Race Photos

As day follows night and the flower blossoms from the bud, so another year of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series comes to a close, with a lovely run around The Bay at Iron Cove of 14km, 7km and 4km.

Stand-out performance in the 14km race came from Raewyn Harlock, racing in the Women 50-59 category, whose 56:25 not only led home all the women and all the men 50-59, but came in 5th outright. Amy Gumley took out the Women Under 50s with 58:01 from Kaye Johnson (1:00:52) and Elizabeth Pittaway (1:04:10).

Gary Mullins ran with a small pack through the first half of the race before breaking away in the second lap to finish in 51:11 from Anthony Alston (51:20) and Pete Conway (51:57). Victor Correa once again took the honours in the Men 50-59 with an excellent 56:33; with John Hoffman taking out the Men 60-69s in 1:08:27.

16-year-old Hamish Wallace continued his dominance in recent Sri Chinmoy events with a stellar run in the one-lap 7km race of 23:37, from Daniel Watchorn (25:52) who just out-ran Vincent Touchard (25:54). Alistair Watchorn ran well in 29:40 to take out the Men 50-59 category; with Ric Giddins winning the Men 60-69 in 31:32; and Edward McMaster the Men 70 and Over in 52:39.

Isabelle Crouche was the stand-out runner in the women's race, winning in 27:04 from Sophie Handsaker (27:56) and Annabel Hickey (28:26). In the Women 50-59, first place went to Monica McNamara (33:23); while her namesake Sue McNamara (36:33) took out the Women 60-69, only 10 seconds behind.

The 4km race saw an almost-dead-heart between Boys Under 17 runners and twins, Luke and Jayden Schofield, crossing the line together in 13:55. Angus Beer ran a fine 14:24 to take out the Boys Under 13s from Ned Denton (16:53) and James Smith (17:23). William Yang's 15:40 set the mark for the Men 17 and Over.

In the Girls Under 13s, Renee Lewis ran 16:41 to take first place from Isabella Mardini (17:20) and Hannah Woolf (21:50). Milly Denton meanwhile took out the Girls Under 17s in 17:52 from Sraah Durante (19:40 ) and Louisa Grundy (22:50); while Kirsten Todd won the Female 17 and Overs in 21:02.

Full results by category are published, along with a photo album from around the course.

The Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series will return in the New Year, with more of the same favourites and a few new venues offering a rich menu of varied challenges for Sydney runners in 2014.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, Sunday 8 June 2025, full results by category 118.93 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km race, Sunday 8 June 2025, full results by category 92.07 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km race, Sunday 8 June 2025, full results by category 65.24 KB

Photo album coming soon...

It didn’t rain, and it wasn’t too hot or cold – but gosh was it windy! The biggest foe of fast times turned up in full force this morning, with 70km gusts buffeting runners all around the 7km loop course. The wind didn’t deter the largest field to assemble for a Half-Marathon at a Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove event this decade, in an encouraging sign of the continuation of Sydneysiders’ rediscovered love of running.

A cheerful cohort of Japanese runners not only provided wonderful atmosphere and tremendous support – they backed up their cheering with fantastic performances to fill several of the podium placings across various categories.

Matthew Gibson lasted strongest in the men’s Half-Marathon field to record an impressive win of 1:14:45, ahead of Timothy Broxup with 1:17:08 and Craig Gilbertson’s 1:17:35. In the Male 50-59, it was Paul Davis who took the win with his front-running 1:22:56, from Akira Suzuki’s 1:26:19 and Soonchul Shin with 1:26:37; while Benito Setoue took out the M60-69 with 1:58:18.

The women’s Half-Marathon saw Caroline Chong run a superbly controlled 1:28:43 to win the race, with Jo Franklin (1:30:57) and Madeleine Hoff (1:32:01) filing the podium placings of 2nd and 3rd. 4th and 5th places among all the women belonged to superb runs from the winner and runner-up of the F50-59 category – Britt Welander clocking an amazing (in the conditions) 1:33:37, from the impressive Sara Stace with 1:34:21. Meanwhile in the F60-69, Teresa Setoue placed 1st with 2:11:07.

The one-lap 7km race saw David Kennedy (24:52) hold off Michael Norris (25:26) and teenager Charlie Naughton (25:42) for a convincing win. David Winning was fastest among the M50-59 with 28:46, from Martin Richards’ 29:18. However the star of the race was new inductee to the M60-69 category, Richard Sarkies, who ran a phenomenal new course record 27:34, to sit alongside his still-standing M50-59 record – a full 5 minutes ahead of his nearest rival in the M60-69, Tetsundo Kato with 32:38. Brian Rayburn took out the M70+ in a more-than-respectable 42:19.

The women’s 7km race was well won by Kaori Hirakawa with 29:46 on the clock, ahead of Valeria Angulo with 31:00 and Corinne Buchan who ran 31:16. Roisin Boyle took out the F60-69 with a fantastic 33:03, with Rits Ikeda not far adrift with 34:31. Merrily O’Donnell meanwhile won the F70+ with 48:31, only 20 seconds ahead of Jill Farrer’s 48:52.

