Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic

Lake Jindabyne

A unique multi-sport indulgence in the lap of Australia's Snowy Mountains

An all-day exploration of one of Australia's most beautiful areas
Something for everyone: 12 legs, 4 disciplines, easier and tougher legs
Participate Solo or in a relay team of 4 or up to 12 members
Only two hours' drive from Canberra

About the event

Swim 1.5km + paddle 9km + run 6km + mountain bike 8km + swim 2.5km + paddle 5km + mountain bike 9km + run 12.5km + mountain bike 42.8km + swim 1.2km + paddle 9.5km + run 5km ...

The Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic is a 12-leg, all-day adventure for Solo Athletes and Relay Teams combining swimming, mountain biking, paddling and running in, on and around beautiful Lake Jindabyne. The race will be staged for the 16th time on Sunday the 3rd of March 2024.

EARLYBIRD ENTRIES CLOSE AT 5PM ON SATURDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2024
ONLINE ENTRY WILL CLOSE AT 5PM ON WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2024

Set in the idyllic surrounds of Lake Jindabyne in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, the race combines water and land-based sports over 12 legs, ranging in difficulty from mild to strenuous. The race is ideally suited to Relay Teams of varying tastes and capacities, or for Solo Athletes seeking a complete all-day test of skill, stamina and fitness.

The course is varied, with 3 mountain bike legs ranging from easy to highly technical; 3 running courses from flat to very not-flat; 3 swims of between 1.2 and 2.5 kms; and 3 paddles of 5.5 to 9.5 kms. The swims and paddles criss-cross most of Lake Jindabyne, while the mountain bikers and runners thoroughly explore the rugged Eastern Escarpment, rolling farmland of the Western Shore, and bushland of the adjoining Kosciuszko National Park.

Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic

12 legs of swimming, paddling, mountain biking and running exploring beautiful Lake Jindabyne and Kosciuszko National Park – all in one day!

Distance

12 legs of swimming, paddling, mountain biking and running

Start time

  • 6.45 am for all

Cost

  • Before 5pm, 3 February 2024: Solo $190; T4 $250; T12 $270
  • After 5pm, 3 February 2024: Solo $230; T4 $290; T12 $315
  • Add $25 one-race licence fee (per entry) for non TA members
  • Online entries close 5pm, 28 February 2024

Contact

Prachar Stegemann
0404 071 327
Send Email

Award categories

  • Trophies for all Solo finishers
  • Trophies for 1st 3 teams in each category

Course maps

View the full course map » View the full course in trackprofiler.

From the list below, select a leg to read the full course description and to view the course map.

Leg 1 Swim 1.5 km Course Description
Leg 2 Paddle 9 km Course Description
Leg 3 Run 6 km Course Description
Leg 4 Mountain Bike 8 km Course Description
Leg 5 Swim 2.5 km Course Description
Leg 6 Paddle 5km Course Description
Leg 7 Mountain Bike 9 km Course Description
Leg 8 Run 12.5 km Course Description
Leg 9 Mountain Bike 42.8 km Course Description
Leg 10 Swim 1.2 km Course Description
Leg 11 Paddle 9.5 km Course Description
Leg 12 Run 5 km Course Description

 

 

Event Information

This race is sanctioned by Triathlon NSW as a member of Triathlon Australia, and is conducted in accordance with Triathlon Australia race rules, with the exception of those rules covering drafting on the bike course. Drafting is permitted in this event.

The race rules which pertain to this event are set out on the Triathlon Australia website.
 

Athletes may use any form of craft for the paddle legs of the race, provided the craft is occupied and powered by the athlete alone, employing one single- or double-bladed paddle. PFDs must be worn at all times while in the craft.

There will be no handicap system to distinguish between faster and slower craft. It is the athletes' prerogative to choose whichever form of craft he or she feels most comfortable with. It is permitted to use different craft for different legs of the race, though it is not permitted to swap craft in the course of a leg.

In the mountain bike legs, athletes may use any bike of their choice and may use different bikes for different legs, but may not swap bikes in the course of a leg, ie the same bike must be used for the entire leg.

For all pre-entered Teams and Solo Athletes, compulsory registration will be between 5pm and 6pm, Saturday 6 March 2021 outside the Snowy Mountains Visitor Information Centre, on Kosciuszko Rd in the centre of Jindabyne.

FOR 2021, ALL ATHLETES MUST CHECK IN USING THE SERVICES NSW APP

If you have made any changes to the membership of your team, these will need to be entered into the database at Registration. If you have made changes to the composition or order of your team, please report first to the "Team Changes" table to record these changes, then proceed to collect race numbers and helpers' passes and get numbers written on swimmers' arms or hands. Collect information on any last-minute course alterations and meet with some of your competitors.

There are 2 Categories of Teams, and 3 Divisions within each Category. The Categories are: Teams of 4 (which may include Teams of 2 or 3), and Teams of 12 (which may include from 5 to 12 members). The Divisions are: Open, All-Female and Mixed.

To qualify for a Mixed Team award, at least four of the twelve legs of the race must be completed by a female team member (ie four females can complete one leg each, one female can complete two legs and another can do two, or one female can complete four legs to meet the minimum requirement.)

Mixed Teams not meeting this criteria will automatically be entered in the Open Division.

