At The Finish Line

Congratulations to all  who participated at the 2004 Self-Transcendence Running & Fitness Festival. It was a glorious autumn morning; perfect conditions for run or walk along the picturesque Williamstown  foreshore.

Special mentions must also go to Chris Howley for establishing a new course record of 14.16 in the 4 km run and to octogenarian Tony Novotny who triumphed in the half marathon in a time of 3.34.18.

Aside from these sterling athletic performances, you joined hundreds of individuals who raced and strolled along the bayside course, taking in the breathtaking views, and later enjoying post race festivities of spot prizes, pasta and apple crumble at our annual Williamstown pilgrimage.  A perfect day.

Without inspiration however, nothing can happen. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sri Chinmoy, who through his own life of self-transcendence inspires us to stage these events for you. At 72 years of age Sri Chinmoy is redefining the limits of human potential.

Whilst you were challenging yourself on the course at Williamstown, half way across the globe in New York City, Sri Chinmoy set a new personal record for the seated two arm dumbbell press by lifting 1000 pounds (over 400 kg) overhead. Sri Chinmoy lives and breathes the life of self-transcendence, and advocates us to -

Go beyond, further beyond!
Do not limit yourself
By comparing yourself with others,
Or even with your own self.

Sri Chinmoy

In closing we would like to pass on our gratitude to our sponsors, Richmond SportsPower, Reebok, HiGH5, Australian Bananas, Orgran Pasta and the Western Times for supporting us in our endeavours to stage this event.

Thanks also to the City of Hobsons Bay, Parks Victoria, Ecogen Energy (Newport Power Station), St Johns Ambulance, the Williamstown Athletics & Little Athletics Clubs, and our course measurer Peter Nelson, for their enthusiastic support of the day's activities.  

Best wishes also to Matt Boulton from Canberra, our unassuming marshal who manned the Newport Power Station gate who will be travelling to the USA to compete in the Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race in June. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you as you complete the100km daily requirement over this 51 day race.

In 2005 we will be 10 years old and to celebrate we are planning a number of new course improvements that will significantly add to the event's appeal. In addition we will be awarding special Self-Transcendence medallions to those individuals who have completed all 10 marathons.

Until than we look forward to seeing you at one our future events, which you can view at our website www.srichinmoyraces.org/au.

Best wishes for your health and happiness.

Veeraja Uppal

Race Director