The 4km race saw Boys Under 13 winner Tobias Farruggio first outright with 17:08, with next place taken by Girls Under 13 winner, Emma Felsman’s 18:00 (ahead of her dad, Marcus Felsman, 1st in the M17+ with 18:39). Carmen Ogilvie took out the F17+ with 22:16.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, Sunday 6 April 2025, full results by category 88.79 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km Run, Sunday 6 April 2025, full results by category 84.68 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km Run, Sunday 6 April 2025, full results by category 62.98 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

With some other large races this morning occupying a good number of Sydney’s runners, there was no crushing crowd to contend with at registration, or around the course – no jostling at the start line or elbowing around the bends. The overall atmosphere was civil and polite, even restrained – apart from the front runners in each distance of course, who posted some exceptional times.

The outstanding performance in the Half-Marathon came at the top end of the age groups, with bounding Korean runner Tae Bong Kang posting a new course record in the Male 70 and Over with a superb showing of 1:42:24. Tetsundo Kato took out the M60-69s with his 1:58:22; while Lucas Chang came out on top of the M50-59 with a fine run of 1:34:01, ahead of Jeremy Smith in 1:37:16 and Mark Tisdale with 1:40:20.

James Costello led from the outset and was never challenged, winning the race outright by over 5 minutes in 1:23:40, from Jonathan Nesher’s 1:29:01 and Oli Allin with 1:29:42.

The women’s race was won from the F50-59 category with a superb performance from Britt Wielander of 1:35:05, over 6 minutes ahead of the winner of the Female Under 50s, Bronwyn Lee who won her category in 1:41:25, from Katie Bradley’s 1:45:37 and Madeline Greenhill with 1:56:40. The other podium placings in the F50-59 were taken by Michelle Fitzpatrick with 1:59:34 and Nadene Serman in 2:04:36. Teresa Setoue took out the F60-69s with her 2:20:58.

Already owning course records in the Half-Marathon at this event for both the F50-59 and F60-69 categories, the amazing Raewyn Harlock had a shot today at the shorter 7km distance, and duly broke a 12-year-old record with her fleet of foot 33:36, finishing right up among the leaders in all categories. Francis Bowman took out the Female 70 and Over in 54:51, and Cathie Sherrington the F50-59 in 44:27. The only two female runners to come in ahead of Raewyn were the Under 50s winner, Corinne Buchan in 33:01 and 2nd placed Valeria Angulo with 33:12. 3rd placing went to Rebecca Dracup with her 35:50.

The men’s 7km was a race against the clock for Oliver Barden who had only himself for company as be blitzed the one-lap course in 26:46. Chris Vallely led the rest of the field with a fine 29:28, from Ben Hanley in 30:49. David Carson, in the M50-59s, took the category’s main prize with 32:06; Kieron Blackmore claimed the glory in the M60-69 with 32:36; while John Bowman was best for the 70 and Over men with 47:07.

In the 4km race, it was Thomas Berg who showed the field his clean pair of heels, winning with a rapid 14:59 to take the Boys Under 17 and the race outright. Michael Kovacs won the Male 17 and Over cohort. Emma Felsman ran a superb race from the Girls Under 13s, winning in 17:50; while Alisa Lai took home the top prize in the Female 17 and Over with 18:04.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Marathon, Sunday 3 November 2024, full results by category 80.21 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Half-Marathon, Sunday 3 November 2024, full results by category 107.33 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 10km trail run, Sunday 3 November 2024, full results by category 91.43 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 5km trail run, Sunday 3 November 2024, full results by category 71.95 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Many insisted that last year’s (2023) Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park trail races were held in the best conditions ever. That is, until this year (2024)…

Superlatives were being bandied about amongst the timing crew at the finish line this morning, yet none came close to capturing the quintessence of perfection embodied in the rare alignment of the locale, weather (agreeable humidity, pleasing temperature, friendly percentage of cloud and foliage cover, slightness of breeze, optimum oxygen and negative ion quotient), season, occasion, purpose and outcome – a happy harmony of outer beauty and inner opportunity – for it is one thing to be blessed with perfect conditions, and quite another for such a large group of diverse people to so perfectly harvest the manifold bounty of those perfect conditions.

That this would be a special, memorable day was confirmed by the first 2 runners across the finish line – Oliver Fyfe broke his own record from last year by running 19:56 to win the Boys Under 13s in the 5km race, finishing behind only Xavier Brown, who won the Boys Under 17 (and the race outright) with a new BU17 record time 19:37.

Emma Felsman ran with all her heart to win the Girls Under 13 (and the female race outright) with a wonderful run of 24:50; while Rada Mulhere won the Female 17 and Over in 28:07; and Aleix Vazquez took the Male 17 and Over with 22:52.

The best performance in the 10km race was offered by Adelaine Ho, who split the 1st and 2nd placed males with her winning 44:29, just behind Justin Verus’ outright win of 44:18, and edging out 2nd male Luke Carey’s 44:30. John Hayes was fastest in the M50-59 with 50:54, though overshadowed by the faster M60-69 category, where Michael Wilding with 47:26 had his work cut out to hold off 2nd placed Kieron Blackmore with 47:42.