Every Solo Athlete must have a personal helper to attend to his or her needs throughout the race. Teams are responsible for their own assistance.

Solo Athletes' helpers will be issued with an official helper's ID number at Registration. Each helper may only be responsible for one athlete. Solo Athletes' helpers may provide assistance of any kind anywhere on the course, with the exception of pacing (ie swimming, riding, paddling or running with the athlete for more than 30 seconds), or physically assisting the athlete to move in a forward direction (ie pushing, holding or towing the athlete). Helpers may row or paddle ahead of the athlete during the second and third swim legs (not the first swim leg), provided they stay at least 5 metres clear of the athlete. Helpers may touch the athlete as long as he or she is stationary, and may assist with clothing, equipment (including mechanical assistance), food & drinks, as well as motivational, inspirational and directional advice. Helpers are fully and exclusively responsible for the condition and security of the athlete's equipment, and transport of that equipment from one transition compound to the next. Helpers may not interfere with or impede the progress of any other competitor. To do so will incur the disqualification of the helper's athlete, even if he or she has no part in such interference.

Teams - Teams must provide their own assistance and transport.   Due to restricted parking space, only ONE vehicle per Team is permitted at each Transition. Only members of a team may provide assistance to a team member in the course of the event. All other conditions are the same as apply to the Solo Athletes' helpers. Any team member impeding or interfering with the progress of any other competitor or team will incur the disqualification of his or her entire team.

Replacement of team members is allowed, provided the replacement does not alter the Division or Category of the team (ie all-female to mixed, or 4-person to 12-person).

Replacement members must be registered at Registration on Saturday at the latest.   Also at Registration, names are to be confirmed for each member doing each leg.   Changes to this schedule will be permitted on the day, provided transition marshals are informed of the change in advance of the leg concerned.

Please note that all competitors who have entered or have been entered into this event online, whether as Solo Athletes or Team members, must sign the participant waiver before commencing their respective leg or legs of the race.

Copies of the waiver will be available at each transition area.

Any competitor who commences a leg without first signing the participant waiver is subject to immediate and automatic disqualification, and is no longer deemed a participant in the event.

The 2021 Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic will start in 1 wave from the swimming area adjacent to the boat ramp at Kalkite Waters.

FOR 2021, ALL ATHLETES MUST CHECK IN USING THE SERVICES NSW APP

Solo Athletes and All Teams will enter the water at 6.45am.

Please assemble at the beach for final check-in fifteen minutes prior to your start time (ie 6.30 am). Final briefing will commence five minutes before start time.

Please play your part to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.

The Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic is being attended by members of the Volunteer Marine Rescue (NSW) and medical-trained personnel. All course marshals and every transition will have mobile phones. Radio-equipped boats will be patrolling Lake Jindabyne, in addition to smaller craft. All runners and mountain bikers are urged to carry mobile phones to report any emergencies.

The most important component of ensuring a safe event is common sense, particularly on the mountain bike courses. Carry ample fluids and energy foods. Carefully check your brakes and tyres the day before the race. Please exercise care while negotiating all descents, especially if you are unfamiliar with the course, as some sections particularly on the 1st and 3rd mountain bike courses are really steep and rocky. The time lost through sensible caution is nothing compared to the time lost through a trip to the hospital.

Beware of snakes. We have encountered several brown snakes in preparations for this event. In case of snakebite, remain where you are and alert the next athlete to seek immediate help.

This is an endurance event, where a spirit of mutual assistance will benefit all. No amount of planning can adequately protect a 100 kilometre course over open water and through bushland, and many sections are without marshals for many kilometres. If you encounter another athlete in difficulty, please stop to ascertain their condition and lend assistance where possible, and be sure to report the situation either by mobile phone or to the next marshal you see. Thank you for your kind assistance and spirit of oneness.

If you are in distress at any time in the water, immediately raise your arm to signal for assistance from the nearest craft.

Swim caps are compulsory in all three swims (these will be issues at Registration), and wet suits are optional.

Particular care must be taken by individual athletes before and during the second and third swims, as leg muscles tend to cramp in the water after extended use. Take time at the transitions to replenish with electrolytes and fuel, and allow your heart rate to diminish. Thoroughly stretch all leg muscles before entering the water. Race officials have the responsibility to prevent you from entering the water if they feel you are distressed or overly fatigued. Once in the water, keep your legs moving as much as possible, to encourage blood flow. In case of cramping, signal to the nearest craft. You may rest on the craft as long as you need, or on dry land if close enough. It is advisable to practise your bike/swim transitions in advance.

FOR 2021, ALL ATHLETES AND ALL HELPERS AND SPECTATORS MUST CHECK IN AT EACH TRANSITION POINT USING THE SERVICES NSW APP

Each team athlete must check-in with officials at the transition 15 minutes prior to their anticipated start-time. The team-member completing the previous leg must complete his or her course and be recorded by officials before tagging the next member, who is then free to depart.

There will be full aid station supplies at each transition point. These will include water, sports drink, fruit, sweets, First Aid kit, vaseline, sunscreen (all of which are available to competitors only), and either public toilets or Port-a-loo.

Access to transition compounds is restricted to race officials, Solo Athletes' helpers (wearing helper's ID), approved media and team members involved in the changeover.

