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Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Canberra, Sunday 12 November 2023, full results by category 2.45 MB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Canberra, Sunday 12 November 2023, full results overall 1.99 MB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Canberra, Sunday 12 November 2023, top 3 splits for each leg, by category 671.47 KB

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THE SOLOS

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon began as a concept, an idea to celebrate Canberra’s unique natural environment, inspired by its 3 lakes, and the possibility of joining them via Canberra’s wealth of tracks and trails through its bounty of bushland, forests and parkland. Yet for a concept to become a fully fledged event requires the participation and engagement of athletes; the planning, training, dreaming, scheming and execution of skills, effort, ambition and aspiration, and the transcendence of all manner of inner and outer hurdles, barriers and obstacles to reach the finish line. Athletes are the beating heart of every event; its living breath, aching cries and beaming smiles. Events help form and shape athletes; while some athletes shape the destiny of events.

There is a such a symbiosis between Trevor Fairhurst and the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, each with a deep and abiding fondness for the other. Trevor’s humility, kindness, thoroughness and self-discipline are exactly the qualities this event calls for and brings forth; while the complexity, sheer magnitude and many-layered daunting difficulties of the event are clarion calls to Trevor’s impossibility-challenging, dauntless inner dragon-slayer.

Trevor has won the solo Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon a record 5 times, and now stands as the first to win the race outright from the over 50s division (a feat matched a few hours later, by Beth Bowen) – his winning time, 13:27:55.

By 10pm, most of the teams had left. But a small crowd remained, for this moment. Then a light came reflected off the water, the bobbing head torch of a runner in sight of the end. Beth Bowen came under the finish banner. Unable to speak and overcome by the day, she leaned on her thighs - the moment of completion too vivid and present to digest, the finish line too narrow to transition from the race to the victory. It took a moment, but she straightened and accepted her trophy and flowers – first place Solo Female Over 50 … EVER (and 1st place Solo Female outright). This historical moment established a new 50-59 women’s age group record of 16:12:51, and a new standard for all women to aspire to, and beyond. The numbers hold value in what they reflect – our efforts to stretch and open ourselves. Records and numbers change and fall, but experience is permanent. Our strength and capacity finally expressed, we step forward into new potential. Beth’s effort and expenditure is the inspiration behind such challenging events. We give everything we have, only to find and give something more.

Joe Walshe completed his 3rd finish in 3 starts of the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon since his debut in 2021, and has quickly established himself as an integral member of the Triple-Tri ‘inner circle’, earning just reward for his dedication with 1st place in the Male Under 50 category in 15:02:21.

For anyone to finish in their first attempt at the Triple-Tri solo is a hugely impressive achievement. Newcomer Kurt Michl did just that, finishing exhausted but happy, in 16:01:32 – and almost promising he will be back next year.

A very special mention to Michael Brennan, who despite carrying an injury into the event which would have led most to not event consider starting, led the race from the outset, to establish a new record for the longest time a solo athlete has been in the lead before being overtaken by a team – in this case, on the climb of Mt Stromlo, on leg 5, more than half way into the all-day race. Finding himself nauseous and continually vomiting from the early stages, Michael eventually withdrew after the second triathlon, to spend a night recovering in hospital.

Aston Duncan is another Triple-Tri stalwart who is perfectly suited to this event, and who gives it all his heart and soul each year – but this time, found his body simply not cooperating and reluctantly withdrew after the Lake Tuggeranong swim for his first DNF in 35 years of racing. We know Aston will be back.

TEAMS OF 3

“JT Multisport Black” took the withdrawal of their gun swimmer on the eve of the race in their stride, finding an able replacement in Ash Lawson, to join with biker James Thorp and runner Tom Driscoll, to win the race outright in an impressive 9:35:30 and take out the T3 Mixed category. Tom was fastest outright in each of the 3 run legs, a mighty fine showing given that many runners on other teams were running just the one leg.

2nd team home, the most consistent team in Triple-Tri history, “Stuff the Puffs” simply do not age, taking out the T3 Open category with a more-than-one-hour lead in 10:13:22. Joining Ben Buchler and Adrian Sheppard, runner/biker Dave Osmond has participated in every single edition of the Triple-Tri – now 26 finishes, and every one of them on the podium.

Sam Reinhardt, Christy Henderson and Susie Kluth combined perfectly, mixing their legs between them to claim victory in the T3 All-Female category in 12:06:58, also winning their category by over one hour.

T3 Open All Over 50 is these days often a competitive category, and sure enough, only a few minutes separated the top 2 contenders at the finish. “Tri IP” too the crown on this occasion – Craig Allot, Martin Handley and Ross Hamilton winning with 12:07:09, from “Team 157” (Andy Hogg, James Sullivan and Graham Atkins) coming through the finish in 12:15:17.

Meanwhile, 2nd place in the T3 Open went to the consistent “3 Amigos” (Mark Mallinson, Anthony Butt and Thomas Allen) in 11:24:54; with 3rd going to “Matt and Ant”, the brothers duo of Anthony and Matt Dowle, with 12:34:28.

Podium placings in the T3 All-Female were claimed by “Happy Go Lucky” (Sabrina Moir, Samantha Morley and Genevieve Hofman) in 13:23:44 for the silver medals; with bronze going to “Force de Femme” – Emma Inglis, Sue Moore and Meghan Kenny with 15:34:33.

“Tri hards” – Jacinta Essam, Raymond McAleer and Samuel McNamara – were the 3rd fastest team of 3 and 2nd T3 Mixed in 10:46:36 – with swimmer Jacinta Essam blitzing the female record for the 2nd swim in a new best time of 39:31. 3rd place in the T3 Mixed was claimed in 11:22:31 by “Full Send”, the combination of Nicholas Gailer, Libby Adamson and Caitlin Chandler tilting the Mixed concept with 7 legs completed by female team members.

TEAMS OF 4 – 9

Breaking the magical 10 hour barrier, fastest team of 4-9 and winner of the T9 Open category, “Triple Threat” (James Pattison, James Charlesworth, Tom and Alexander Skeffington, Steven Boyt, Mark Gibson, Adam Kiss, Gerard Walsh and Isaac Hogan), were the 2nd fastest team outright behind “JT Multisport Black” in 9:59:25. The T9 Open certainly proved to be the most closely contested category, with 6 of the top 10 teams coming from this cohort. The gap between 2rd and 3rd was only 20 seconds, with “Not all those who wander are lost” (Louisa and Karl Hulin, Daniel Carson, Mackenzie Edwardson, Matthew Van Arkel, Amber Collins, Ben Cartwright and Jono Windsor) taking the silver medals in 10:14:10, just ahead of the 10:14:30 recorded by “Giant 440 Woodys for Pete” (Rod Smith, Michael Beard, Nathan and Jaemin Frazer, Andrew Dawes, Andrew Oberg, Stefan Hese, Lori and Rod McWhirter), the first of a record 5 Goulburn teams participating this year, most of whom went back with medals.

Another Goulburn-managed ensemble, the “Buzz Lightyears Over 50” (Mark Stutchbury, David Medlock, Bretto Storrier, Gav Moroney, Rodney Smith, Andrew Dawes, Geoffrey McMahon and Ted Goad) claimed the main prize in the T9 Open All Over 50s with 13:48:17. In the T9 All Over 60s, the winning time of 13:48:17 belonged to “Last men standing” (Scott McClymont, Peter Igoe-Taylor, Trevor Jacobs, Alex Gosman and David Clarke), all true veterans of this race.