Behind Adelaine in the women’s race, Esther Au was next with 49:24, with Corinne Buchan taking 3rd in 52:50. Michele Leeming took 1st place in the F50-59 with 53:44 ahead of a close finish for 2nd and 3rd between Jakki Agostino (55:09) and Louise Brewer (55:12). Joan Feeney was just behind these ladies, winning the F60-69 with an impressive 55:25; while Mieke Masselos again shone in the F70+ with her 1:07:21.

By far the most popular distance today proved to be the Half-Marathon, and why not? The 10km and 5km runners only saw and enjoyed portions of the delightful Lady Carrington Dr, while the Half-Marathoners got to savour its full distance and glory – and met with all the drink station attendants along the way – in both directions.

Peter Richardson (1:24:30) held off 2nd placed Christopher Winterbourne (1:24:46), with Claudio Matoso completing the podium placings with 1:29:31. Meanwhile, Stephen Barlow had taken out 1st M50-59 with an swift 1:27:19. Geoff Barnes was fastest among the M60-69 in running a super 1:37:31, while Ian Garrett took out the M70+ with 2:20:31.

Em O’Sullivan won the women’s race comfortably, her 1:30:37 placing her 6th outright in a dominant display. Emma Overmyer (1:46:23) and Kathy Costa (1:47:38) were much closer in the race for 2nd and 3rd placings. Nadine Serman led a close field in the F50-59 category, her 2:00:02 good enough to keep her ahead of the chasing pack of Donna-Leigh Jackson (2:00:32), Kathy Johnsun (2:00:41), Bron Evans (2:01:01) and Belinda Louey (2:01:44). Pamela Blaikie won the F60-69 with her excellent showing of 2:22:19.

The marathon runners made the most of everything – their trip to Royal National Park, Nature’s beauty, the provisions of the drinks stations and their own capacity to enjoy, to push, to struggle, to suffer, to surmount and to triumph.

Luke Jeffrey looked the most composed of all the field, his calm demeanour belying his winning time of 3:07:32. Next home was M50-59 winner, Akira Suzuki with 3:20:40. Then another Male Under 50, Jason Hweeler, with 3:23:11, followed by another two M50-59 runners, Soonchul Shin with 3:23:40 and Sung Hun Lee’s 3:28:29. Jianwei Liu took 3rd place Male Under 50 with 3:29:58. Leon Barnard was 1st home in the M60-69 with 43:14:40; while Rod Rainey established a new Male 70 and Over course record with his fine run of 5:03:45.

Susan Marshall won the women’s race with 3:48:54, from Akiko Akashi with 4:05:32 and Ellie Wiseman ’s 4:41:45; while Hiroko Vasilas ran 4:18:01 to take out the F50-59 category, from Yvonne Richards’ 4:21:02 and Margriet Wooldridge with 4:49:57.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Half-Marathon, Sunday 7 July 2024, full results by category 117.55 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 10km run, Sunday 7 July 2024, full results by category 96.74 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 5km race, Sunday 7 July 2024, full results by category 67.23 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

The largest turnout for a Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point event in several years, saw 299 finishers under glowering skies which threatened rain but produced the merest sprinkle. Many agreed the conditions were near-ideal for running, a verdict confirmed by Captain Cook Bridge at one point wearing a lovely rainbow like a halo.

Gratitude to all volunteers who cheered runners, marshaled, ran drinks stations, timed finishers and flipped a never-ending mini-mountain of pancakes. Your selfless efforts complemented the mighty exertions of all runners – fast, less fast and least fast – combining for a wonderful morning of glowing, wholehearted achievement.

A few outstanding course records fell in today’s Half-Marathon:

* Britt Welander smashed an 11-year record, taking 10 minutes off the Female 50-59 best time with her phenomenal run of 1:36:46;
* Rob Ellis, likewise gave the Male 70 and Over record a serious overhaul, with his fine outing of 1:48:11.

The win of the day belonged to the blazing, amazing Christina McGrath, whose 1:24:09 earned her 3rd outright in the Half-Marathon, winning the women’s race by over 12 minutes. As Christina crossed the finish line, her nearest rival, 2nd placed Sara Stace, still had close to 3km to run. Sara finished in 1:36:18, ahead of 3rd Lyndsey Fitz-Gerald’s 1:37:33. In the F50-59s, Shannon Whiteley deserves a special mention for also bettering the previous course record with her 2nd place 1:41:53; while Pamela Blaikie took out the F60-69 with 2:18:29.

Up ahead, Josh Wooldridge ran his own race with only the lead bike for company, he he steadily increased his gap on the field to over 7 minutes, winning the men’s Half-Marathon in an fine 1:15:18. 2nd placed Luke Jeffrey returned 1:22:44, with Ryan McKernan’s 1:30:43 good for 3rd in the Male Under 50s. Nevertheless, the M50s placed 3rd and 4th among all the men, with Akira Suzuki’s scintillating 1:27:32 taking this category, just ahead of Adam Stroud with 1:27:42 and Jeremy Smith following in 1:30:51. The M60-69s also saw an impressive win from Scott Norrington in 1:34:52, ahead of Tetsundo Kato’s 1:46:43; also worth noting is the record field in the Male 70+ division, with 5 finishers in the Half-Marathon.

