Sunday was a perfect morning for running - still conditions, cool temperatures and no rain, very different to the icy temperatures we have witnessed in Melbourne all last week.
A record field of just under 500 runners toed the line for the 3 distances at the Sri Chinmoy Como Landing Half Marathon that were on offer; 21.1km, 14km and 7km.
Results and images from the day are now available.
Off first was the 200 strong field of Half-Marathon runners who completed the 3 lap circuit along the banks of the Yarra River. Line honours in the men's race was taken out by Paul Gordon in a very swift 1:19:11, closely followed by Vince Patton in 1:19:45 and Aunghus Keegan in 1:20:29.
The women's event was convincingly won by Skye Miller in a new course record time of 1:31:13, with Nikki Wynd 1:32:24 and Alexandra Holland-Kellaway 1:36:01 making up the minor placings.
One of the outstanding performances in the age category placings went to Nancy Chorley won took out the womens 60-69 age category in a very speedy 1:48:53. We could also not go past the evergreen Frank Furlan who won the men's 70-79 age category in a
very sprightly 1:52:14.
For those who feel that 21km is a long way to run spare a thought for those currently competing in the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race in New York. This epic event is run on just an 800m street circuit with competitors required to complete 100km per day for 51 days in order to complete the event in the required time.
It may sound like torture to some, but for the 11 athletes who have taken the challenge in is an amazing display of human endurance and a glimpse into the indomitable capacities of the human soul. You can follow the runner's daily progress online.
The 2 lap 14km event was won by Joel Knot in 52:25 just tailed by Daniel Rees in 52:36 and Troy Woods in 53:23. In the women's race Sarah Hughes crossed the line first in 1:00:24, followed by Karen Tainton 1:01:24 who also took out first place in the women's 40-49 category. Leanne Dyksterhuis come in third in 1:03:19.
In the age categories Andrew Edwards ran a very speedy 56:53 to not only take out the men's 50-59 category but finish 7th overall, ahead of many half his age. The women's 50-59 category was won by Julie Jaques in an equally impressive to 1:07:00 as the 8th woman across the line.
The 7km race which included 1 lap of the Yarra River circuit was headed by Tim Bryant in 24:17 who finished just ahead of Callum Drake in 24:40. Callum also took first in the 15-17 age category and obviously has a promising running future ahead of him. Third place was awarded to Jayden Mallen in 27:15.
Kylie Griffiths placed first in the women's event in 30:55, to take out 12th place overall. Danae Benjamin finished second in 31:54 followed by Michelle Woolfrey in 32:52.
There were numerous sterling performances by both young and old but the standout achievement goes to Ron Collins (pictured above) who won gold in the 80+ age category, finish the 7km in an impressive 1:36:39. Congratulations Ron.
Our next event is the Sri Chinmoy Princes Park 30K on Sunday 1 August, offering 30, 21.1, 10 & 5km distances. It is the perfect preparation for those competing in the Melbourne Marathon or Half Marathon in October to gauge their progress. Online entry is now open.
We look forward to seeing you all at one of our upcoming events.
Veeraja
Sri Chinmoy Races
The determination in your heroic effort
Will permeate your mind and heart
Even after your success or failure
Is long forgotten.
Sri Chinmoy