A record percentage of female participants was reflected in the higher number of all-female teams this year. “Chai Tea Ladies” (Rebecca Lannin, Claire Aubrey, Ruth Patton, Niki Hale and Catherine Horan) didn’t sit around sipping chai all afternoon, as they were focussed on winning the All-Female T9 category in 12:18:16. 2nd place was claimed by “Tri sisters” (Kate Kiely, Monica Dalidowicz, Lesley Steel and Mary Sietsma) in 12:41:42, from 3rd “Goulburn Gals” (Joanne Lainson, Lori McWhirter, Ayla Roberts, Ellie Gundry, Mikaela Rose, Melinda Goad and Danielle Connell) with 13:27:35.

Next team home were “FIT Actually” (Geraldine Cusack, Elizabeth Lowe, Nafrelle Patrick, Lesli Findlay, Helen Jeffs, Sarah Rainbow, Michelle Grech, MaryAnn Simpson and Elna Jennings), who took home the main prize in the All-Female All-Over 50 team awards in 13:31:36.

“Resultz Racing” has always lived up to its name at the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon , and delivered again today, yielding a 1st place finish in the Mixed T9s through its current members of Michelle Welch, Robert Mudford, David Liddle, Anna McPherson, Michael Reed, Philipp Loesel, Matt Shadwell and John McPherson, placing 6th outright, in 10:16:31. 2nd placed T9 Mixed was “JTM Gold” (Georgie Hicks, Myles Wood, Andrew Walton, Joseph Pascall, Stuart Gordon, Michael Mitchell and Kim Elms) in 10:52:37, ahead of 3rd placed “Adultz Racing” (Dominic Howard, Richard Smyth, Fan Xiang, David Clements, Megan Cahilll, Luke Barrett and Glen Patterson) with 11:08:48.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 14 November 2021, full results by category 698.63 KB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 14 November 2021, full results overall 680.02 KB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 14 November 2021, top 3 placings per leg, by category 661.15 KB

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THE SOLO ATHLETES

Adam Rudgley entered this year’s Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon with the goal to lower the Solo Male course record. Notwithstanding that he had to bike an extra 3km after the last-minute course change to the 1st swim leg; putting aside the horrendous conditions that 25-year veterans of the Triple-Tri described as the worst ever encountered in this race and almost caused the cancellation of several legs if not the whole event; oblivious to his almost-4 hour lead on his nearest rival in the field…

… at the start of the final run leg, Adam would have known that he would need to run a full 6 minutes faster over that challenging 13 km than any solo athlete has ever managed – surely an impossible task – and still he went for it. As the kms clicked by and the goal dissolved in the rain and flew away in the wind, with a body and mind aching from over 10 hours of utter exertion and legs screaming to ease the pace, he pressed on harder, all the way to the line. That he missed his goal by a mere 3 minutes, yet shattered the record for the final run leg (now 1:06:51) in his dauntless quest are mere facts, footnotes to a truly heroic performance of jaw-dropping athletic prowess, unwavering mental strength and fire-pure courage. 10:24:19!

Enjoying a 30-minute head start on the relay teams, solo athletes usually start being passed by teams towards the end of the 1st bike and during the Mt Majura – Mt Ainslie run leg. Unbelievably, Adam was not passed by the fastest team until midway through the Mt Stromlo bike leg, and no-one else caught him until the final run over Red Hill!

We sincerely hope Adam will return to race again when the course is not unduly extended and the weather less hostile. In a lovely coincidence, the holder of the legendary Solo Male record, Rowan Beggs-French (10:21:10 from 2017), was running two of the run legs for the T9 Mixed-winning “Fireflies” team and got to run with Adam for a while during the race. At the finish, Rowan stated his belief that Adam’s effort today would have earned him a sub-10 hour time under ‘normal’ conditions.

Each of the other solo finishers deserves a song in his honour, praising the unique attributes and qualities that enabled him to reach that fabled finish line on what was outwardly a wretched day, yet inwardly a stage of utmost glory. Paul Amidy (14:17:55) and Joseph Walshe (14:54:05) filled out the Solo Male Under 50 podium placings – both utterly exhausted yet rightly supremely satisfied with their efforts.

Trevor Fairhurst has won this race solo more times than any other – 5 times – and now adds the Solo Male 50 and Over title to his peerless Triple-Tri resumé. On paper, Trevor’s time of 14:26:45 doesn’t tell any part of the true story of this monumental achievement. Ross Beatty (15:09:43) – a 5-time finisher of the race – was thrilled to beat his own time from his first Triple-Tri finish, 21 years earlier; while Craig Johnston (15:19:37) finished strongly to notch another superb achievement. Notably, as many over 50 finished, as under 50.

In the battlefield which was today, it was inevitable some would be forced to withdraw from the fray in the course of the day. Each did the right and wise thing when confronted with such an irrevocable STOP sign – and each knows, that the field will be re-set, and the bugle will sound once more in the pre-dawn glow, 12 months hence…

THE TEAMS OF 3

The teams of 3 traditionally see the fastest and fiercest racing of the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, with several teams etching legends spanning decades of high-octane competition. Callum McClusky, Conor Sproule and Nuru Somi banded together to bring a new combination and fire a new name into the Triple-Tri firmament – their “T3C Dream Team” living up to their moniker with an outstanding, lead-from-the-front showing of 9:13:48, taking line honours and 1st place in the T3 Open division. Dave Osmond – who famously completed all 60 bike legs of the first 20 Triple-Triathlons – showed his versatility and completed 3 legs without getting on a bike today (2 runs and one swim), leading his revamped “Stuff the Puffs” (with Ben Buchler and Adrian Sheppard) to 2nd in the T3 Open with 10:06:57; ahead of 3rd placed “3 Amigos” (Mark Mallinson, Anthony Butt and Tom Allen) with 11:36:15. “The Margaritas” (Damien McDonald, Martyn Dawson and Piera Kohout) competed in the T3 Open All-Over 50 – though they could have entered the Mixed category with Piera completing all 3 running legs – and took out the main prize with an impressive 13:47:03.

The only All-Female team of 3 happened to be all over 50, and duly won that category: “Too old for new tricks” saw Bron Adams melding with Kerrie Muir and Beth Bowen, displaying a fantastic attitude and example to all throughout the day. Although they were the only team in their category it’s hard to imagine any other ensemble challenging their outstanding finish of 13:14:18.

The Mixed Teams of 3 were led home by “ARA” (Ashleigh Webb, Raymond McAleer and Alexander Carrick) in 11:18:27. 2nd place went to “16s” (Molly Lilley, Josh Kluth and Jacob Miller), in 12:16:55; while 3rd was taken by “S.A.M.” (Stuart Godley, Andy Bodsworth and Marnie Shaw) with 12:22:20.