Perhaps a sign or two along the northern reach of the course were removed or turned around during the race, resulting in a portion of the 10km field veering right instead of left at a critical fork in the route, hence overshooting the turnaround point and running an additional 300 metres each way, thus slowing some of the times in this distance.

Matt Derrick was an impressive winner of the men’s 10km race, clocking 35:02 for the full loop, ahead of Eoghan O’Leary’s 36:57 and Felix Compagnon with 37:30. Dan Condon took out the M50-59s in 48:06; Grant Alexander Nicholls was best among the M60-69 in 50:06; while David Iverarch won the M70+ category with his 54:06.

The 10km women’s race was won by Olivia Ghisoni with her impressive 39:14, a full 5 minutes ahead of her chasers, 2nd placed Khadija Noujoum in 44:28 and Sarah Whitley with 46:56. Roisin Boyle took out the F50-59’s with her 50:09; while Doris Mitchell won the F60-69 in 1:05:28; and Mieke Masselos the F70+ with 57:49.

Nathan Breen showed a clean pair of heels to the 5km field as he breezed around the course in 20:53 to take the overall win and 1st place in the Male 17 and Over. Next home was the leading Girl Under 13, Emma Feldman in an impressive 24:08, just ahead of her dad Marcus in 24:13. Kyle Barden took out the Boys under 13s with his 25:04, just ahead of 2nd placed Girls Under 13, Emma Kennedy in 25:09, who also beat her dad Andrew’s 25:12; while Alice Burney was the quickest among the Female 17 and Over with 26:00.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, Sunday 9 June 2024, full results by category 122.48 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, Sunday 9 June 2024, full results by category 92.19 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, Sunday 9 June 2024, full results by category 72.12 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Every race has its runners and its volunteers, and for each, it is a full-on commitment…

The Half-Marathon started and the race began – for those wearing numbers, to get home fastest: for those wearing gloves, to fill enough water cups for oncoming runners.

When the 4km runners departed, the drama commenced – for those moving swiftly, of suffering and success; for those standing still, to make sure entries were accurately processed and placegetters would be correctly named.

The 7km started and the battle began – for those cantering, a tussle for the podium: for those catering, a bluster of wind vs barbecue, cold air coming from the harbour thieving the flames needed to make over a thousand pancakes.

On this clear, sunny morning, all races were run and won; all dramas played and resolved; all battles concluded victorious.

With Sydney’s burgeoning running boom, the largest field in over a decade enjoyed this Iron Cove classic – and with it, new superstars.

Christine McGrath in the Under 50 women’s Half-Marathon ran a new record 1:23:51; and Eliza Smith in the Girls Under 17 4km, set a new bar at 15:55.

Congratulations one, congratulations all!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, Monday 1 April 2024, full results by category 97.7 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km race, Monday 1 April 2024, full results by category 90.72 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km run, Monday 1 April 2024, full results by category 76.47 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

During the pre-dawn set-up, a scant layer of mist hung coyly over McKay Sportsground, only nominally masking the brazen glory of the impending morning. There have been soggy, sodden races at Centennial Park, and others dry and thirsty: today was postcard perfect, with every needle on the dial pointing to optimum.

In the feature event of the day, Craig Gilbertson ran a controlled race to claim the outright win in 1:25:00, from John McCormack in 1:26:31 and Ryan Beattie with 1:27:58. Bianca Pietrass-Wong took out the women’s race, clocking 1:42:37, from Wenying Zhou with 1:47:09 and Allison Lemar in 1:48:08. In the F50-59, it was Brigitte Jefferson winning with 1:46:38 from Margriet Wooldridge’s 1:53:00 and Annabel Hepworth’s 2:13:51; while on the men’s side, Steve Johnston claimed first M50-59 in 1:34:46 from Jeremy Smith with 1:35:47 and Michael Power in 1:42:02. Kieron Blackmore won the M60-69 convincingly with 1:44:07, from Steve Kibble’s 2:07:00; and Pamela Blaikie took home the F60-69 prize in 2:32:07. Ben Dall’Amico won the M70+ with 2:47:48.

James Icanovski and Olivia Ghisoni led the men’s and women’s 7km races from the start, and were both never challenged: Olivia winning in 27:59 and claiming 3rd overall in the race; while James won the race outright in 25:31. 2nd Male Under 50 was Chris Vallely in 27:50, from Anthony Lobo’s 29:39.

David Carson was fastest amongst M50-59 today in 31:08, from Ben Corkill’s 31:42 and Aaron Francey with 32:56. The M60-69 category saw Marc Jarman triumph with 49:12, not far ahead of Hugh Langshaw’s 49:31; while Rob Ellis took out the M70+ with a fine effort of 34:27.