Every athlete must carry a reasonable supply of water and fluids on every run, mountain bike and paddle leg, either in a back-mounted hydration system or in drink containers held in belt-straps or clothing.

SORRY, THE FOLLOWING DOES NOT APPLY IN 2021 – THERE WILL BE NO NUTRITION, AND ONLY EMERGENCY WATER AVAILABLE AT TRANSITION POINTS, AND NO OTHER AID STATIONS ON COURSE

There will be a full aid station at every transition point, offering fruit, sweets, sports bars, water and sports drink, sun block and vaseline, as well as rudimentary bike repair equipment.   Mountain bikers are advised to carry a full repair kit and 2 spare tubes.

Aside from the lake itself, the course for the Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic explores Snowy River Shire Council land, Kosciuszko National Park, Snowy Hydro land (lake foreshores), private farmland and the Jindabyne urban fringe.

We are all very fortunate to have been granted permission to stage this event through all these area. The authorities and officers of Kosciuszko National Park, Snowy Hydro, private landowners and Snowy River Shire Council have been overwhelmingly cooperative and helpful.

However, please be aware that this event takes place in a public as well as a natural domain. We do not have exclusive use of any of these areas, all of which are used by many people on weekends. Each of the run courses occupy tracks which are designed for walkers, not runners. We are the walkers' guests.   Please give way and show courtesy to all walkers using these tracks.

Please do not litter any where on the course.   Carry your litter with you and dispose of it in the bins provided at each transition or at the finish.   Let us aim for the race to leave no footprint, for the course to remain immaculate.

Lake Jindabyne can be subject to windy conditions at any time of day, any time of year.

In the event of high winds, the organisers reserve the right to cancel or amend one or more of the paddle and swim legs.

The management of Kosciuszko National Park reserve the right to cancel any or all of the legs through the Park in the event of extreme heat or potentially dangerous weather conditions.

If any leg or legs are cancelled or amended either in the lead-up or on the day of the race, organisers will endeavour to stage an alternative leg or legs, subject to prevailing conditions.   Organisers reserve the right however whether directed by authorities or not,   to shorten, alter or cancel any leg or legs of the race within reason, and without warning.

In the event that the race is called off completely prior to the start, the race will be postponed to a later date.   Only if the race is postponed, entrants may elect to transfer their entry to the revised date or place their entry on hold.   Entries 'on hold' will be valid until used once for the same event within 3 years successive to the date of the original entry.

Once the race has commenced, the race entry will be deemed to have been 'used' and is not redeemable, even if the event is called off before its scheduled finish.

Race numbers are recorded at number checkpoints and transition compounds throughout the race. Anyone whose number is not recorded within a reasonable time will become the object of a search (and, if necessary, rescue) mission.

For this reason, any individual or team member choosing to withdraw from the event must inform, or have their helper inform either an official course marshal or a race official at an aid station or a transition compound.

In the event of a team member being unable to complete his or her leg, another team member may complete that leg on his or her behalf, provided race officials are informed of the details and circumstances before the replacement team member proceeds. The resulting split time for that leg will not be credited to any team member, and the team will not be eligible for awards. Otherwise, the team may choose to leave that leg uncompleted and another team member may start the next leg, commencing from the advertised cut-off time of the previous leg. In this case, the team will be allowed to proceed, and other team members' split times will be recorded, but the team will be recorded as a DNF, ineligible for awards.

After the following times, there will be no marshals, checkpoints or transitions set up on the course, and split times will not be recorded. Athletes continuing after these times will do so at their own risk, and will be deemed to be not part of the event.

All times listed are in Time of Day, which assumes that the race starts on time at 0645.
 

Swim 1 - 0735 Paddle 1 - 0850 Run 1 - 0935
MTB 1 - 1025 Swim 2 - 1120 Paddle 2 - 1145
MTB 2 - 1220 Run 2 - 1410 MTB 3 - 1705
Swim 3 - 1725 Paddle 3 - 1840 Run 3 - 1915


An additional cut-off will be applied on Run2 at Sawpit Creek at the start of the Waterfall Loop. Solo athletes who feel they may not meet later cut-off times may elect to miss the 6 km Waterfall Loop and proceed directly to the transition to MTB3 at the Sawpit Creek Education Centre. This leg would then have no split time recorded and the athlete would officially be recorded as a DNF, but would be allowed to continue with the remaining legs. Any runner who does not reach the beginning of the Waterfall Loop at Sawpit Creek by 1340 will not be allowed to proceed on the Waterfall Loop, and will automatically be directed to the transition. Assuming he or she reaches the transition by 1410, he or she will be permitted to continue onto MTB3.

Additional cut-offs will be applied on MTB3 at the crossing of the Snowy River at 1530, and at the turn-off to Botherum Plain at 1610. Any mountain biker who does not reach either of these locations by these times will not be permitted to proceed on the course, and will be offered (space permitting) a ride back to Sawpit Creek or to Creel Bay.

Any Solo Athlete who has not started any given leg by the cut-off time for the previous leg may not be allowed to continue. Any athlete starting Run3, the final run leg after 1830 must be accompanied by his or her helper or team-mate with a torch. A sweeper will follow the backmarker throughout the course in a boat, on a mountain bike, and on foot.