THE TEAMS OF 4-9

The most competitive racing of today came in the Mixed Teams of 4-9. Losing their runner the day before the race, and switching from T3 to T9 proved no setback for “Fireflies” (Felicity Roantree, Steve Fitchett linking up with newly conscripted runners Paul Cuthbert and Rowan Begs-French), taking the main T9 Mixed prize and 2nd-across-the-line overall in 9:49:52. Next home were the impressive “JTM Team 1” (Jordynne Rauter, Oscar Starmer, Tom Driscoll, Josephine Pepper, Grave Hoitink, Myles Wood, Matthew Millikin, Jarrod Osborne and Andrew Walton) in 10:05:49; ahead of a fine showing from “The 5 appendages” (Perry Blackmore, Claire Aubrey, Travis Ey, Richard Smyth and Emily Stacey) in 10:26:10. A few years ahead on the dial, “GO GOs get some guys” saw our favourite all-female ensemble, the “Go-Go Girls” finally allowed 2 male members into their exclusive club –  Elspeth Nichols, David Baussman, Pam Muston, George Kubitzky, Clare Wall, Belinda Robinson and Sue Archer winning the T9 Mixed All Over 60s, and breaking the 14-hour barrier in the process, with a superb 13:59:59!

“Devils” were too hot in the All-Female Teams of 4-9, the collection of Meredith Bone, Olivia Martin, Allie Corripio, Elizabeth Mutton, Emma De Kiefte, Ally Durr and Lauren Yee winning in 12:17:56.  The 2nd place award was presented to “30 percent less pay 130 percent more ability” (Becky Rogers, Chantelle Bertoldo, Ainsley Pahljina, Liv Toomey, Ebony Tanzen, Mirella Carr, Hannah Maree, Emma Ferguson and Ellie Barr) – even though the team shows up as “DNC” (did not complete) in the published results, this was because their rider on MTB3, Emma Ferguson stopped to render assistance to another rider who had crashed on the course, actions which the organisers felt did not warrant an official DNQ and deserved the recognition of the 2nd placing the team would certainly otherwise have claimed; while 3rd was claimed by “No Nuts Just Guts” (Virginia Lindenmayer, Sophie Clement, Caitlin Flux, Prudence Guest, Taisa Vieira, Samantha Shields, Catherine Spratley, Carol Hartley and Bridget Quayle) in 14:30:14. The All-Female T4-9 All Over 50 was taken out by “Purple Jelly” (Polly Templeton, Simone Annis, Judy Gebhart, Rosemary Robinson, Elizabeth Lowe, Cat Riley, Geraldine Cusack and Sue Duckett) with 15:48:11.

The Open Teams of 4-9 saw another superb all-round effort from one of the most consistently high performing teams in Triple-Tri history, the Goulburn gang of “Giant 400 Woodys 4Pete” (Rod Smith, Michael Beard, Nathan Frazer, Andrew Dawes, Andrew Oberg, Jaemin Frazer, Lori McWhirter, Rod McWhirter and Stefan Hese) taking out the main prize in 10:31:59. 2nd place went to “Team Keeping It Real” (Janelle Ahern, Josh Wilkinson, Alexander Bowyer, Pete Quinn, Michael Olsen, Steve Roberton, Anthony Ansen and Ben Roberton) in 10:57:19; just edging out 3rd placed “”JTM Team 2” (Alexandra Apse, Jason Flanagan, Jarrod Osbourne, Joseph Pascali, Douglas Wynne, Rob Moore, Steve Croft and Olivia Sutton) with a fine 10:58:26.

In the T4-9 Open All Over 50s, “Cruis’n” (Scott McClymont, Marty McGready, Geoff Hawke, Peter Thorley, John Cartwright, Terry Dixon, Frank Zeller and Jeff Grey) lived up to their name to take the title with an impressive 11:36:40; from their contenders, “Buzz Lightyears O’50s” (Mark Stutchbury, Kerry Baxter, Brett Storrier, Rod Smith, Ted Goad, Andrew Dawes, Geoffrey McMahon and Melinda Goad) clocking in at 12:05:27. “The Ancient Mariners” (Alex Gosman, Peter Igoe-Taylor, Trevor Jacobs, David Clarke and Kim Houghton) showed many a younger team a clean pair of heels in waltzing away with the T4-9 All Over 60s title in 12:55:43.

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

As an indication of how tough the conditions were: in 25 years, this is the first edition of the race in which no overall record was broken in any team category or division. Special mention though, to Zoe Clarke who ignored the wind and rain to break the record for a female in a team for the final run leg, setting a new best time of 54:25 for “Astral by 3TC”.

We’ve saved particular mention of the weather till last – for while the wind, rain and unrelenting cold (even some sleet) set a dismal stage, it was not allowed to write the script or dictate the plot. While the weather made this an event none of us will forget in a hurry, it could not have the final say on the day. The final say came from within; the final say came from the overwhelming determination, courage and fortitude of all participants, volunteers and supporters to proceed with cheerful willpower in the face of whatever obstacles and setbacks appeared along the way.

Our congratulations to all participants, and gratitude to all the many helpers, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers. Special thanks to Peter Simpfendorfer and Petra Lean from Triathlon ACT; to Rebekah Stamatis and her assistants for medical support; to staff and officers from the ACT Government and NCA; to paddlers from Canberra Canoe Club and on-water support from YMCA Sailing Club; and to members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from the UK, Mongolia, New Zealand and Australia.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 15 November 2020, full results by category 901 KB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 15 November 2020, full results overall 885.04 KB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 15 November 2020, top 3 placings each leg, by category 673.75 KB

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Watch the race video

Family is everything...

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon was conceived as a celebration of the natural beauty and auspicious design of Canberra as the ultimate urban setting for the exploration and fulfilment of a multi-dimensional life, a consummate blend of athletic and aesthetic.

Yet over the years, the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon has embodied and revealed something much deeper of Canberra: its heart of humanity and soul of community. This heart and soul shine through the interplay of inspiration, aspiration, appreciation, service, sacrifice and mutual self-giving which permeate and unite the Triple-Tri family. The event itself is the stage on which innumerable dramas unfold; the backdrop against which heroic stories are told; the refrain of a song with a thousand varied verses. While the athletes take top billing, the list of credits of all involved is long, rich and enthralling, embracing all strata of Canberra society, all manner of general and specialised roles, all types of characters and personae. Each is unique, each is essential, each is gold.

At awards ceremonies, trophy-winners invariably thank their family, crew, event organisers, course markers and volunteers – and rightly so. At the same time, none of these supporting actors would have any role to play without the athletes themselves. And each of them, if they were to give their own speeches, would have their own lists of those without whose support and inspiration, their own roles could not have been played. Carrying all from within is an irrepressible undercurrent of love, with outbursts of rippling joy – the characteristics of a family, ready at once to cry and smile together, exulting in each others’ victories, suffering in each other’s defeats, forging together something far greater than any and all of us, ever-deeper, intangible and unknowable; an ever-new, ever-transcending destination. Perhaps this is why some Canberra citizens otherwise unconnected with the race, appear each year at random transition points, not just to watch but to feel, absorb, enjoy and be uplifted.

THE SOLOS

The female and male solo winners this year are each formidable athletes with outstanding credentials; each first-timer contenders at the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon; and each approached the race with lofty goals, outrageous daring, iron wills and huge hearts.

