Another year of Sri Chinmoy Races in Sydney drew to a close today with the traditional pre-Christmas 14km, 7km and 4km runs around Iron Cove. An intimate field ensured a relaxed and convivial mood, notwithstanding some fast times across all distances.
There is something magnetic about a loop course, as with every step as we progress further and further from our starting point, we simultaneously draw closer and closer to the same point, our goal. There is tremendous satisfaction in returning to the same – yet new – place, our surroundings transformed as we are by an inner as well as an outer journey, of striving, transcendence and achievement.
Congratulations to all who took part in any of the races today.
Peter Sewell took out the Men’s 2-lap race from the 50-59 category, winning in a fine 54:53; from Nicholas Hanva (Male Under 50) in 56:17, with Timothy Wels, Brendan Webb and Geoff Barnes (also Male 50-59) not far behind. John Hoffman took out the Men 60-69s in 1:07:35.
In the Women’s 14km, Kathryn Boiltho’s 1:04:50 was the standout, leading home some fine runners including Julie Watson and Shellie Tinworth in the next minute. Kristina Hallett took out the Women 50-59 in 1:21:59.
In the one-lap. 7km run, Daniel Watchorn zoomed around in 25:42, a commanding winner from Newton Soares and Greg Churchill. Father, Alistair Watchorn completed an impressive family double, taking out the Men 50-59 in 28:41 though strongly pressed by Michael Wilding. Bruce Flaherty’s 35:14 brought him victory in the Men 60-69.
Sarina Blumentritt led a quality women’s field in the 7km, winning in 28:59 though hotly pursued by Megan Hasick, Susanne Tonkin, Anne Moss and Georgie Young – all of whom finished among the top 10 men’s times. Jan Swinhoe took out the Women 50-59 with 37:15; and Rasa Pes the Women 60-69 in 39:00.
In the shorter 4km race, Grant Armessen took line honours in 15:59 from Terry Couchman; while Will Clifson won the Boys Under 13s in 18:21. The top 3 placings in the Women’s 4km race went to the Girls Under 17 category, with Taylor Jones first in 18:33 from Mia Bridle and Hannah McKee; Sophie Wisely won the Girls Under 13 with 26:48; with Kathryn Wood took out the Female 17 and Over with 20:37.
Full results by category for each of the 3 distances are published, along with a photo album from the morning.
Thank you to all who have made the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series in 2014 so memorable and enjoyable. We look forward to your company again for the Series in 2015. Look for online entries opening later this week!
A big thanks to everyone for coming down to Iron Cove despite the somewhat inclement weather. Getting out of bed early on a Sunday morning when it is pouring rain to go and run 21km, 7km or even 4km certainly takes dedication. It was indeed a field of diehard runners who toed the start line.
A big thanks to everyone for coming out to the race at Garrison Point today. Extremely cold overnight conditions blossomed into a delightfully sunny and still day, as athletes tested themselves over distances of 16km, 8km and 2 miles.
A marathon race was added to the Doll’s Point race program this year for the first time. This necessitated an earlier start, so it was already a busy morning before 6.30am as athletes arrived for registration.
The soft, yielding feel of grass and rain-moistened earth under fleeting foot; embrace of fresh green and release of vast blue; sharing a domain of dozing bats, waddling geese and blaring ibis; horses ambling, parents prambling, cycles blazing, lollers lazing...