In the event that a team member fails to complete his or her leg before the designated cut-off time, another team member will be allowed to start the next leg at that time. In this case, the team will be permitted to proceed, and all ensuing team members' split times will be recorded, but the team will be recorded as a DNF, ineligible for any awards.

Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Clasic fastest overall and leg split times by category...

Solo Male Overall (old course) - 7:52:53, Jody Zerbst, 2005
Solo Male Overall (new course) - 9:21:37, Klayten Smith, 2017
Solo Male Over 50 Overall (old course) -  11:49:47, Peter Macartney, 2005
Solo Male Over 50 (new course) - 11:22:53, Craig Maskiell, 2020
Solo Female Overall (old course) -  10:06:57, Alina McMaster, 2005
Solo Female Overall (new course) -  11:17:00, Julie Quinn, 2008

Leg Record Holder-Solo Male Time Year Record Holder-Solo Female Time Year
1st Swim Michael Brennan 19:15 2021 Leone Jansen 25:44 2006
1st Paddle Andrew Peterson 43:38 2005 Alina McMaster 50:36 2005
1st Run Jeremy Ross 26:06 2005 Alina McMaster 38:18 2018
1st Bike (old) Jason Chalker 35:17 2005 Zoe King 46:24 2005
1st Bike (new) Tim Boote 32:34 2017 Alina McMaster 46:15 2018
2nd Swim Michael Brennan 38:46 2021 Leone Jansen 49:02 2005
2nd Paddle Nathan Stewart 25:45 2021 Alina McMaster 32:12 2005
2nd Bike Jody Zerbst 21:53 2005 Alina McMaster 30:29 2005
2nd Run Jody Zerbst 1:04:55 2005 Julie Quinn 1:23:38 2009
3rd Bike (old) Jason Chalker 1:17:44 2005 Julie Quinn 1:39:46 2005
3rd Bike (new) Klayten Smith 2:18:16 2018 Julie Quinn 2:41:51 2008
3rd Swim (old) Jody Zerbst 17:29 2005 Zoe King 22:33 2005
3rd Swim (new) Michael Brennan 20:15 2020 Julie Quinn 29:51 2008
3rd Paddle Matt Acheson 53:01 2008 Sharon Dilly 59:55 2011
3rd Run Trevor Fairhurst 21:15 2005 Julie Quinn 23:02 2008



Teams Overall Time (old course, pre-2007)

Category Time Name Year
Open Team of 4 7:50:35 Bike + Board 2006
Female Team of 4 9:33:43 The Go Go Four 2006
Mixed Team of 4 7:55:02 INADAZE 2006
Open Team of 12 8:58:07 Steve's Team 2005
Female Team of 12 11:51:10 Simon Says 2005
Mixed Team of 12 9:07:57 Family Feud 2006



Teams Overall Time (new course, post-2007)

Category Time Name Year
Open Team of 4 7:51:43 Half still Partially Intact (David Peedom, Andrew Griffin & Rohan Essex) 2021
Female Team of 4 10:19:45 Bike Culture girls plus a paddler 2008
Female Team of 4 all over 50 10:47:51 Go Go Girls 50+ 2007
Female Team of 4 all over 60 11:52:39 Go Go Girls Over 60 2017
Mixed Team of 4 8:40:12 Entropic 2010
Open Team of 12 8:46:00 East Jindy PIrates (Aurel Wachter, Jay Furtner, Niki Fisher, Yvette Burns, Jeannette Korten, James Taylor, Trent Lowe, Oliver Michael) 2021
Female Team of 12 11:22:35 Alpine Allsorts (Kym O'Halloran, Jacqui Keogh, Sarah Boyd, Krissi Brewster, Kathryn Dwan, Celine Payet, Joo-Inn Chew, Lindy Edwards) 2021
Mixed Team of 12 8:57:24 Go Getters (Ben Silke, Oliver Lilford, Ainsley Pahljina, Ebony Tanzen, Aidan Myatt, Isaac Bell, Ira Dudley-Bestow) 2021

 

Teams Fastest Splits

Leg Record Holder-Male Time Year Record Holder-Female Time Year
1st Swim Jan Celustka 18:30 2006 Jen Gold 19:32 2021
1st Paddle Ian Kennerley 38:35 2011 Deanna Blegg 46:27 2011
1st Run Ryan Cross 25:04 2017 Ainsley Pahljina 30:28 2021
1st Bike (old) Kevin Moore 31:31 2007 Jane Scheer 38:16 2006
1st Bike (new) Brent Miller 27:34 2011 Linda Stahlgren 31:00 2021
2nd Swim Jason Moore 32:12 2006 Heather Evans 34:24 2005
2nd Paddle Jamie McCrudden 20:29 2019 Brea Roadley 25:53 2020
2nd Bike Tristan White 21:34 2019 Jeannette Korten 27:25 2021
2nd Run John Nay 53:25 2005 Julie Quinn 1:12:26 2011
3rd Bike (old) Simon Niemeyer 1:12:04 2005 Penny Burrell 1:27:09 2005
3rd Bike (new) Trent Lowe 1:48:09 2021 Zoe Cuthbert 2:11:07 2019
3rd Swim (old) Jan Celustka 13:03 2006 Heather Evans 14:27 2005
3rd Swim (new) David Peedom 16:09 2021 Shanyn Sparreboom 16:09 2010
3rd Paddle Cameron Cox 39:55 2018 Gabrielle Hurley 53:28 2011
3rd Run Bart McPherson 15:52 2010 Alex Keith 19:22 2018


 

Transitions and driving instructions

A crucial aspect of this event: finding your way from one transition point to the next, on time! Due to limited parking space, there is a limit of one vehicle per team at each transition. Drive over the course and plan your strategy in advance. A good map of the area is indispensable. With the aid of a map, the following instructions may be of assistance...