Meanwhile, 2nd place in the women’s race went to Georgina Pembroke with 29:43, from 3rd placed Madeline Playford’s 32:59. Roisin Boyle returned to her winning ways in the F50-59 with a fine 34:15, from Zoe Melling in 37:49 and Anne Conlon with 44:19. Carolyn Hinds took out the F60-69 with 51:31; and the flying Mieke Masselos won the F70+ with 44:23.

In the 4km race, Olivia Boulton won the Girls Under 13s with her excellent 16:48; Gabi Sukh took out the Girls Under 17s in 21:38; while Jane Kagotich-Parish was first among the Female 17 and Over with 17:56. First place in the Boys Under 13 saw Julius Dyer with 17:07; Sol Martinez claimed the Boys Under 17 crown as well as winning the race outright with a fleet-of-foot 14:41; while Andrew Dyer won the Male 17 and Over in 17:13.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Trail Marathon, Sunday 19 November 2023, full results by category 81.94 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Trail Half-Marathon, Sunday 19 November 2023, full results by category 103.21 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 10km Trail Run, Sunday 19 November 2023, full results by category 90.09 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 5km Trail Run, Sunday 19 November 2023, full results by category 73.39 KB

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2023 final pointscore 126.46 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Due to works along the event route of Lady Carrington Drive, this race was forcibly postponed twice – from May, to July, and then to November. Though by accident, the first time this race has been staged outside of the Winter months, proved a happy and popular outcome. With more daylight hours enabling an earlier start, the shaded course protected from the full impact of the sun, the time spent upgrading the track surface proving very well worth the effort, runners were able to enjoy the full panoply of Nature at ease – constant quadraphonic birdsong amidst a cathedral of green, lyre birds skitting alongside the runners, even a diamond python sunning itself across the full length of the path.

Only rarely is the Marathon here run in under 3 hours, yet today race winner Luke Jeffrey (2:58:23) and 2nd placed Peter Richardson (2:59:09) both claimed that feat, while in the women’s Marathon, Sarah Hammer won in 3:35:46, from Fiona Mellink’s 3:48:01. Leanne McLaughlan took out the Female 50-59 with 4:39:27, and the redoubtable Jane Trumper, the F60-69 in 5:18:31. Jeremy Smith claimed the M50-59 with his 3:43:57, David Campbell won a tight race in the M60-69 in 4:07:07 from Leon Barnard’s 4:08:39; and the heroic Ray James took out the M70+ with 6:20:03.

Helena Hayes ran the race of the day, setting a new women’s record in the Half-Marathon of 1:28:58, placing her 9th outright. The Half-Marathon attracted the largest field and greatest depth, in speed, characters and diversity. Helena’s finished 6 and a half minutes clear of 2nd placed Georgina Beech in 1:35:17, with Monique Andrea claiming 3rd in 1:40:16. Nadine Sermon was fastest in the F50-59 with 2:02:30; while Jennifer Rankine took out the F60-69 in 2:30:31.

Jonah Newton won the men’s Half-Marathon in an excellent 1:20:55, from Ilya Levchenko’s 1:22:15, ahead of a bunch of 4 runners all within half a minute of each other – Chris Lightfoot, Jack Beckinsale, Dean McNamara and Keith Hong all clocking 1:23 and change. Steve Temmo won the M50-59 with 1:35:49; and Zhang Quang the M60-69 in 1:40:57.

Winning the 10km women’s race today in 47:11, saw Eileen Cantwell claim the overall Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series pointscore championship, having placed in the top 3 in all 5 races of the Series. Next home was Natasha Hammond in 49:56, ahead of Joanne Rolland’s 50:35. Jo Tornatore-Gallo won the F50-59 in 57:27; though Joan Feeney in the F60-69 was ahead in 56:13; and the irrepressible Mieke Masselos won the F70+ in 1:00:07, winning her 5th race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2023 and thus taking the 70+ crown with a perfect 50 pointscore.

Angus Pearson was the only runner home in under 40 minutes on the demanding 10km course, winning the men’s race in 39:49, from 2nd placed David Winning’s 43:18 and 3rd Chris Vallely with 43:47. Stephen Mitchell claimed the M50-59 main award with 52:12; though Stephen was eclipsed by Michael Wilding taking home the M60-69 prize in 47:02; while a stellar field 5 gentleman athletes tackled the M70+, with Rob Ellis winning in 49:36, completing his 4th win in as many starts in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series this year – though it was the consistent David Iverach who claimed the Series award, his 52:36 earning another 2nd placing today and with 5 races completed, enough points to hold off Rob in the pointscore championship.

Regan Burnett (M17+) won the 5km race in 20:21 – but he had a job to hold off the fast-finishing Oliver Fyfe, whose 20:36 eclipsed his own course record for Boys Under 13. Next home, Taylor Mulhere was also running in the Boys Under 13, ahead of Boys Under 17 winner Rafi Tudjman in 22:25.

