Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km Run, 13 December 2015 full results 83.5 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 13 December 2015 full results 78.93 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 13 December 2015 full results 69.38 KB

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Gratitude to all runners who helped make the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015 such a memorable and enjoyable success; to the ever-encouraging Robert Glasson-Smith from Sports Medicine Australia who served at almost all of the series throughout the year; to the officials from the various Councils and authorities who helped make the series possible; and to the volunteers both from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and the broader running community for turning up each race to offer their smiles and support.

Shining performances in the 14km today included a superb run from David Riches in the Male 50-59, bettering his own course record with a blazing 51:43; another new course record from the evergreen Kate Rowe in the Female 60-69 of 1:16:24; a new course best time for the Male 70 and Over from Vic Egerton of 1:26:15; a fine solo run from Lilian Molesworth to take out the Women’s race in 59:43; an honest tussle in the Male Under 50 between two heartfelt champions, Gary Mullins and Phil Balnave, with Gary easing away through the second lap for the win; Ian Jarrett just pipping Harry Karlikoff in the Male 60-69 by 2 seconds – 1:11:18 to 1:11:20 in the closest finish of the day. Mighty congratulations to Vincenza Visciano who, accompanied by Sean Buchanan, walked the entire 14km in a tremendous feat of self-transcendence, completing the challenge in 3:25:01.

The 7km one-lap circuit belonged to Kristen Piper for the Female Under 50 in a superb 28:42; and to Jason Keane for the Male Under 50 in 26:02, though close behind was the outstanding Peter Sewell winning the Male 50-59 in 26:25 for second outright. Linda Boland took out the Female 50-59 in 37:02 just ahead of Sylvia Nichols’ 37:17; while Sue McNamara was too good in the Female 60-69 with 38:07. Meanwhile Brian Radburn had won the Male 60-69 in 33:10; and Ernest Jordan took out the Male 70 and Over in 37:00.

Richard Sarkies was unchallenged in the 4km race, cruising home in a whirlwind 13:54. Matthew Scolyer took out the Boys Under 13 in 17:15 from Rory Nicholl’s 17:48; while sister Emily Scolyer won the Girls Under 13 in 17:44. Bethany Lo won the Girls Under 17 in 23:38, while Sally Hannah ran the race of the day for the Female 17 and Over in 16:33.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, 18 October 2015 full results 79.63 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 18 October 2015 full results 82.97 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 18 October 2015 full results 70.27 KB

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While everyone who finishes is a winner in their own right, sometimes one runner lifts the occasion with a singular stellar performance. Today that runner was Elizabeth Pittaway, an elegant athlete who ran in her own dimension, to seize 4 minutes from the previous course record in the Half-Marathon at Iron Cove. Elizabeth’s 1:25:53 was 9 minutes ahead of the next fastest female, promising junior Katelyn Clark who ran a fine 1:34:54. Ann Kelly took out the Female 50-59 with 1:48:57.

In the men’s division, Bruce Lambert also ran most of the race in clear air, finishing in 1:19:54, two minutes ahead of Philip Balnave’s 1:21:41 and Christopher Strom’s 1:21:47. Richard Sarkies powered over the course to win the Male 50-59 in 1:25:11, with Arthur Huxtable taking the Male 60-69 in 1:53:22.

In the one-lap 7km race, another course record was broken, this time at the other end of the age spectrum – Robert Amery bettered his Male 70+ record set earlier this year by 45 seconds, raising the bar (if that analogy can be applied to lowering a time…) to 35:15.

Bruce John Flaherty’s excellent 32:49 was too good in the Male 60-69; Peter Senell took out the Male 50-59 with an outstanding 26:46; while Nathan Berry claimed line honours with a commanding run of 24:43.

Renee Everett was streets ahead of the women’s field in running a superb 27:54; while Susan Hitchen took out the Female 50-59 with 36:06.

In the 4km out-and-back run, Jeremy Levy ran a demonstration solo run of 14:53; 3rd place outright was the Boys Under 13 winner, Joshua O’Connell in 16:36. Sophia Westzlook took out the Girls Under 13 in 18:48; Sarah Durante the Girls Under 17 in 20:53 and Emily Wilcock the Female 17 and Over with 18:37.

While many pre-entered runners opted to stay in bed due to the threat of rain, nary a drop was spilt from the skies, the nurturing low cloud offering welcome cool cover, with runners finishing fresh and eager. Rarely have pancakes disappeared with such alacrity.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Marathon, 12 July 2015, full results 78.34 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Half-Marathon, 12 July 2015, full results 89.43 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 10km run, 12 July 2015, full results 80.67 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 5km run, 12 July 2015, full results 68.29 KB

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There is the Real and the Imagined.