To hear that a solo woman might complete the gruelling Triple-Tri course in 11 hours would have been well-nigh unbelievable. To watch Penny Slater in motion, to realise that she would finish in 11 hours seemed inevitable. Penny is a superb athlete, a focussed competitor and a humble, gracious champion. Racing head-to-head through the first triathlon with another stellar debutant, Monique De Abreu, it became clear early on, that the phenomenal solo women’s record of Julie Quinn – renowned as Queen of the Triple-Tri – would be under threat. With Monique being forced to withdraw after the long Lake Burley Griffin swim (Monique showed enough to give notice that her Triple-Tri day is fast ripening on the tree, and will definitely arrive in the not-too-distant future…), Penny did not bat an eye to continue her unwavering path to glory. Crossing the line in a mind-boggling 11:01:00, Penny scythed almost exactly one hour from a revered course record – smiling – finishing a mere 6 minutes adrift of one of the legends of Triple-Tri lore, Klayten Smith. Only a handful of elite men have dipped under 11 hours in 25 years of this race: in one beautiful, complete and compelling fairy-tale day, Penny Slater has rewritten the record books and reconfigured our understanding of potential, establishing a whole new wing in the Palace of the Possible.

Trent Dawson is another Canberra gentleman-athlete of consistently high achievements, foremost in the realm of Ironman Triathlon. Without any significant competitions in his accustomed field of excellence looming on horizon, and not being one to retreat into hibernation, Trent embraced a new challenge on his very doorstep – the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon. One significant hurdle would be Trent’s negligible experience on a mountain bike. Purchasing a mountain bike just 2 months before race day, Trent set about pursuing not just the goal of finishing this Herculean journey; he dreamt, visualised and planned exactly what it might take to topple the invincible solo men’s course record. Such courage, conviction and fearlessness in mind, body and heart would power Trent to one of the most impressive solo debuts in all the Triple-Tri annals – a supremely controlled, virtuoso performance yielding a daunting finishing time of 10:46:58. With improved skills on the mountain bike and a few fewer spills, that record may yet be in Trent’s sights…

With numerous other responsibilities this year, including the birth of their second child just 9 weeks ago – and not having raced at all since last year’s Triple-Tri – Klayten Smith entered the event with the least training of any of his Triple-Tri forays. Buoyed by the support of friend-and-rival Michael Brennan (recovering from a recent fracture), Klayten followed his muscle-mind-heart-and-soul memory to fashion a hugely impressive and deeply satisfying 2nd placed 10:55:49. Significantly, Klayten made up 13 minutes on Trent’s lead over the second half of the course. Perhaps if there had been another few legs…?

Though the day had descended into gloom, the scene was brightest, with some of the loudest and longest cheers when Beth Bowen – a few weeks shy of her 50th birthday – realised a long-cherished dream of completing the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, in an impressive 15:35:49. The irrepressible grins and flowing tears awaiting her at the finish spoke eloquently of long hours days months of dreaming training sacrifice dedication. The same mixture of elation and pain, agony and ecstasy were writ large across the faces of each of the unique hero-winners of this epic race, each with his and her own deeply personal yet universal story of glory – Ian Rayson, Scott Donaldson, Ironman super-legend and Winner of the Solo Male Over 50 category, John Hill (13:48:58), Anthony Newman, Mark Hanover, Mark Ware, Ken Rankin, Simon Lauer, Trent Craven, Adam Mort and the amazing Paul Amidy, who soldiered on even when there appeared zero fuel in the tank through the pit of the final run course, to bring home the field in 16:07:55.

TEAMS OF 3 (or 2)

Outstanding team performance of the day was presented by “Shoklo’s Nifty Fifty M50 MkII”, with Pete Thorley, Martin McGready and Jeff Grey aiming to dismantle one of the longest-standing records of the Triple-Tri, for Open Team All Over 50 held since 1999 by “Vintage Vets” (Terry Dixon – still racing in Triple-Tri teams today, Alan Anderson & Kent Williams). Mission successful – with a new and very sleek best time of 10:13:33. Special mention also to “I think we can do this” (Alex Gosman, Peter Igor-Taylor & Trevor Jacobs) who – even though entered in the Open Teams Over 50, are actually all over 60 – finished in 13:07:21.

“Stuff the Puffs” have been an established fixture at the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon for so many years, the origins of their name have slipped into obscurity. It all stemmed from a rivalry with a gun Victorian team in the late ‘90s, with a succession of names inspired by “The Puffy Puffcakes”. With the Victorian team consigned to dusty history tomes, no ensemble has garnered half as many team trophies at this event than “Stuff the Puffs”, represented this year by Ben Buchler, Dave Osmond and Michael Chapman. By the end of the first triathlon, they had established a lead which would only grow as the sun traversed its sky, to take 2020 line honours in 9:11:00. Next team home in the Open Teams of 3 was “DuRT” (Hugh Coppell, Oliver Murray & Tom Bartlett) in 9:53:07, who held another huge lead over 3rd placed “Wait for it, Wait for it, Wait” (Paul Quinn, Etienne Blunstein-Jones & Chris Weenink).

Katie Binstock, Stephanie Way & Lisa Counsell (“2 legs 2 wheels and a wetsuit”) didn’t need any competition in their T3 Female category, to post an impressive 12:44:45 in finishing well clear of most of the men’s and mixed teams.

“JT Multisport White” – Grace Hoitink, James Thorp & Tom Driscoll – carried the torch for the high-performing JT Multisport stable, taking the T3 Mixed category with a classy showing of 10:11:16, from the impressive “Triumvirate” of Emily Stacey, Perry Blackmore & Richard Smyth in 10:33:58, just edging out the fast-finishing “HMAS Friendship” ensemble of Murray Robertson, Jennifer Darmody & Ed De Carvalho with 10:37:18.

TEAMS OF 4-9

“Giant 440 Woodys – 4Pete” and “Aviator’s Beach Club” are two of the most regular and loyal teams at both the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon and Multi-Sport Classic in Jindabyne each year – and they staged a right royal battle on Sunday, with only about 40 seconds separating them at the finish line. The reliable Goulburn ensemble of Rod Smith, Michael Beard, Nathan Frazer, Andrew Dawes, Andrew Öberg, Jaemin Frazer, Lori & Rod McWhirter and Stefan Hesse held off the fast-finishing aviators (Dave Hayes, James Meadley, Daniel Redman, Pete Hansen, Andy Thomas, Sean Davis & Jordan Kelly) to just edge in under the 10 hour barrier and take the Open Teams of 9 category top award with 9:59:43, with 2nd place clocking 10:00:26. Right up with them throughout the day were another favourite local band: “Sport and Spinal Physio” (Josh Tait, Craig & Zoe Honeybrook, Martin Tait, Simon Davis and Imogen Chambers) claiming the remaining podium placing with 10:17:17.

“Campbell Girls” (Alicia Hetherington, Stephanie Boxall, Alida Cross & Raeleigh Rogers) showed that less can sometimes be more, to win the All-Female T4-9 with only 4 members, in a fine 12:34:59; from YAWILs (Young-Aged Women in Lycra) – comprising Megan Keil, Indira Shinn, Georgina Robinson, Lucy Skeldon, Tenaya King & Kate Boulder in 13:27:23. The aptly-named All Over-50 Female collection of “Tri-ing for unprecedented times” took out their division in the more-than-respectable time of 14:05:53. Congratulations to Polly Templeton, Simone Annis, Narelle Patrick, Leeanne Tennant, Rosemary Robinson, Geraldine Cusack, Elizabeth Lowe & Sarah Rainbow!