 

Directions to Kalkite Waters
Directions to Rushes Bay, East Jindabyne
Directions to South Tyrolean Cove
Directions to The Haven
Directions to Wolondibby Inlet
Directions to Michaels Corner
Directions to Kosciuszko National Park Education Centre
Directions to Creel Bay
Directions to Wollondibby Inlet
Directions to Banjo Patterson Park

 

Story archive

For the full flavour of the event, we strongly recommend you read some of the first-hand accounts of the race from previous competitors, both Solo Athletes and Teams, collected in the story archive.

We welcome your story – either as a competitor, helper or spectator!  Please send your story with photos if possible, to canberra@srichinmoyraces.org for inclusion in the Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic story archive.

Previous Results

  • 2021 Mar 7th
    Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic, Jindabyne, Sunday 7 March 2021

    This year’s race report is revealed in part through statistics. Statistics rarely tell a complete story – yet some figures from this glorious occasion are compelling in themselves.

    Today will be remembered as an astonishing race: every single solo athlete completed the event for the first time, while the teams presented a burgeoning bouquet of records across the field and across the course, and the best ever completion rate from all the teams. Other records include the highest ever number of enthusiastic compliments and expressions of gratitude to the organisers, and quite possibly the most and brightest smiles throughout the day. And by the way, the weather was perfect throughout… Some highlights:

    * Each Solo Champion, several attempting this supreme challenge for the first time – Michael Brennan (9:43:19); Nathan Stewart (9:57:59); Josh Campton (10:19:45); Malcolm Brown (10:42:03); Dave Ellis (10:47:41); and High Mander (11:51:44) – we salute and honour your heroic achievements!

    * A new outright course record, and best time ever for an Open Team of 4, set by “Half still Partially Intact” (David Peedom, Andrew Griffin & Rohan Essex) – 7:51:43

    * New course record for an Open Team of 12 by the “East Jindy Pirates” ((Aurel Wachter, Jay Furtner, Niki Fisher, Yvette Burns, Jeannette Korten, James Taylor, Trent Lowe, Oliver Michael) – 8:46:00

    * New course record for an All-Female Team of 12 from “Alpine Allsorts” (Kym O'Halloran, Jacqui Keogh, Sarah Boyd, Krissi Brewster, Kathryn Dwan, Celine Payet, Joo-Inn Chew, Lindy Edwards) – 11:22:35

    * New course record for a Mixed Team of 12 by “Go Getters” (Ben Silke, Oliver Lilford, Ainsley Pahljina, Ebony Tanzen, Aidan Myatt, Isaac Bell, Ira Dudley-Bestow) – 8:57:24

    * Individual leg records for the following –
    – solo records from Michael Brennan for swim 1 (19:15) and swim 2 (38:46); and Nathan Stewart for paddle 2 (25:45)
    – team leg split records for Jen Gold for swim 1 (19:32); Ainsley Pahljina for run 1 (30:28); Linda Stahlgren for bike 1 (31:00); Jeannette Korten for bike 2 (27:25); and Trent Lowe by less than a minute for the famous bike 3 (1:48:09); and David Peedom for swim 3 (16:09).

    The number and variety of people who give of themselves and their services to allow such a complex event to roll out include officials and staff from Snowy Monaro Regional Council; Kosciuszko National Park; Snowy Hydro; NSW RMS; Les Threlfo and Volunteer Marine Rescue; June Weston for use of her land; the Jindabyne mountain bike trail community; Andrew Miller (pilot of the Creel Bay ferry); Doug Chatten (medical); Alina McMaster, Tom Landon-Smith and family (constant encouragement and on-the-day services including kayaks for Creel Bay ferry self-service); Jindabyne Sailing Club; Terry Dixon; Justin Hayden from Triathlon Australia (Technical Delegate); Andy Walker and Richard Smyth (sweep riders); Ashley McCormack & daughter; Brad Frazer & Leighton Bates (traffic controllers); Matt Barnes, Robin Ward & Sam Pfitzner (padders on the swim courses); volunteer helpers of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Mongolia, the UK, New Zealand, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. Our immense gratitude to you all!

    Read Michael Brennan's race story.

  • 2021 Mar 7th
    2021: Report by Solo Race Winner, Michael Brennan

    Brief Race Report – Jindabyne Multisport – 7th March 2021

    For me, this year’s race was characterised by five factors: 1) Incredible racing conditions, 2) A deepening solo field, 3) Rise of kids, 4) Incredible camaraderie and friendliness, and 5) Dedication of volunteers and support crews.