More often than not, the Imagined causes us more concern than the Real. And so it was at Dolls Point on Sunday 12 July for the 7th race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015. This race is held mid-Winter and the course crosses a high bridge, so one can anticipate cool temperatures and a fair gale blowing over the bridge at the best of times. Yet the media build-up to an “Antarctic Vortex” of frigid, wild weather predicted to descend on Sydney about the time the race was due to get underway, caused more than a few flutters of dread amongst runners and organisers alike – and possibly led to a significant proportion of “no-shows”.

Yes, it was a cool morning and yes, there was a strong wind – at least for the southbound crossing of the Captain Cook Bridge – yet most runners reported the conditions were actually pretty good for running. Several reckoned last year’s race was colder, and other years have presented a more formidable gale.

The spirit of the marathoner embraces all obstacles as companions on the road to self-conquest. In the context of willing the body to complete the daunting 42.2 kilometres, numb fingers and a strongish breeze only serve to sharpen the will and intensify the warrior-runner’s focus on the goal.

The Marathon is for heroes. It is telling that the lowest proportion of DNSs (Did Not Start) on the morning were for the race in which the forecast conditions promised to cause the greatest suffering – the Marathon. There were also fewer DNFs (Did Not Finish) in the Marathon than in the shorter Half-Marathon.

While every finisher is a winner in the Marathon, we’ve randomly selected a few:

* Ray James, fresh from hospitalisation and major surgery for a life-threatening condition, who looked like a fish back in water, and vibrant throughout;
* Natasha Hjerrild, the women’s winner in a new course record of 3:31:30;
* Jessica Dietz, who endured and enjoyed for 6:33:01 – over an hour longer than anyone else;
* Gary Mullins, a casual race winner in a fine 2:47:09;
* Glenn Gielissen, who set a new record for Male 50-59 with his 3:14:46;
* Bob Fickel, quietly completing his 236th marathon;
* Second placed Philip Balnave, who ran from his home in Kensington for the race, and then ran home again, for fun;
* Gerry Gosen from Singapore, in Sydney for a few days, who probably felt the cold more than anyone.

Meanwhile, Thien Vuong won the Half-Marathon in an excellent 1:21:24, with a tight race for the other podium placings between unrelated Reece Bailey (1:22:45) and Nic Bailey (1:22:55). Geoff Barnes took out the Male 50-59 with 1:30:46; and Noel Weeks the Male 60-69 in 1:45:17.

Anna Grigg was the only woman to break to elusive 90 minute barrier, winning the race in 1:29:39, with Katelyn Clark second in 1:32:42 and Brooke Hannan third in 1:35:25. Sue Cooksley won the Female 50-59 with 1:51:21.

The one-lap 10km race was won by Jarrod Boyd in 38:21; while second place outright went to women’s winner Michelle McAdam in 39:31. Other age group winners were Fiona Shand for the Female 50-59 with 50:59; Merridy O’Donnell in the Female 60-69 with 55:40 and Kerry Bray in the Female 70 and Over, cruising under the one hour mark with 59:45. Paul Hoban meanwhile took out the Male 50-59 with 47:51; and Rob Ellis the Male 60-69 in 50:15.

Max Jameson, running in the Boys Under 17s, was too good for the field in the 5km race, winning comfortably in 18:28 from fellow Under 17 Oliver Smith in 18:41. Next home was Girls Under 17 winner Taylor Porter with a new course record time of 19:49, to go with her still-standing course record for the younger Under 13 division; ahead of Male 17 and Over first placed Wayne Duhigg in 20:46; Girls Under 13 winner Juliette Moore with 22:28 and Female 17 and Over first place Kaitlin Hill’s 23:57.

Congratulations to all runners who braved the forecast and helped make this a memorable morning for all involved; and gratitude to the helpers without whom this event could not have happened.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon 7 June 2015, results by category 86.46 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km 7 June 2015, results by category 81.94 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km 7 June 2015, results by category 81.01 KB

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Running, Matthew Cox is a fish in water, a swallow on the wing. To the more earth-bound, marvelling observer, he presents running, and running fast, as the only natural, normal state for a human.

As a swan paddles hard under water to seemingly glide over the surface, so his rapid gait belies a gathered poise and honed focus.