The largest category of the race is the T9 Mixed, with an always-varied and colourful array of combinations, attitudes and aptitudes with one constant uniting all – enthusiasm for the task! At the pointy end of the field, “The Tortoise and The Hare” (Wayne, Laura & Shaun Lewis, Hannah Walmsley, Alice Wallett, Brendan Johnston, Emily Ryan and Lily Anderson), were covering all bases and definitely left their tortoise at home as they cruised to victory in an arresting 9:48:30. “Results Racing” (Michelle Welch, James Adams, John & Anna McPherson, Michael Reed, Matthew Shadwell, Rob Mudford & Gavin Jeffries) came in next with 10:14:17; while “Team Keeping It Real” (Janelle Ahern, Josh Wilkinson, Nic Moyle, Pete Quinn, Steve Roberton & Teresa Wynter) took 3rd placing with an exemplary showing of 10:23:23. Special mention to the first ever Mixed Team of 9 All Over 70, “74 and Mixed”, who would have established a new course record for this category, but for an unfortunate fall resulting in a fracture for gun runner Susan Archer, for whom we wish a full and speedy recovery!

THANKS TO ALL

Our gratitude to each and every member of the Triple-Tri family, and to the greater Canberra community who either enjoy, admire and appreciate – or at least tolerate – our incursions into their space each year. In particular, we thank Ron Thompson, Commodore of the YMCA Sailing Club, boat drivers Jim Daly & Jonathan Muller and all their members, who have for many years provided on-water assistance for the Lake Burley Griffin swim leg, and whose clubhouse formed such an ideal locale for the finish of the event; to John Birch and members of the Canberra Canoe Club; to Emma and the Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts; to staff of so many departments of ACT Government as well as the NCA; Triathlon ACT Acting Director Emily Stacey and technical officials, in particular Petra Lean and Peter Simpfendorfer; To Andrew Öberg for endless tweaks of the course maps and files, and Richard Smyth for refinements of the MTB oourses; to sweepers and marshals Ellie Barrett, Peter Fogarty, Cassandra Spencer, Jan Melton, Aimee Carter, Paul Mahoney, Geoff Barker, Tim Mather, Geoff Breese, Sally Thauvette, Connie Clement, Caroline Werner, Glenn Theakston, Damir Maksan, Joe Andrews, Nic Bendeli, Kerrie Vaughan; to medical support personnel Mike Corrigan, Rebekah Stamatis, Matthew Sainsbury & Simon Whitehead; to the Project Managers and workers of WSP and Complex Co, who made it possible for us to access and ride through the Namarag Construction site at Coppins Crossing on the second bike leg; to Russ Baker for countless years of technical support and whose customised, amazingly detailed results displays we use to this day; to My Rainbow-Dreams café and to members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Mongolia, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra.

Stay well and stay inspired, family!

Results (PDF Download)

21st Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 18 November 2018, full results by category 823.66 KB

21st Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 18 November 2018, full results overall 804.78 KB

21st Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, Sunday 18 November 2018, top 3 fastest leg times by category 667.15 KB

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There is no more comprehensive tour of Canberra than the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon. If you complete the whole course, you have seen and experienced a full panoply of views, angles, environs, aspects, perspectives and panoramas of this wonderful living space that is at once capital city and natural playground. If you are fortunate to be graced with a day such as shone for the 21st staging of this epic event, you will have the journey of a lifetime.

Michael Brennan loves the Triple-Tri and doesn’t mind letting people know: his infectious enthusiasm for this race has helped buoy participation and excitement in recent times. After two years where some superb athletes have covered the course even faster than he has, it was a thrill for all involved with the event to witness Michael win the race solo – and fittingly, in a world-class Personal Best of 10:54:24. Michael tackled the first swim as though his life depended on it, leading out of the water by 6 minutes, and never looked back. Physical excellence seems a secondary outcome for this athlete to whom the joy of complete self-offering to the course and the race transcends all personal ambition.

Aston Duncan had hardly ridden a mountain bike prior to this race, and to take second place in 12:34:17 was testimony to both extraordinary fitness and a deep and tremendous willpower. Due to the small field, most of the solo competitors hardly saw each other in the course of the day, relying on their own inner momentum as well as the company of the occasional team. Next home came Craig Johnstone, extremely happy to conquer the course in 13:48:14; followed by Kevin Miller in fading light but bright victory of 15:18:34. Jon Schol didn’t have everything his own way in this long day, and was both tenacious and humble in overcoming all obstacles to take out the Solo Male 50 and Over category in 15:36:02.

Melissa Clarke is another first-time Triple-Tri-er, learning the hard way just how challenging this journey can be. Over the years, many have toed the starting line yet not completed the course. Despite hitting numerous obstinate “walls” after 10 hours, Melissa battled her way to a wonderfully satisfying finish in 15:38:11, bringing tremendous inspiration to all who were fortunate to see her arrive home.

A last-minute change of venue for the first swim in Lake Ginninderra meant the course for this leg was a little shorter than advertised: while this was compensated by the ensuing bike leg being a few kilometres longer, it unfortunately meant that the “record” times swum for this leg could not be officially recognised.

The Triple-Tri is a coming together of spirit and community. During the second mountain bike leg, a group of competitors encountered a member of the public who had an unfortunate fall from the mountain bike. Surrendering the times and chances of their respective teams, four contestants spent 50 minutes helping the injured rider until an ambulance could reach the scene. Our gratitude, admiration and respect to those who put aside their own interests to help another in need: your spontaneous kindness, concern, sacrifice and generosity inspired a wave of goodwill and compassion across the entire field: your example shines as bright as any winner ever could.

Outstanding team performance of the day again went to the elite combination of “On The Radar” (Jarrod Lee, Matt McAuliffe, Martin Dent, Emma Gillingham, Warren Wood, Aaron Farlow, Rob Allen & Craig Benson), whose overall time of 8:17:22 was a full one hour ahead of the next fastest team on the day, and only 3 minutes shy of the record for an Open Team of 4-9 held by “The Team With No Name” from 2004 – though if the first swim had not had to be moved and hence the first bike course had been the “correct” distance, perhaps this long-held record might have been toppled today…

In the course of the day, “On The Radar” also amazingly claimed 4 leg course records. Paul Crake used to hold the records for all 3 run legs, and though Martin Dent has in recent years eclipsed Paul’s times for the 2nd and 3rd run legs, Paul’s incredible 1:12 for the run over Mts Majura and Ainslie had stood since 2000 … until today when Martin Dent blitzed this challenging 18km in a phenomenal 1:11:11. Martin then tagged Emma Gillingham who likewise put paid to a long standing record in the Lake Burley Griffin swim with her new stratospheric mark of 42:08. Jarrod Lee was denied a record in the first swim due to the short course; however his awesome performance of 13:37 in Lake Tuggeranong left spectators gasping. He then tagged his rider, Rob Allen, who took off with such fire and inspiration that the One-Hour barrier for the 3rd bike leg was finally shattered; Rob’s sensational ride of 59:53 has taken this leg into another dimension.

Two overall course records were claimed among the older teams divisions by the “Old Hack Remnants Mark II” (Alex Gosman, Peter Igor-Taylor, Peter Clarke, Trevor Jacobs and Nathan Carroll) whose 11:15:00 beat their own record from last year for the Open Team of 4-9 (All Over 60). The other record to fall was in the Mixed Team of 4-9 (All Over 50), with “Not Over The Hill Yet” (Jill Pettifer, Martin McGready, Terry Withers, Richard Haines and Jeff Grey) who turned in a wonderful display to set a superb new best time of 10:18:29.