    Swim 1 edit.jpg

    After a year made so challenging by Covid, it was certainly a relief to line up for a 6.45am fog free start at Kalkite for the first swim, with a good-sized field.  The conditions were near perfect throughout the whole day, with a tricky crosshead wind just starting to pickup for the solo athletes on the final paddle.  Without re-counting the whole day, the particular highlights included the long swim with perfect glassy conditions the whole way enabling maximum speed for least effort and the incredibly beautiful flat sections through the glades on the long run.  The air temperature was perfect throughout the day, with no issues with cold or dehydration.

    Bike 1 edit.jpg

    My first Jindy Multisport was in 2015 as part of a team, with my first solo in 2016.  This year is the biggest solo male field in that time, and everyone finished in under 11 hours in the under 50’s and Hugh Mander was under 12 hours in the over 50’s!! It is hard to explain, but basically every solo athlete was at the top of their craft this year.  To give you a bit of an idea just how competitive this field was:

    • Dave Ellis (5th solo) was fastest in the 2nd bike leg, and 2nd in the final paddle;
    • Malcolm Brown (4th solo) was fastest in the long run and second in the gruelling 3rd bike leg;
    • Josh Campton (3rd solo) was always consistent and lowered his last years’ time by 24 minutes; and
    • Nathan Stewart (2nd solo) was so fast in the last paddle that the closest was Dave at 4 minutes behind and the furthest was me at close to 15 minutes a drift!

    A massive congratulations to all the solo athletes, with a special thanks to Nathan and team for making the trip from Queensland (& for pushing me along) and to Dave for convincing Malcolm to compete.  I reckon we are in for an even faster race next year.

    Run 2 edit.jpg

    This year saw a big jump in the number of kids and teens competing in teams which was so awesome to see.  The children of my own extended group of friends and family are just coming of age (including my own kids), so this was especially exciting to compete alongside them in large numbers. The determination, satisfaction and then joy on the face of the kids running the final leg was so special to witness – team 303 and Jackson in team 302 were a highlight for me.

    Bike 3 edit.jpg

    Every year and at every Sri Chinmoy race we are reminded of the kindness and camaraderie that connect us as people – and this year’s Jindy Multisport only strengthened this sense of connectedness. For all the competitors, volunteers and spectators who encouraged the solo field on, we are extremely grateful. From my perspective, sincere thanks to Matt, Rob, Felix and Luca (Scrambled legs and Achen) plus Sal Ragusa (aka Marco Pantani) for your good company and encouragement on the course, and Sean King and Andrew Renwick (Proximity) for your positivity and kindness.

    Finally, a huge thanks to all of the individual and team competitors who without your commitment we can’t have a race, to the Sri Chinmoy team for your continued dedication to this event, and to my support crew of Peter Brennan (my Dad), Anthony Buykx and my beautiful wife Tash.

    Finish edit.jpg

    See you all next year, and please bring a friend (I will be bringing Rowan Beggs-French)!

  • 2020 Mar 8th
    Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic, Jindabyne, Sunday 8 March 2020

    THE SOLOISTS

    The 2020 race saw the closest and most exciting competition among the solo men ever seen at this event, with the lead changing 7 times in the course of the day and the slenderest gap of a mere 59 seconds at the finish line between 1st and 2nd placings. It was a race between 3 varied challengers: Michael Brennan, a former winner of this race but carrying an injury which might or might not play a part over such an extended day of exertion; newly-arrived Jindabyne local Josh Campton, a gun XTerra and Cross Tri World Championship entrant with local knowledge but not yet proven over this distance; and Melbourne 1st-timer Ian Lack, a quality, experienced multiple-Ironman triathlete.

    Never far behind this trio was the consistent Craig Maskiell, who worked his way around the course with calm determination and consistency to claim a new record for the Solo Male 50 and Over, with his outstanding overall time of 11:22:53, and 4th place overall. Following Craig in the Under 50s category were Adam Carter (11:41:42) and Glen Sinnott (12:09:41) – who deserve the highest praise for conquering such a daunting, demanding challenge in one of the toughest days out imaginable.

    Back to the front of the field, where the drama played out as part cat-and-mouse, part chess match and part endurance meditation, as the greater and lesser strengths (none of these athletes could be said to have weaknesses!) of each of the contenders came into focus. While Josh Campton made his greatest impression on the long 12.5km run up to Sawpit Creek, his hard-earned gains dissolved in the mud and drizzle of the following gruelling mountain bike leg. Ian Lack played the patient game, steadily working his way closer and closer to the lead – perhaps if there had been 13 legs or the final run had been longer he might have clasped the laurel wreath… while Michael Brennan’s experience was a key factor, the single greatest difference among the 3 proved to be Michael’s swimming prowess – the time he made up in each of the 3 swimming legs (including new course records for both the 1st and 3rd swims) proving enough of a buffer to hold off all the others could claw back in other disciplines.

    TEAMS OF 2-4

    With the race being held on International Women’s Day this year, it was notable that for the first time ever, there were no solo women contestants, nor any all-female teams. We anticipate this drought is only temporary, and 2021 will again see female participants aplenty.

    “Geese” (T4 Open – comprising the quartet of Roy Norris, Tristan White, Gary Reed and Miles Waring) was the stand-out team of the day, clocking a phenomenal course record finishing time of 7:54:33, a dizzy new benchmark for aspiring teams to reach for in future years. Next home was “Team Ware + Jack” (Jason, Marc & Harrison Ware + Jack Murphy swimming) in 8:36:53. After the 1st swim leg, these two teams were 1st and 2nd respectively at every single transition, showing solid strength in all disciplines. “Aprosexias” was the 3rd T4 Open team in 9:49:30 (Andrew Tooher, Jon King, Ben Hams & Jonathan Hannam).