Within 400 metres of the start, it was clear today’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon in Centennial Park had its champion. Merely excellent runners toiled in another dimension while Matthew calmly devoured the challenging cross-country course. Lapping three quarters of the field (one lap = 7km!), almost everyone felt a surge of inspiration and astonishment as he passed.

A new course record of 1:08:46 – peeling 4 minutes from Matt Janes’ already-excellent 2009 time – will glow in the record books for a long time to come.

Philip Balnave (1:18:13) and John Hughes (1:19:19) had a good tussle for the minor placings before Philip drew away in the final lap. Victor Correa extended his run as one of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series' most decorated winners, taking out the Male 50-59 in 1:32:06 from Masanori Chiba in 1:33:31 and Kieron Blackmore (1:35:12). Ian Jarrett (1:49:30) won the Male 60-69.

The women's race was won comfortably in the end by Rebecca Holmes (1:40:08) from Kim Shmuel (1:42:11), who held off Mary Ryan (1:42:20) for second place. Carolyn Wiseman won the Female 50-59 in 2:09:03; and Merridy O'Donnell ran a sterling 2:16:46 to take out the Female 60-69 category.

The 7km saw a much closer race with Kit Edwards coming out on top with 25:57 in front of Alex Rowe (26:03) and James Polson (26:28). David Heazlett took out the Male 50-59 in 29:54; Bruce John Flaherty the Male 60-69 in 35:19; and Robert Amery the Male 70 and Over category with a fine run of 37:21.

Catherine Barlin was too good in the women's 7km, completing the one lap course in 30:02, with Michelle Murray (32:14) and Elouise Sarka (32:32) filling out the minor placings. Karen O'Connell won the Female 50-59 in 37:19; Rasa Pes the Female 60-69 in 41:14 and the indefatigable Kerry Bray the Female 70 and Over in 42:02.

The 4km race was won outright by Otto Khoo, representing the Boys Under 17 in with a gutsy run of 14:44. Next home was Under 13 Girl champion Jade Cameron in 16:11. Then came Girls Under 17 winner Olivia Lee in 17:11, just pipping Male 17 and Over first place-getter Jeffrey Lee's 17:12. Emily Scolyer was next for the Girls Under 13 in 17:23, just ahead of her brother Matthew Scolyer, who won the Boys Under 13 with 17:28. Mano Yapanbandara took out the Female 17 and Over category in 19:19.

A remarkable course record in a beautiful setting on a splendid morning amongst a wonderful bunch of eager runners on a Long Weekend – what more could we ask for?

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, 24 May 2015 full results 76.65 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 24 May 2015 full results 75.29 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 24 May 2015 full results 62.02 KB

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The appeal of running always has been, always will be, simplicity. One foot in front of t’other; breathe; follow the course ahead; strive to go further, faster or just to survive… no specialised or mechanised accoutrements, no Masters degree, no qualifying standard required: just a passion to live life a little deeper, fuller, brighter…

… and so we gather, from wherever we come, whatever we are doing, whenever we arose, from whatever station, vocation and family situation, the fast and focussed, the daily joggers, dauntless sloggers, the lame yet game… the myriad marvellous leaves of the tree of humankind …

Today itself was simple as running: sun, shining; breeze, barely bothering; cool, chilly even for spectating, but for propelling oneself on two legs – invigorating.

In the 4km race, it was two Boys Under 13, Joshua O’Connell (16:53) and Matthew Scolyer (16:57) who were first to shake the timing crew out of their reverie. Next home was Matthew’s sister Emily, winning the Girls Under 13 in 17:52, trailing her dad Richard behind her in 17:54 (taking 1st Male 17 and Over). Riley Grainger took out the Boys Under 17 in 18:43; while Kathleen Bleakley was first Female 17 and Over in 21:48.

While the younger boys swept all before them in the 4km, in the 7km race all eyes were on the women, with an astonishing record-smashing run from Lauren Hamilton to win the race outright in 25:06, nearly a minute and a half clear of the men’s field. Michael Abiwahab was next across the line in 26:31 to win the men’s race, but only just ahead of Audrey Amiya-Hall whose 26:37 would easily have won the women’s race on most days.

Geoff Arthurson (27:27) and Alistair Sandilands (27:48) completed the podium places for the men, with Elizabeth Georgopoulos taking 3rd for the women in 28:44. Daniel Zanolla (28:40) won the Male 50-59; Stephanie Compton (36:55) the Female 50-59; Victor Saywell victorious in the Male 60-69 (55:13) and Shirley Dalton (41:17) in the Female 60-69.

