Sunday 26 April 2009, Princes Park, Melbourne

The weather gods certainly had their work cut out keeping away the forecasted rain and high winds from the course on Sunday. Still the drop in temperature and the cool temperature reminded us that winter is just around the corner.

Well done to all the brave souls who toed the start line for the race. A full list of results, photos and the race report from the day are now available.

Congratulations to Bouchiab Ghafnaoui, who hailes from the warmer climate of Morocco who took out the 10km event in a very respectable 34.02, a full 2 minutes ahead of his nearest rival and also well ahead of the whole 5km field at halfway.

However Bouchiab efforts are even more remarkable given that he is carrying a mild leg injury, he arrived late and missed the start by a full minute and then took an unscheduled toilet break during the second lap. We think that Bouchiab, who incidently is a 2.17 marathon runner, will run much much faster at our next race if he can just get to the start without incident.

There were also many other sterling performances from the day from amongst the other 280 competitors who in spite of the wintery conditions put in superb performances. Special congratulations to our 5km winners Hugh Gundlach in 17.30 and Alex Reynolds in 20.37, and also to Karen Sawyer who took line honours in the women's 10km event in 42.56.

In the main event, the 15K, was taken out by Patrick Kenny in a very speedy 54.30 while Robin Waters took out the women's race (and first place in the womens 50-59 age category) in an excellent 59.34 finishing ahead of all but the top 4 men!

There were many excellent age group performances also and special mention must go to Otmar Raus and Nancy Chorley who each won their in the 60-69 age categories in the 15km in 1.10.12 and 1.14.20; proving once again that age is no barrier to maintaining one's speed and enthusiasm for running.

Our next event is our premier event the Sri Chinmoy Running & Fitness Festival on Sunday May 31 at Williamstown incorporating the marathon, half marathon, 10km and 4km distances. The course is flat and fast. Earlybird online entry now available.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events in 2009.

The Sri Chinmoy Races Team

Transcendence is perfection.
Perfection is transcendence.
When we transcend our capacities,
Immediately we get an inner thrill,
Which is another name for perfection.
No perfection can ever be achieved
Without self-transcendence.

Sri Chinmoy