    The Mixed T4 category was conquered by Melbourne’s super-pairing of Bernadette Dornam – who completed 7 legs – and Myall Quint (“Powered by Bern”), winning in 9:48:43. Hopefully Bernadette saw enough of the course to inspire her to return next year as a solo entrant! Local family ensemble of Winter-sport specialists “Team Evans Zijlstra” (daughters Zana & Abbey with dad Anthony Evans and mum Carla Zijlstra) took 2nd placing with a fine 10:04:45; from 3rd placed Canberra trio “32 Flavours Bilbys” (Sarah Mareuil, Lee Steel & Steven Hanley) with 10:18:47.

    TEAMS OF 5-12

    “East Jindy Pirates” (Matt Tonner, Jamie Taylor, Niki Fisher, Yvette Burns, Jeanette Korten, Trent Lowe, Jason Furtner & Em Hardwick) sailed from East Jindabyne for a daring and successful raid on the treasure chest of course records, taking off with the new fastest time for T12 Mixed of 9:03:08 and throwing down the gauntlet to any other marauders who might like to challenge for the prize in future years. They enjoyed nearly a one hour buffer ahead of 2nd-placed “Knerds” (Salome Hussein, Andrew Garvie, Chris Waring, Suzie Gunning and Mike Hotchkis) in 9:59:51, with the final podium placing going to another local team, “Race to the Brewery” (Michael Quinlan, Bill Hunter, Sinikka Christo, Ouchy Wirth, Cam Ballinger and Alex Williamson) with 10:12:09.

    While the T12 Mixed category was dominated by local teams, the T12 Open saw loyal supporters of this race from further afield come to the fore, with loyal Goulburn outfit “Release the Cracken-back No. 4 Pete” (Mark & Olivia Stutchbury, Rod Smith, Andy Dawes, Jacqui & Andrew Oberg) cruising into 1st place with a fine showing of 9:11:30; from the pioneer ensemble of “Aviator’s Beach Club” (Dave Hayes, Shane Lund, Andy Thomas, Sean Davis, Richard Palmer & Pete Hansen) overcoming an inspired, elongated middle paddle leg to claim 2nd with 9:44:58; while “All Hands on Deck” (Amelia Cook, Sander Van Tol, Jo Vanderley, John Astridge, Scott Crerar and Barry Fields) took 3rd spot in 11:13:10.

    *************

    This race not only has 12 legs of 4 varied disciplines on water and land, it also involves multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders, all of whom play crucial roles in the ultimate staging of a successful, enjoyable event for all involved. Our special gratitude goes to June Weston of “Michael’s” for permission to ride on her land; Jenny Crowe of Snowy Hydro (owners of the lake and foreshores); Sophie Ballinger of Snowy Monaro Council (administrators of the land and activities thereon); Andrew Miller & Kerry Coomber of Kosciuszko National Park (the long run and long ride); Les Threlfo and his expert, friendly team from Jindabyne Marine Rescue; the wonderful Jindabyne Trail Stewardship team (MTB tracks for the 1st and middle rides); NSW RMS for Road Occupancy Licence for the on-road section of the long MTB course & for Aquatic Licence covering activities on the lake; Jindabyne Sailing Club; Doug Chatten for medic support; Andy Walker for sweeping of all 3 mountain bike legs; Matt Barnes, Robin Ward & David Campbell for additional kayak water-safety; Troy Dowd of Snowy Monaro Council for traffic & signage assistance; Alina McMaster & Tom, Archie & Jackson Landon-Smith for general logistics & keeping everyone’s spirits high; and to volunteer helpers of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Mongolia, Latvia, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Geelong and Canberra.

  • 2019 Mar 10th
    Sri Chinmoy Multi-Sport Classic, Jindabyne, Sunday 10 March 2019

    The Solo Champions

    Michael Brennan’s athletic career continues to amaze and transcend: for someone who has already achieved so much in so many fields, it was appropriate that a victory be added in an event which demands such a comprehensive palette of skills and fitness, a victory which had until now eluded him. Michael’s superb time of 9:36:10 placed him second-fastest individual since the long and arduous 3rd mountain bike leg was added in 2008, and saw him trail only 7 multi-person teams on the day. En route, Michael set a new fastest time for the long 2.5km swim leg with 39:20. Although he finished first, Michael was the last to depart from the finish area, maintaining his full involvement and enthusiasm for the race by offering appreciation and support to all his fellow competitors until nightfall beckoned us all home.

    Geoff Breese is another champion whose effervescent energy continues to overflow after the finish line is crossed: Geoff’s main goal appears to be enjoyment of the occasion, which he does not try to hide and is infectious to all around, athletes and volunteers alike. Meanwhile his wholehearted engagement with the race produces some amazing results, including another victory in the Male Over 50 category with 11:51:19, even bettering his “official” race record from last year!

    Two first-time solo participants completed the epic journey today: Nigel Doyle is the first solo entrant ever from Darwin, and now holds the record for Northern Territory residents of 12:39:53. Nigel’s experience paddling in the surf proved very useful in the choppy conditions of the 3rd paddle leg, while his steadfast determination and positive outlook saw him maintain a remarkable consistency throughout the journey.