The Girls Under 13 winner, Sybil Mulhere won the women’s race outright in 27:34, just ahead of F17+ winner and 2nd placegetter, Cailie Challenor (27:38) and Rada Mulhere (27:39).

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km, Sunday 5 November 2023, full results by category 75.13 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km, Sunday 5 November 2023, full results by category 79.59 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km, Sunday 5 November 2023, full results by category 56.01 KB

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2023 Pointscore, progress after race 5 110.78 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

“You’ve got to be in it, to win it.” The first prize along the way to the finish line, is the starting line!

There’s beauty everywhere, if you have the eye to see; and joy, with the heart to feel.

Hopefully all who chose to stay at home in preference to the bounteous beauty and joy of running at Iron Cove amidst a morning laden with atmosphere and sparkling with surprises, found other ways and means to enrich and fulfill themselves, for a record high number of “no-shows” might otherwise indicate some Sydney runners could be turning a bit soft, inclined towards a cozy cushion at the suggestion of rain.

Yes there was some rain – intermingled with so much else, like a recurring motif in a symphony of goodies. While a few showers certainly dampened the grass and emboldened some puddles along the way, they served not to close the door, but to fling it wide open to the deeper enjoyment and appreciation of the whole experience.

Special kudos to those wise souls who, having missed the online entry deadline, sallied forth under teeming clouds to enter on the morning, by which time a good drenching was a near certainty.

For all the winners, don’t just turn to the top few lines of the results – scan from top to bottom of each page, and offer a silent round of applause for each and every name, every rank itself a winner’s podium.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Half-Marathon, Sunday 9 July 2023, full results by category 88.38 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 10km run, Sunday 9 July 2023, full results by category 94.81 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 5km run, Sunday 9 July 2023, full results by category 68.53 KB

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2023 Pointscore, progress after race 4 103.56 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

This time one year ago, we were attempting to process and describe the worst conditions any of us had ever experienced at a running event. By contrast, the 2023 Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point races served up an occasion devoid of extremities, a middle-of-the-road event on a reasonably fine day (with moderate winds not reaching the levels forecast), witnessing a medium-sized field returning respectable times, with moderately enthusiastic participants and supporters enjoying quite good pancakes at the finish of it all. What a relief! Always on the look out for the sensational, the phenomenal, the extraordinary – there are times when we must appreciate the median, the average and the workaday, for such occasions provide the screen on which is projected life’s more vivid colours, the backdrop against which our more intense dramas are enacted. So, for today, let’s be grateful, and celebrate in polite, muted tones!

This is not to say that today was without its impressive peaks – 2 course records were eclipsed, many runners achieved personal bests including several first-time Half-Marathon finishers – congratulations to all! – AND the fried bananas atop the pancakes were an exceptional treat.

The 5km race saw a spectacular new Boys Under 13 course record set by the flying Xavier Zahra with his 18:36 placing 2nd overall behind Male 17 and Over winner, Dustin Litster’s 17:30. Melody Song was fastest of the Girls Under 13s with 29:07, while Alissa Barker took out the Female 17 and Over category in 23:46.

10km is one of the world’s standard favourite road racing distances, and this one provides the added challenge of the climb in both directions over the imposing Captain Cook Bridge. Mieke Masselos continued her record-shattering year with an impressive new course best in the Female 70 and Over category of 55:03. Doris Mitchell won the F60-69s with 58:34, and Rita Kazzi cruised home with the F50-59 main prize in 51:20. Winner of the women’s race in the Female Under 50 was Jessica Carroll, whose winning 42:00 saw her cross the line a full 2 and a half minutes clear of 2nd placed Eileen Cantwell’s 44:33, with Natasha Hammond taking 3rd in 45:19.

Meanwhile, Craig Gilbertson ran a similarly solo effort in the Men’s race to win the Male Under 50s by 2 minutes in 35:29, from Adam Reid’s 37:38 for 2nd, with Kevin Kuechler in 41:36 for 3rd. Dan Condon took out the M50-59s with 47:13; Grant Nicholls the M60-69 in 46:06; and a resurgent Rob Ellis the Male 70 and Over with a sharp 50:36.

The largest field of the morning toed the line for the longest distance, with 110 runners fronting for the 21.1km Half-Marathon. Martin Vu led from the get-go and never looked back, forging into the wind to set a shining example for the field with a fine 1:20:46, from Henry Brunskill’s 1:24:09, with Declan McNerney filling out the podium places in 1:28:37. Christine Wang played the same role to the women’s field, winning by a similar margin, her 1:36:12 victory coming ahead of Morgan Yuen’s 2nd-placed 1:40:08, and Jennifer Lowry, in 1:40:55 taking 3rd.