Philip Balnave has had an outstanding and consistent Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series this year, continuing his excellent run of excellent runs in winning the 3-lap Half-Marathon by well over 3 minutes in 1:18:38 from Sam Walker (1:22:16) and Jesse Taylor (1:25:42). Peter Sewell ran a fabulous 1:23:28 to take out the Male 50-59; while Gary Dalton blazed 1:27:29 to dominate the Male 60-69 category and set a new course record.

The women’s Half-Marathon was similarly won comfortably by Sarah Hately in 1:41:01 with an unassailable margin from Michelle Lim ((1:43:51) and Katie Broadfoot (1:45:26). Surprisingly, there were no 50 and Over Female entrants in the Half-Marathon today.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Marathon, 3 May 2015, results by category 70.72 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Half-Marathon, 3 May 2015, results by category 71.55 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 10km trail run, 3 May 2015, results by category 70.5 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 5km trail run, 3 May 2015, results by category 68.9 KB

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Race report Royal National Park

Today was THE day to be a tree, a bird, a moss, a fish … even a leech – anything or anyone that exults in the sight, the sound, the feel, the flow, the presence, the sustenance, the magnificence – of water: fast water, slow water, high water, low water, running water, standing water, even leaping water.

As water brings life, lush bush brings inspiration, mud brings joy, running brings fulfilment: in concert these elements contrived a glorious, vibrant celebration to remind us why we so love and need each and all of them.

Today was a great day, a good day, one for which to be forever grateful.

Athlete-runner-explorer-enjoyers raced, ran and played within four distances: the earliest to start were the Marathoners; then the Half-Marathoners; the 10km and 5km.

Philip Balnave led from go to woe in the Marathon, an easy running style belieing a tenacious focus on the goal. His 3:05:39 would have been considerably faster on a drier day – yet would it have been as memorable? Michael Everest (3:11:09) and Graeme Russell (1:31:35) filled out the podium. Brett Molloy (4:03:40) won the Men 50-59; while Ray James (4:55:54) was calm and stoic as ever, taking out the Men 60-69 from local lad, the indefatigable Bob Fickel (5:33:31), today crossing his 235th marathon finish line.

Meanwhile in the women’s race, the smiling 20-year-old Sophia Anicic seemingly breezed through her first marathon, winning stylishly in 3:57:26. Holly Bohensky (4:24:16), holidaying from the US, just edged out Kristy Lovegrove (4:24:28) into second place. Jane Trumper (4:55:53) won the Women 50-59 and proved a loyal comrade-in-arms to Ray James, bringing him home with heartfelt oneness.

The marathon’s 35 runners presented a mini-United Nations, with runners from the USA, the UK, Italy, South America, Mongolia, China, India, New Zealand … even Australia.

The Half-Marathon saw a new course record for the Women 60-69, the youthful Merridy O’Donnell clocking a sprightly 2:20:54 over the challenging course. Sally Gordon led home the younger brigade in 1:40:03, from a tight race for second and third between Millerine Brikker (1:55:22) and Deborah Castres (1:55:47).

Michael Rendle meanwhile took out the Men 60-69 in 1:59:24; while the great Victor Correa placed 5th outright in winning the Men 50-59 in 1:37:05. It was the smooth-running Justin Hill who ran away with the Male Under 50 award in 1:27:4 from Matthew Hassall (1:30:21) and Matt North (1:31:57).

The 10km race gave a good indication of just how much tougher this course was today compared with the same course on a fine day. Nic Bailey won the race today in 41:11, compared with his course record time of 37:41 set last year. Klaus Muhlbock took out the Men 50-59 with 52:06; and Tony Roper the Men 60-69 in a fine 48:02.

While Emily May won the women’s race in 50:28, the big story in this field was the second place getter, Cathy Davenport, whose 51:16 set a new course record for the Women 50-59! The ever-cheerful Rasa Pes meanwhile won the Women 60-69 in 1:04:28.

It seemed that the whole field in the 5km were friends, as they moved brightly together en masse about the venue pre- and post-race. Allegra Short was first home from the Girls Under 17 in 28:04; Sophia Mansfield winning the Girls Under 13 in 29:20 and Riley Michelmore the Female 17 and Over in 30:17. The girls certainly dominated the race, as the winner of the Male 17 and Over category, Henry Wijanto (30:40) came in only 7th overall! Marcus Jewell was the proud winner of the Boys Under 13 in 38:26.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon 6 April 2015, results by category 98.15 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km 6 April 2015, results by category 106.73 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km 6 April 2015, results by category 85.04 KB

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Urged ever on by a silent inner yearning, the runner flows, glows and grows with each step, each breath, each pounding heartbeat towards the promise of a brighter dawn. The runners’ quest is universal, it is eternal: the lethargy-defying, age-denying shout of the soul asserting its ultimate sovereignty. Running is at once suffering and joy; torture and triumph – the simplest, most exquisite expression of the journey of life itself.