    Meanwhile Dean McMaster was solely focused on finishing, his willpower overruling the innumerable obstacles tossed up by this long and testing day. It was a great joy to welcome Dean across the finish line in 12:53:32, a triumph by any reckoning.

    Teams of 2 – 4

    The team of “Once Were Intact” (Andrew and David Griffin, David Peedom and Rohan Essex) came to Jindabyne as defending T4 Open champions and record holders, and gave the course a mighty good race today. For the first half of the event, the lead changed several times between themselves and “Geese” (Sharon Crisafi, Garry Reed, Miles Waring and Tristan White), as both contenders drew further clear of the rest of the field and left organisers scrambling to be in position at the transitions in time for their arrival. “Geese” were too good in the back half of the course however, closing with a 14-minute buffer by the finish line in an all-round classy performance, featuring a course record for the newly-designed 2nd mountain bike eg of 21:34 from Tristan White. 3rd placed “Bin City” (Brock Neall, Jamie McCrudden, Ian Kennerley and Al Boyle) were also consistently excellent across all disciplines, including a new course record for the 2nd paddle leg of 20:29 for Jamie McCrudden.

    The T4 Mixed category was won by the impressive husband-and-wife pair of “Team Pogue” (Christine and Ryan), from the trio of “Dave’s BJ’s” (Josh Campton, Dave Snedden and Bonnie Prior), with “Less is More” (Penny Frost, Dave Newton, Richard and Kylie Smyth) rounding out the podium placings. Linda Stahlgren of “Magic 8 ball” also established a new record time for the 2nd mountain bike leg of 28:35.

    Sadly there were no teams entered in the T4 Female category this year…

    Teams of 5 – 12

    The Goulburn grouping of Andrew and Jacqueline Oberg, Andrew Dawes, Rod Smith, Mark Stutchbury and Kerry Baxter came together as “We Perisher-thought – 4 Pete” to take out the T12 Open category in a blink under the span of 9 hours in 8:59:38 after a demanding day which saw them rising above all setbacks and challengers. 2nd placed “Knerds” (Julie and Chris Waring, Andrew Garvie, Mike Hotchkiss and Suzie Gunning) crossed the line in 9:26:02, from perennial podium placegetters “Aviator’s Beach Club” (Dave Hayes, Jack Jessen, Jordan Kelly, Wayne Bradbury, Pete Hansen and Andrew Thomas) took out 3rd with 9:48:31 – swimmer Dave Hayes was so determined to cover the entire course of the first 1.5km leg in the fog, he ended up swimming perhaps further and taking even longer than for the second swim of 2.5km.

    The always lively and colourful ensemble “Kaos” (Cassia and Pia Cunningham, Aoihbinn Crimmins, Zoe and Ella Cuthbert, Adrienne Nicotra and Tara Sutherland) smashed the previous best time for the T12 All-Female category with an impressive outing of 10:15:31. Zoe Cuthbert had an exceptional day, setting new best times for both the 1st (32:08) and 3rd (2:11:07) mountain bike legs for her team.

    “Results Racing” (Michelle Welch, Emily Stewart-Reed, Michael Reed, Matthew Shadwell, Laura Curran, Gordon Campbell, Robert Mudford and Anna McPherson) were the standout team of the T12 Mixed contenders, winning in a convincing 9:35:50, while a closer race ensued between 2nd placed local team “Cami Jebisi” (Sinikka Christo, William Hunter, Michael Quinlan, Cameron Ballinger and Jennifer Lloyd) who finished in 10:15:56, just a few minutes ahead of 3rd placed “Quangers and Mash” (Georgy Falster, Clint Shinn, Luke and Jess Perkins, Brett Cuthbertson, Vanessa Palmer, Emily O’Halloran and Bernardo Palma) in 10:21:06.

    The 1st Swim Leg

    Setting out the first swim course in the dark, it was not apparent just how thick was the fog which had settled over the lake in the pre-dawn – so dense that the marker buoys simply could not be seen by swimmers or support paddlers. It is to all swimmer’s credit that groups formed in the gloom and all were able to return to shore safely, by whatever route necessary. In future if such a phenomenon occurs, laps of a shortened course close to the shore will be adopted, the length of the course determined by the necessity of clear visibility between marker buoys.

    Note on Course Records

    Given the significantly revised and shortened legs for the 2nd paddle and 2nd mountain bike courses, the best times set on these legs from this year are automatically listed as new course records, along with other leg records established during the race. However due to the uncertainties surrounding the distance swum by most of the field for the first swim leg, overall times from today will not be considered for overall course records.

    Gratitude to All!

    Sincere thanks to all involved with such a complex operation on so many levels: to the authorities and staff of Snowy Monaro Regional Council (especially Sophie Ballinger), Snowy Hydro (especially Jenny Crowe), NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (especially Andrew Miller), NSW Police, NSW Roads & Maritime Services; to Les Threlfo and his team from the Volunteer Marine Service; to Rohan Kennedy for medical support; to David Campbell, Nick Graham & Matt Barnes for paddling safety support; and to volunteer helpers of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Mongolia, Ukraine, New Zealand and Australia.