanwhile, Gilbert Olzomer swept all before him in an impressive run of 13:11 to take out the Male 17 and Over category.

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

Easter Monday brought an eager turnout of runners to Centennial Park for race 3 of the 2013 Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series, for the varied challenges of the Half-Marathon, 7 km and 4 km runs. Many were trying their first Sri Chinmoy race, others were long-time participants.

Some light early-morning rain helped tremendously. First, the cooler temperature and clear air made for ideal running conditions; and second, the public holiday crowds didn't flock to the park until later on, after the races were run and won.

A record number of on-the-day entries tested the registration systems to the max, yet despite some breathless behind-the-scenes processing, the Half-Marathoners got under way only a few minutes after their scheduled departure time.

Quite often, the 4 km race is a low-key affair, favoured by weekend joggers and those just out to enjoy the morning. Today's 4 km was a fair dinkum race, with fast times across all categories.

Ali Najem set a cracking pace in the Male 17 and Over, his 12:47 a new all-comers course record, with second placed Gilbert Olzomer's 13:02 also inside the previous best time. Ben Moss won the Boys Under 17 in 14:04, the second fastest ever recorded for his category; while Marc Mardini led home the Boys Under 13 in 16:31.

Catherine Barlin (Girls Under 17) was first female home in 15:33, but only after a sprint finish from Sianna Steele (15:35). Sally Hannah took out the Female 17 and Over category in 16:05, while another great race unfolded in the Girls Under 13, where Breanna Ivankovic (16:50) just edged out Isabelle Mardim (16:52). Had the ground not been softened by over night rain, a few more course record may well have fallen.

The 4 km was also notable for the most ever participants in the Under 13 and Under 17 boys and girls categories, since Sri Chinmoy races commenced in Centennial Park seven years ago.

Meanwhile Edward Fernon attacked the 7 km course, slicing 2 seconds from the all-comers record in 23:16, from a brave Jake Stollery in 23:36, these two finishing a full 2 minutes clear of the field. Michael Baker took out the Men 50-59 in 27:49; and Rob Connolley the Men 60-69 in 29:49.

Audrey Amiya-Hall took out the women's race in 28:10, from Nancy Newsome (28:45). Grace Stone was first Women 50-59 in 34:57; Helen Stanger won the Women 60-69 in 36:30 and Wendy Bennett the Women 70 and Over in 52:56.

The sun finally came out for the final lap of the Half-Marathon, making conditions more demanding for those going the longer distance. Philip Balnave took out the men's race in 1:20:49 from Danny Burgess (1:21:13) and Paul Ansell (1:22:07). John Collins won the Men 50-59 in 1:38:09; and John Dawlings the Men 60-69 in 1:43:19.

Skye Pailthorpe won the women's Half-Marathon in 1:36:48 from Justine Carmichael (1:37:51) and Kim Shmuel (1:40:36). Gillian Bramley won the Women 50-59 in 1:50:16; and Lyn O'Mara the Women 60-69 in 2:36:10.

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

The day dawned bright, as bright can be;
Kookaburras aloft in rampant glee.
To the rippled waters of Iron Cove
The runners came, they came in droves
To test their mettle against the clock
To walk or run, but never stop – 

Extra water was carted as runners toed the line,
For the forecast foretold: "No wind, mainly fine!"
And in a moment they were off!
- no time to blink, no time to cough,
Upon the bike path they descended – 
Their efforts we as one commended,
Our shouts and cheers were well intended,
No cyclists - we prayed - would be upended!

And on they forged around the Cove,
Through dogs and kids and bikes they wove,
O'er grassy ovals, midst views sublime,
'Cross mighty bridges, 'gainst ticking time,
Beyond failing legs and heaving chest
With undaunted spirit themselves to test
Of kilometres spanning the fourteen, the seven and the four,
The runners gave their all ... and then gave more.

And on they raced 'round yon sparkling waters,
All inner doubts they bravely slaughtered,
With a single purpose and iron intent,
On, on they surged to the timer's tent ...
After all was spent and done and dusted,
Many a face glowed hot and flustered,
Yet with pancakes most abundant,
All involved felt most triumphant.

We reveled in our gorging,
And shared the joy of friendship forging,
Spun some yarns, and told tall stories,
Of all our triumphs and our glories.
All had had a crack and had a go,
All now heroes;
the young, the old,
the fast, the slow :–)

Full results are published, along with a photo album.