Custom-made Triple-Tri ensemble “Stuff The Puffs” (Ben Buchler, Dave Osmond & Matthew Crane) took major honours in the competitive Open Teams of 3 in 9:18:43; with the classy “One of Each, Thanks” (Mark Hareb, Richard Smyth & Peter Wilson) coming next in 9:43:05; and “Krusty’s Crew” (Russell Crockford, Andrew Bryant & Jason Martin) rounding out the podium placings with 10:04:49.

In the All-Female Teams of 3, “Chai Tea Girls” (Niki Hale, Claire Aubrey & Sherston Sheridan) took line honours with an impressive 11:47:22. Special mention to 2nd place “Triple Treat” (Sally Parker, Leanne Wilkinson and Katrina Cousins), whose rider was one of those who rendered assistance to the injured rider in MTB2. 3rd place was taken by “Los Tres Chivitos” (Simone Howland, Alina McMaster & Rachel Venn) who raced with great enthusiasm to record 13:28:21.

The Mixed Teams of 3 was won convincingly in a most impressive 9:38:51 by “Svendborg” (Jacqui & Ben Allen, with Murray Smith), a combination in which each member completed one swim, one ride and one run – a staggered triathlon each. “Wild Chaos” (Carla & Simon Wolnizer, with Lachlan Oakes) came in 2nd in 10:43:02; from “Both Ends” (Paura Birks, Troy Reddick & Jason McCrae) with 10:44:55.

In the wake of “On The Radar”, the race in the Open Teams of 4-9 was for second place, the prize taken at the end of the day in 9:39:27 by the venerable “Aviator’s Beach Club” (Dave Hayes, James Meadley, Daniel Redman, Pete Hansen, Andy Thomas, Sean Davis & Jordan Kelly) [editor’s note: the term “venerable” is used in this context in reference not to age, but to nobility]; followed by the evergreen Goulburn gathering of “Giant 440 Woody’s 4 Pete” (Rod Smith, Rodney McWhirter, Jaemin Fazer, Andrew Dawes, Andrew & Jacueline Oberg, Lori McWhirter, Michael Beard & Stefan Hese) in a spirited 9:48:27. Not content to just race with their younger compatriots (how are the residents of Goulburn called – Goulburnians??), some of the more venerable [editor’s note: here the term is used to refer to age] members doubled up to form an All-Over 50s Open Team, “The Buzz Lightyears” (Angus Taylor, Kerry Baxter, Mark Stutchbury, Rodney McWhirter, Andrew Dawes & Rodney Smith) which impressively took out their category in 11:02:29.

The All-Female Teams of 4-9 was won by “Triple Distilled” (Gabrielle Ho, Jessica Bolton, Isabella Comfort, Michelle Welch, Hayley Achurch, Rosa Bishop, Aine Buckley, Emma Johnson & Keira Doherty) in a sold showing of 12:30:02; just ahead of the 4-person 2nd placed “3 Souths and a North” (Sue Bowden, Sam Rampant, Keri Vaughan & Keri Muir) with 12:41:20; and “Ladies Who Tri 2.0” (Aoife Farmer, Lisa Counsell, Mal Karunaarachchi, Lauren Hendricks & Stephanie Way) rounding out the podium placings in 12:59:33. The All-Female Teams of 4-9 (All Over 50) went to “Fabulous Fifty-something Female FIT Team” (Narelle Patrick, Miche Hodgetts, Sarah Rainbow, Petrina Quinn, Rosemary Robinson, Geraldine Cusack, Nerida Clarke, Belinda Robinson & Robyn McClelland) in 14:42:17; though they crossed the line only after the fabulous finish of the first of the All-Female Teams of 4-9 (All Over 60) of “Tri again W60s” (Margaret Hadfield, Jean Douglass, Sue Archer, Clare Wall, Peggy Douglass, Kathy Sims, Judith Norris, Connie Clement and Carol Baird) who blazed to glory in 14:01:58.

“JT Multisport” (Grace & Ellie Hoitink, Chris Mutton, Wayne Corlis, Joseph Pascall, James Thorpe, Myles Wood, Angela Ballerini & Yoann Colin) took out the Mixed Teams of 4-9 in a slick 9:31:02; after a close day of racing with the lead swapping numerous times with eventual 2nd placed “Magpie Magnets” (Luke Kay, Michelle Cooper, Jen Davis, Matt Georgeson & Natalie Wood) in 9:38:26. 3rd placing was taken by “Team Driscoll” (Rachael McAllister, Blake Nielson, Tom Driscoll, Georgia Holtsbaum & Lauryn Brown) in 10:33:18.

Heartfelt thank yous to all involved in staging this epic adventure: to Sports Medicine Australia for providing medical assistance throughout the long day; to Gai Webster and Triathlon ACT for technical support and advice; to Richard Smyth and Andrew Oberg for helping re-design the 1st and 3rd MTB courses; to the YMCA Sailing Club, Canberra Canoe Club and Nic Bendeli for on-water assistance; to Paul Mahoney and his friend Gavin for sweeping all 3 run legs; and to volunteer helpers from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team from Auckland, Taupo, Perth, Brisbane, Torquay, Melbourne and Canberra as well as guests from Russia, Mongolia and Korea.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, 19 November 2017, full results by category 969.17 KB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, 19 November 2017, full results overall 949.37 KB

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, 19 November 2017, top 3 split times for each leg, by category 657.79 KB

Race Photos

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The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon is its own universe.

In this universe, all the planets aligned and the gods saw fit to party for the 20th staging of its grand Cosmic Play.

All the inner and outer conditions were auspicious, the numbers and omens propitious: the training and expectation had peaked; a week of rain cleared the lakes of bacteria, greened the views, gladdened the cheering bird-chorus and softened the ground to the perfect tackiness for fast racing; the pre-race hail storm had exhausted its fury, leaving a stage of calm and readiness; the highest-ever quality field gathered; the sun shone with the optimum degree of brilliance; the wind blew always towards the finish line.

THE SOLOISTS

The 20-strong field of soloists included 8 previous winners of either the outright or over-50 categories, male and female, along with another 8 highly-credentialed endurance athletes making their Triple-Tri debuts. This field wasn’t just star-studded, it was a supernova soup! At the dawn start, anticipation was high, nerves alive, senses alert, hearts thumping, minds and bodies fully focused on the momentous adventure ahead.

The early legs – first swim, Black Mountain ride and the long run over Mts Majura and Ainslie – are about settling into a rhythm, finding a groove and embracing the racing state. The middle legs – the long Burley Griffin swim, grinding Stromlo ride and hot slog over Mt Taylor – are the heart of the contest, to be endured as best as possible to set the stage for the final legs – a dip in Lake Tuggeranong, Wanniassa and Isaacs Ridges ride and final run over Red Hill – which can be a painful battle for survival or supercharged surge for glory … or both.

This is the first time in its history that the entire solo field – and it was the largest field ever – has finished this gruelling race; testimony to the superb preparation, depth of courage, determination, character and commitment of this elite band of champions. The top 12 solo finishers came in under 13 hours, and 17 under 14 hours, which far surpasses anything previously achieved on this stage.