The M50-59 category boasted half the numbers of the Under 50 category, an extraordinary showing demonstrating running’s ever-increasing popularity with the so-called “veteran” age groups. Matthew Beech took the title in this cohort with 1:30:49 (placing him 4th outright), from Martin Cosby’s 1:33:39 and 3rd placed Jai Yet Yuen in 1:35:47. The F50-59 saw Shannon Whiteley take the win with a fine 1:46:39, from Bron Evans’ 1:53:18 and Barbara Hemingway in 3rd with 2:06:42. Gregory Leamon claimed the M60-69’s in 1:51:56.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, Sunday 11 June 2023, full results by category 96.5 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km race, Sunday 11 June 2023, full results by category 92.78 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km race, Sunday 11 June 2023, full results by category 72.39 KB

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2023 Pointscore, progress after race 3 90.88 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Musings from inside the race, from Susan Marshall, #230…

Of all the many steps we take during a race, the one we think of most while running is the one that takes us over the finish. Halfway through today’s half-marathon, my mind piped up with its tired yet constant measuring of how far that finish line was. It’s an old game: the inner squabble between the mind that begs us to let up, and something else – that calls us to run further and faster than before. This is the ironic joy and victory of overcoming the pain and quelling down your own cries of resistance.

We all have a way of whiling away the time while the body does its thing. Being conscious that this was the best thing I would do all day, I tried not to just wish it were over. Afterwards, settled and in a comfortable place, our mind returns to these so-called challenges, marveling in them, poring over the highs and lows, delighting in the joy of our own self-conquest and laughing at the revelation of our thoughts’ impermanence.

I reminded myself that when it was over, I would look back at each moment, searching each one for an experience of consciousness, awareness, hope, enthusiasm and happiness: inner qualities that begin to bloom in our efforts to go beyond. Qualities that would impress themselves onto my life, reshaping me. I opened myself to the experience, engaging with my love of running. I asked myself, why does it make me so happy? I tried to meditate, and become that part of myself that wants to do and grow, and throw itself into the pursuit of unknown experience, beyond what we have already seen and felt.

Self-transcendence brings the awareness of infinite possibility. Once we connect with its inspiration, our ego disappears in a vast and inviting necessity of what more we can become. The petty and mundane hardships of life seem inconsequential battles rendered irrelevant under the greater task of discovering and revealing the great domains of truth inside us. Perhaps this is a vastly overstated account of running round a cove. But just as one longed-for moment of crossing a finish line can inspire months of training, so a single moment within a race can embody the purpose of the pursuit.

…

After decades of Sri Chinmoy races at Iron Cove, race records are rare indeed – yet today uncorked several incredible record-breaking performances –

* Half-Marathon all-comers record: Brendan Fink, 1:12:39
* Half-Marathon, Female 70 and Over: Anne Elizabeth Boyd, 2:32:36
* Half-Marathon, Female 60-69: Raewyn Harlock, 1:41:52
* 7km, Female 70 and Over: Mieke Masselos, 38:08

Congratulations to all involved with this historic occasion.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, Sunday 2 April 2023, full results by category 83.64 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km race, Sunday 2 April 2023, full results by category 82.12 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km race, Sunday 2 April 2023, full results by category 69.76 KB

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2023 Pointscore, Race 1 74.95 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

PERFORMANCE 0F THE DAY – One of the most impressive achievements in all of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series up till now, has been Helen Stanger’s amazing Female 60-69 record for the Half-Marathon at Centennial Park, of 1:44:05 set back in 2012. Today, on a course which was part quagmire and heavy going at best, and with every other winning time in each category of all 3 races being well off record pace, Raewyn Harlock surpassed Helen’s record with an incredible run of 1:42:53 – and in the process, won the women’s Half-Marathon race outright, in itself an historical achievement. Just a week after Camille Herron’s trail-blazing new 48-hour World Record of 435 km in Canberra, Raewyn is similarly soaring to new heights on behalf of not only all women, but everyone who aspires to transcend their boundaries in any field, anywhere, at any age. Raewyn, your thrilling run today has inspired our deep respect, admiration, joy and awe – long may you continue!

On a morning which saw intermittent deluges from the early hours before first light peeped from behind further ominous blanketing banks of darkening rainy-stuff, it turns out that to reach the starting line proved to be a significant victory – with over one third of all entrants not arriving at that primary destination. Ironically, once the actual running started, the skies released barely a drop from their copious stores, holding back further blessings till the packing up was nearly done.

Hot on Raewyn Harlock’s heels, winner of the Female Under 50 race was a flying Nikki Tulliani with 1:43:12, just edging out Stephanie Bian’s 1:43:46, with Jilly Collins taking 3rd in 1:47:52. Susan While was best among the Female 50-59 with 2:13:30.

With the course passing the start/finish area twice each lap, spectators get 6 glimpses of the action over the 3 laps of the Half-Marathon, to follow the tussles for podium spots among the leaders, as well as numerous other contests unfolding throughout the field. The men’s race saw several changes up front, with Angus Pearson finally drawing away to win in an impressive 1:21:24, from Maurice Kelter of Ireland – who had come across the race by chance while on his morning run through the park, and entered at the last minute – with 1:22:30, sprinting to the line to hold off a charge from Craig Gilbertson who claimed 3rd a mere two seconds later, in 1:22:32.