So when runners of all ages, backgrounds, capacities and builds gather together to run with, against and for each other, it is always a special occasion – especially special in a location such as Centennial Park.

Today’s 4km race saw a new course record in the Female 17 and Over category with Lisa Biffin’s 15:09 taking one second off the old record set 4 years ago. First in the Girls Under 17 was Ashley Karagorgovski’s 16:32; with Jade Cameron winning the Girls Under 13 in 17:17.

The only males ahead of Lisa in the 4km race were Josh Stevens (14:26) and Nicholas Katsilis (14:45), both running in the Boys Under 17. Andre Pech (Male 17 and Over) – 15:36 – just edged out the first Boy Under 13, Bailey Habler in 15:39.

Jacob Grooby was a solid winner of the men’s one-lap 7km race today with 24:51, from Nelson Santos in 25:28. Richard Sarkies’s 26:29 winning time in the Men 50-59 was good enough for 4th place outright. Ric Giddins’ 31:31 took out the Men 60-69; while Robert Amery lopped nearly 2 minutes off his own course record in the Men over 70 category with a fine run of 36:43.

The Women’s 7km race was won by Sarah Lesko in 28:27 from Sally Lynch’s 30:35 and Lyndsey Fitzgerald’s 31:04. The closest competition across the various categories came in the Women 50-59, where Pamela Blaikie finished strongest with 41:06, leading in Cathie Scott (41:24) and Martine Woodhill (41:42). Francis Bowman (51:14) took out the Female 60-69; and Rosemary Bridge the Female 70 and Over with 1:09:33.

The men’s race in the Half-Marathon was led home by local boy Philip Balnave in 1:20:03, from Joseph Thomas (1:22:30) and Clinton Killen (1:23:05). Peter Sewell’s 1:25:11 took out the Men 50-59, the 5th fastest time on course; while Ian Jarrett ran away with the Men 60-69 main prize with 1:52:05 and Vic Egerton the Men 70 and Over in 2:21:29.

The women’s Half-Marathon was won convincingly by Elizabeth Pittaway in a dashing 1:27:51, from Michelle McAdam (1:30:10) and Katelyn Clark (1:33:29). Helen McDonald took out the Women 50-59 with 2:19:03 and Karen Shepherd the Women 60-69 in 2:36:55.

The story of the morning is told in pictures in the photo album from around the start/finish locale.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km run, 22 March 2015 full results 90.1 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 22 March 2015 full results 91.76 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 22 March 2015 full results 76.1 KB

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Unfailingly fulfilling is a run around Sydney’s Iron Cove: like the call of the currawong, a good hot bath or a Bach cantata – one of life’s simple, solid verities that never disappoints. The sure surface, soothing presence of water, subtle gradients, satisfying loop and communal amity all complement the endeavour.

Race 2 of the 2015 Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series was held on Sunday 22 March over three distances: 14km (2 laps of The Bay), 7km (one lap) and 4km (a straight out-and-back course).

Philip Balnave returned to his winning ways, taking out the main prize in the Men’s 14km race by nearly two minutes with 51:20 from Indrajeet Aich’s 53:09 and Justin Hill’s 53:32. Martin Fletcher (1:04:40) held off Brett Molloy (1:04:47) in the Men 50-59 category; while Ian Jarrett set a new Course Record for the Men 60-69 with his excellent 1:11:35.

Merridy O’Donnell likewise set a new record for Women 60-69 of 1:20:53; ahead of the first placed Women 50-59, Jan Swinhoe in 1:21:44. 15-year-old Katelyn Clark made it two from two in the Series to date, winning the Women Under 50 category in 1:01:46, having to work hard to hold off Breeda Lynch1:01:58, and a little ahead of Karina Wheelan in 1:02:39.

Robert Amery had meanwhile kept up the trend of new records in the older categories, winning the Men Over 70s in the 7km race in a new best time of 36:00 – not far ahead of Ernest Jordan, whose 36:40 also came in under the old record. Rasa Pes took out the Women 60-69 in 41:04, with John Bowman leading home the Men 60-69 in 38:52. The Women 50-59 category belonged to Noni Sweeney in 37:27; and the Men 50-59 to Mark Bible, marking his return to fun-runs after several years’ break with a winning 36:50.