Julie Quinn and husband David Baldwin have a long and intimate association with Triple-Tri Universe. Both have participated in teams since the early years and David has the highest number of solo finishes – 9 in all. They have missed the last few editions with a busy schedule of international rogaining, yet both felt drawn to the starting line for the 20th, with expectations high that David might give the course record a decent shake in the Solo Male Over 50 category.

The standard of the Solo Male Over 50 category has risen dramatically with the course record falling by large chunks 3 times in the last 4 years. David Baldwin, racing in this category for the first time, grasped the challenge wholeheartedly, not only lowering the record once again but taking it under the formidable 12 hour barrier to cross the line in 11:56:04. In an inspired run home, he just missed his own record for the final run course for solo athletes set back in 2005 (of 1:09:08), by a mere 12 seconds.

Julie’s own overall course record had been broken in 2013 by an amazing race from Queenslander Shannon Proffit in a breathtaking 12:02:59. That year, despite attaining her best time ever, was the only one of her 7 Triple-Tri starts Julie didn’t win. This year was Julie’s first time back at the Triple-Tri since that day. Poised, calm and graceful as ever, she was focused, composed and clearly enjoying her work as the day progressed and the legs folded one into the next. The record was not within sight: her only goal, to offer her all. Nevertheless, a new record time for the 2nd bike leg of 2:01:56 was setting up her race nicely. By the end of the Lake Tuggeranong swim, Julie was only 2 minutes behind husband David; after the last bike she was only one minute behind. Was this what stirred David into such a spirited final run? Whatever the case, emerging from the tunnel at the Hartigan St transition, Julie was one minute behind course record schedule. She would have to blow away her own daunting course record for the final run leg just to be in the picture – and then some. When the going gets tough, champions stand up. Throwing caution to the wind, she went for it. The small gathering at the finish line, still exuberant from David’s finish minutes earlier, were elated as Julie sprinted home to reclaim her crown as Queen of the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, taking 3 minutes off her own best leg time (new leg record of 1:27:41) to achieve the incomprehensible. The new record glows at 12:00:09.

There has been a 13 year gap since Alina McMaster’s back-to-back victories in her only previous solo appearances at the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in 2003 and 2004. With an event of this magnitude, there will always be uncertainty leading into the race no matter what one has achieved previously or how much training one has done. Alina aimed to finish, yet like several others on the day, found herself carried by the spirit of an extraordinary occasion which swept her to an astonishing 13:28:21, just 7 minutes outside her 2004 winning time, flooding with joy and inspiration not only her immediate family but her huge extended family of friends and supporters. Kudos and immense respect to a class athlete of immense heart!

In 2002, Canberra legend Jason Chalker was at the height of his athletic prowess and an international career of professional off-road triathlon racing. A giant of the local off-road scene, Jason’s crowning achievement (in our eyes) was his monumental solo effort at the 2002 Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, a seismic event of such magnitude that when the dust settled an unscalable mountain remained, bearing the numbers 10:25:03. While some have perhaps dared to dream of reaching that pinnacle, most have just admired this massive peak in silent awe.

Rowan Beggs-French first tackled the Triple-Tri solo in 2011 – and won in 11:56. After a stint living in Darwin, he next attempted the race in 2015 – and won, taking half an hour off his PB in an astonishing 11:26. This year would be his 3rd expedition into that unknown world of personal challenge and discovery which is the vast hinterland of Triple-Tri Territory, and he would be facing his strongest competition by far. Rowan started well: despite giving minutes away in the water, ideal conditions favoured his strong suit, the mountain bike legs. Jason Chalker’s record was a distant peak obscured for the moment by much closer mountains in the form of a host of elite athletes all vying for today’s title.

By the second swim, Rowan knew he was going too fast. He wasn’t following his race-plan script. Was it was adrenalin, fear of the looming competition or inspiration? His mind was telling him: you are going to blow up. He couldn’t obey. He was going too fast – and loving it. He blew away the course records for the next two bike legs – 1:42:20 his new time for MTB2 and 1:15:31 for MTB3. Amazing. This brought him into the final transition with victory assured. All the surrounding mountains had been transcended. Only one remained, now clear and looming. He was still going too fast. He was still feeling fantastic. He would soon feel even better … The impossible summit was visible. Just one solid run of 13 km was all that was needed. Crossing the line with arms upraised in sheer ecstatic relief and unbelieving triumph, Rowan had achieved the impossible. He had blissfully stared down Time. It stood for 15 years: now the unmovable mountain had moved. Another has risen higher in its place, inscribed thus – 10:21:10.

The closest anyone had ever come to the great Jason Chalker’s record was Klayten Smith’s victory last year in 10:39. Klayten is a 2-time Triple-Tri champion drawn inexorably to the start line this year, despite an injury-afflicted year. The powers of persuasion backed by overwhelming enthusiasm of his friend and Canberra resident Michael Brennan, proved irresistible. Klayten and Michael would be close to each other throughout the morning, running together on Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie, until Klayten drew gradually ahead.  Their placings would swap again in the final run however, with Michael – who only does these events to “keep fit” in skiing’s off-season – claiming his 2nd consecutive 2nd placing in 11:26:42 ahead of Klayten’s 3rd in 11:28:23. Both performances would have won this race most other years.

Tom Brazier made his mark as a quality runner, winning the inaugural Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Ultra (100km) in 2013. Adding mountain biking and some swimming to his training palette, he’s now proven he is capable of anything. Tom’s 4th placing of 11:32:00 is one of the most impressive Triple-Tri debuts ever, powered by his top class running and supported with excellent mountain biking. If he starts taking swimming seriously, Tom will be very much in the frame for a future Triple-Tri win.

Hopefully many of the soloists will offer their own stories, so we will limit ourselves here to listing, and applauding each of their times:

Coming in 5th place in a superb 11:39:47, came 3-times Ironman Dale McCormack. Rounding out the sub-12 hour finishers was multiple-winner Trevor Fairhurst, thrilled to achieve his best result for some years. Paul Ledbrook completed his first ever Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in the top 7 placings, clocking an excellent 12:09:45.

Adrian Sheppard has participated for years in numerous Triple-Tris, mostly as a competitive mountain biker. Completing the race solo has been his dream all along and this year he has done it in style: another fine debut finish in 12:14:57. Sydneysider and Ironman Blake Nielsen had participated once in a Triple-Tri team and that was enough to persuade him also to go solo: another impressive first-up effort of 12:21:32. Brian Black is another Sydneysider and Ironman and another Triple-Tri debutant: his finish in 12:51:31 a huge achievement.

In 11th place, Craig Johnston’s 13:15:54 almost exactly replicated his first finishing time from last year – we hope Craig will become a Triple-Tri regular. Over 50s 2nd place, Ross Beatty, just keeps getting better and finished emphatically in 13:16:58. Local Canberran Andrew Dankers finished his first attempt in an impressive 13:23:34. Kel Rankin from Picton was another to complete on his first attempt, finishing strongly before the sun went down in 13:36:18. Andrew Renwick, a crowd favourite, returned for his 4th Triple-Tri and 4th finish in 14:54:12; closely followed by former 50 and Over winner from Wagga, Geoff Breese in 14:57:51; while Joshua Smith was the final of 8 first-timers all of whom finished, in 15:18:27.

TEAMS OF 3

“Teams of 3” is for the purists and the elite. Despite all efforts to assemble “Gun” teams of 4 to 9 members over the years, the overall course record for teams has almost always been held by a team of 3 – and so it remains.

The fastest out of all the Mixed Teams of 3 was “Shoklo’s Nifty Fifty”, racing in the T3 Mixed All Over 50s. Former solo finisher Martin McGready partnered with super-swimmer Rose McGready and super-runner Jeff Grey to obliterate the course record for the category by over one hour, setting an amazing new record of 10:26:35 – this one is likely to stand for many years to come.

The T3 Open category was again won (in 9:15:03) by the Triple-Tri’s most famous team, “Stuff the Puffs”. Despite their irreverent name, this is a serious combination which has changed over the years but has always included Dave Osmond riding all the bike legs. Indeed, Dave was presented with a special award this year for the extraordinary achievement of having ridden all 60 mountain bike legs in all 20 editions of the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon – and all at a highly competitive level (Dave still holds the course record for MTB1). His companions this time around were James Johnston in the water and Matthew Crane in running shoes.

“One of Each, Thanks” brought together a slick combo of Duncan Adams, Richard Smyth and Andy Isbister to take 2nd in 10:05:28; while Russell Rockford, Andrew Bryant and Jason Martin combined for 3rd place under the banner of “Crusty’s Crew”.

The only All-Female team of 3 this year were “Triple Treat” – Rosie Williams, Katrina Cousins and Leanne Wilkinson teaming up for an admirable showing of 11:52:05.

“Jo Joe Tom Time” was actually sans Tom but they kept the name (“Jo Joe Steve Time” doesn’t have the same ring to it), and just as well – Joe Howland, Steve Hanley and Jo Brischetto took out the Mixed Teams of 3 in 10:37:13. 2nd place in 10:44:59 was “32 Flavours sans Steve” (because Steve had defected to the winning team), of Katie Binstock, Seb Dunne and Peter Preston; while 3rd was taken by “CIA” (Anna Gurnhill, Christo Norman and Iain Johnstone) in 11:29:38.

TEAMS OF 4-9

Standout performance in the Teams of 4-9 came from “Hack Remnants” who smashed the course record for the Open Teams of 4-9 All Over 60. Comprising Alex Gosman, Trevor Jacobs, Peter Clarke, Steven Meredith and Nathan Carroll, the vastly experienced quintet turned back the clock in more ways than one to stage an exhibition of Triple-Tri team brilliance with their consummate 11:18:25.

The tightest competition is often in the Open Teams of 4-9. The all-conquering “Under The Radar” of previous years evolved from a Mixed ensemble to a formidable Open Team of 4-9, this year acknowledging their status as very much “On The Radar”. Fielding Jarrod Lee, Matt McAuliffe, Reuben Caley, David Allen, Jay Vine – who equalled Dylan Cooper’s record of 1:22:32 for the 2nd mountain bike leg – Jasen Higuchi, Emma Gillingham, Dave Medlock and Craig Benson, the team was unstoppable. Their only real competition was with the organising crew who scrambled to get transitions set up in advance of their lightning advance – in the case of the transition from swim to bike at the end of the Lake Tuggeranong swim, “On The Radar” were victorious! Their winning time of 8:21:08 was one of the fastest ever recorded and over half an hour ahead of another superb combination of “Massage One ACT” in 2nd place with 8:52:58, comprising Conor Sproule, Dylan Cooper, Trent Dawson, Corey Bacon, Michelle Cooper, Scott Imhoff, Wayne Corlis, Ed Hall and Nuru Somi (who blitzed the final run leg in 49:05). 3rd place in this category was taken by the stalwart Goulburn set-up of “Giant 440 Woodies #4 Pete”, featuring Rodney Smith, Rodney McWhirter, Jaemin Frazer, Andrew Dawes, Andrew Oberg, Kerry Baxter, Lori McWhirter, Michael Beard and Stefan Hese.

“The Buzz Lightyears” also hailed from Goulburn, recruiting Terry Withers, Kerry Baxter, Craig Johnson, Mark Stutchbury, Rodney Smith and Andrew Dawes to take out the Open Teams of 4-9 All Over 50. People have been members of two different teams in the past. Yet Kerry Baxter, Andrew Dawes and Rodney Smith created history today by all three of them representing two teams, where both their teams won podium positions in two different categories.

“Ladies Who Tri” brought together Lauren Hendricks, Elizabeth Mutton, Aoife Connors, Aoife Farmer (that’s right – two Aoifes in the same team!), Justine Kennedy, Lee Steel, Rosie Staude, Nicole Bruce and Thea Chesterfield to take out the All-Female Teams of 4-9 in 12:11:58.

Yet they were not the only All-Female team – just the only one under 50! “Three Squared FIT” came to the starting line with Rosemary and Belinda Robinson, Robyn McLelland, Andrea Teunissen, Elizabeth Lowe, Geraldine Cusack, Leanne Tennant, Maryann Simpson and Julie Delandro – all over 50 and out to conquer the course which they duly did, in 14:21:46. “One Foot Out of the Grave” took this age thing even further, boasting an All-Female Team of 4-9 All Over 60 (with two of them over 70!), to win their unique category in 14:54:53. A mighty congratulations and deep bow to Nerida Clarke, Rae Palmer, Carol Baird, Brenda Day, Connie Clement, Cathie Sims, Margaret Hadfield, Ann Ingwersen and Cathy Montalto!!

One of the youngest teams in the field, yet already Triple-Tri veterans, “KAOS” shone in taking out the main prize in the Mixed Teams of 4-9 in a superlative time of 10:15:36. Cassia and Saul Cunningham, Corey and Ryan Smith, Ella, Zoe and Paul Cuthbert, along with Adrienne Nicotra were awesome. a perilously close 2nd place was claimed by “Herding Cats” in 10:17:41, a team with probably more combined Triple-Tri finishes than any other with Iain Addinell, Rod Higgins, Vanessa Haverd, Rachel Meyer, Simon Tilley, Allison Campbell, Mark French, Julia Graczyk and John Fleming. The podium was completed by “Resultz Racing” – Anna Reynhout, James Allen, John McPherson, Siobhan Palmer, Kieran Denny, Matt Shadwell, Eva Ellmer, Andrew Reed and Rob Mulfird breasting the tape in 11:08:21.

The unofficial “Best Team Name” award this year goes to “Triple Tripass”. Honourable mention to “Wacky Waving Inflatable Flailing Arm Tube People” – for no succinct reason.

Heartfelt congratulations and thanks to all who participated either solo, in a team or as a helper, friend or supporter on this thrilling day.

Our sincere gratitude for your tireless service to Gai Webster, Technical Official from Triathlon ACT; Craig Johns also from Triathlon ACT; to John Birch and his team from Canberra Canoe Club; to Chris Ablett and Jonathan Muller of YMCA Sailing Club; to Emma of Lake Ginninderra Sea Scouts; to Connie Chan of Hammer Nutrition; to Mike Corrigan, Pat Siciliano and Cathy Pine of Sports Medicine ACT; to volunteer course marshals Nic Bendeli, Geoff Barker, Beverley Jende, Paul Mahoney, Kent Forster, Carinna Tong, Sue and Norm Brennan; to the course sweepers Jean Douglass, Tim Burns, Paul Cuthbert, Peter Lockey and Richelle Turner; to the staff of My Rainbow-Dreams vegetarian cafe; and to members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team of Mongolia, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Torquay and Canberra.

See you next year for the 21st!