Merryn Aldridge proved too strong in the 7km Women Under 50 with 28:36 from Sarina Blumentritt’s 30:45 and Jacqui Shearer’s 31:59; while Edward Fernon was a class above winning the Men’s race in 23:41 from Dani Andres (24:34) and Renaud Herington (25:07).

The first three placings outright in the 4km race were taken by the flying brothers Smith: 1st to William (15:23) in the Boys Under 13; 2nd to Oliver (15:36) in the Boys Under 17 and 3rd to James (15:45) also in the Boys Under 13. Terry Couchman’s 16:35 won him the Male 17 and Over category, though 5th outright behind the boys and Jessie Raupach’s 16:16, the winner of the Female 17 and Over category. Mia Hinchliff took out the Girls Under 17s next in 16:42; with Zoe Banks completing an excellent morning for the girls from Wenona School by winning the Girls Under 13 in 18:39.

View the photo album from the start/finish area, chronicling the morning's emotion and satisfaction.

Results (PDF Download)

4km results by category 73.91 KB

7km results by category 85.06 KB

14km results by category 89.54 KB

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Centennial Park always satisfies.

When it rains or when it shines, it feels it is meant to be so.

On Sunday 22 February, for Race 1 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, a dawn thick with brooding clouds broke through to a warm, sparkling morning. Before the races it rained – it really rained; and during the races it shone – it really shone.

All who, peering through the curtains into the morning gloom or hearing rain pattering on the window pane, decided to roll over and enjoy a longer sleep, dudded themselves of a glorious morning’s run.

The standout run of the day belonged to Gary Dalton who broke the Men 60-69 age group record for the 14km cross-country course. Gary’s time of 59:42 placed him 8th outright, and two and a half minutes faster than Victor Correa, who won the younger Men 50-59 category in 1:02:19.

Hamish Wallace and Philip Balnave had meanwhile tussled it out for the first of the 7km loops, only for Hamish to prove too strong over the closing stages to win the race in 51:43 from Philip’s 52:34 and Kevin Branagan’s 53:46. Michael Foster took out the Men 70 and Over category in 1:34:02.

15-year-old Katelyn Clark flew away from the rest of the women’s field, winning the 14km race in an outstanding 1:01:48, though a well-matched race behind her saw Sophia Anicic (1:08:39) just pipping Sophie Cooke (1:08:45) for 2nd place. Karen O’Connell was best in the Women 50-59 with her 1:17:43.

Just as the 14km run saw a standout performance in the “older” categories, so the 7km run was distinguished in particular by Frank Zeichner’s 27:29 to win the Men 50-59, placing him second behind only outright winner Vincent Touchard’s 27:20. Bryan Lynch (27:53) and Simon Reddy (27:56) were the only others to break the 28-minute barrier. Bruce John Flaherty took out the Men 60-69 in 35:33, and Ernest Jordan the Men 70 and Overs with a fine run of 38:33.

Eileen Cantwell from Ireland ran a superb 31:03 to win the women’s race from a brave Sally Gordon (31:38) and Angela Burgess (33:17). Jenny Middleton took out the Women 50-59 category in 41:32; while Rasa Pes continued her winning form in the Women 60-69s with 41:56.

In the Men’s 4km race, Michael Abiwahab was a graceful winner in 14:41, well ahead of Jayson Millis (16:04) and Jeffrey Lee (17:29). Meanwhile Ren-Shyan Balnave bettered his father’s second placing by winning the Boys Under 13s in 19:13; and Josh Kelly took out the Boys Under 17s in 21:47.

Taylor Porter convincingly won the women’s 4km race from the Girls Under 17 category in 15:46, from Olivia Lee in the same category with 17:27; while Portia Palmerlee (19:15) edged out Celia Cropper (19:17) and Lily Jennings (19:36) in a classy field for the Girls Under 13.

Meanwhile Natalia Bermudez De Castro Angulo took out the Female 17 and Over category in 17:15 from Catherine Higginson (20:20) and Camila Cropper (21:27).

Congratulations to all who participated in any way to make this such a satisfying morning – to all the runners, helpers and officials, as well as to the glorious Centennial Park itself which always contrives somehow to steal the show.

The next race in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015 will be staged at Iron Cove on Sunday 22 March, over the same distances of 14km, 7km and 4km.