Steve Temmo was 4th male home, and fastest among the Male 50-59s with 1:37:05, from Eddie Guo’s 1:40:15; Lars Lindvuist, running with his son Martin, took out the Male 60-69 category with a sterling run of 1:39:12; while the indefatigable Bob Fickel (175 Half-Marathons and 302 Marathons to his name) claimed the Male 70 and Over award with 2:49:41.

Chris Vallely took out the 7km men’s race in 29:08, though not too far ahead of the Male 50-59 winner, Shane Maundrell whose 29:38 stood him in 2nd place outright. Mark Bligh’s 32:09 to take out the Male 60-69 category also placed him in the top 5; while David Iverach took out the Male 70 and Over in 36:17, despite still recovering from Covid. Eileen Cantwell was in amongst the leading men home, to claim the premier women’s prize with 32:36; while Sha Zhu took out the Female 50-59 with 42:42; and Sally Warneford the Female 60-69 with 42:24; and Mieke Masselos the Female 70 and Over in 45:27.

The 4km race saw a close finish between Boys Under 13 1st place-getter and outright winner, Oliver Fyfe in 16:41, from Girls Under 13 winner, Eliza Smith (16:52). Eliza’s sister Ruby, running in the Girls Under 17s, was next in 18:31, ahead of Oliver’s brother George (18:35), with Terry Couchman coming next to claim 1st place in the Male 17 and Over category. Caroline Fyfle brought a third medal home for the family, with 1st place in the Female 17 and Over in 20:06.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 14km run, Sunday 16 October 2022, full results by category 78.7 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km run, Sunday 16 October 2022, full results by category 92.51 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km run, Sunday 16 October 2022, full results by category 71.26 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Centennial Park has many fine faces, virtues and attractions, yet today exhibited another remarkable capacity – its ability to recover from a sustained drenching. After all the rain dumped on Sydney, one might have anticipated the Park’s dirt tracks and trails to present as a soggy quagmire, yet its sandy soil demonstrated an amazing facility for drainage, presenting a mostly dry course under a glorious sunny sky.

It’s been a while since the last Sri Chinmoy 14km race at this venue, with this popular “C2S” distance proving a likeable middle ground between 10km and a Half-Marathon. Angus Pearson led from the start to take out today’s men’s race with a sterling 53:57, ahead of David Jenkins (55:13) and Craig Gilbertson’s 56:17. Brenan Liston was fastest in the M50-59 with 1:02:50; with Benito Setoue taking home the main M60-69 prize in 1:14:48. Erin Jones was a comfortable winner of the women’s 14km with her front-running 1:06:58, from 2nd placed Gemma Lysycia in 1:09:23 and Elizabeth Duggan in 3rd with 1:12:56. Fastest in the F50-59 was Avril Swan with 1:09:44.

The one-lap 7km event saw a thrilling exhibition race between two 14-year olds, with Thomas Poynton running from the front to claim an outstanding victory in 26:52 – though he was shadowed all the way by a flying Emily Rogers, who finished just 4 seconds adrift of an outright victory to win the women’s race in a flowing 26:56. Both finished well clear of their respective competitions: next home in the Male Under 50s was Nicholas Foale with 28:03, ahead of Chris Vallely in 29:42. Chasing Emily in the Female Under 50s saw Rochelle O’Connor take 2nd in 29:32, with Michaelle McAlen 3rd in 30:06. The evergreen Zoe Melling was fastest in the F50-59 with 34:30; while Sylvia Nichols took out the F60-69 in 41:12; and the amazing Helen Stanger staged an overdue return to Centennial Park to win the F70+ in 46:46. Robert Pearce was too good in the M50-59s with an impressive 30:01; while Kieron Blackmore showed his class in the M60-69 with a return of 31:44; just a few minutes ahead of the stylish David Iverach, 1st M70+ with 35:33.

Isabella Groves won the women’s 4km race and the Girls Under 17s with 22:45; while Genevieve McAdams took the Girls Under 13s in 30:50; and Krista Bednarz the Female 17 and Over with 28:24. Meanwhile Peter Groves took out the 4km men’s race in 15:32; ahead of Boys Under 17s winner, Felix Malcolm with 15:41; while Eddie Falkner won the Boys Under 13 in 22:12.

A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who came to help out this morning: without you these events simply could not happen!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, Sunday 25 September 2022, full results by category 84.71 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, Sunday 25 September 2022, full results by category 89.2 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, Sunday 25 September 2022, full results by category 67.64 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Pursuing the dawn, a creeping fog claimed Iron Cove, as though veiling the day’s prospects. Yet this mask held no mystery, for all apps foretold a sunny day – and a sunny day we would have. After months of incessant rain, Sydney stepped forward to show its Springtime finest.

Today’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon was notable for the performances of those just commencing, and those continuing long running careers. The male winner, Hayden Redfern, was participating in his first ever race, having taken up running only 3 months ago, and impressed all with a fine debut of 1:18:02, to win 4 minutes clear of the field. Katie Rogers, the women’s winner, was likewise running her first ever Half-Marathon, showing immense promise to win by a massive 18 minutes in a superb 1:27:48. Next home among the women were Sabina Rogers in 1:55:38, and Michelle Fitzpatrick with 1:56:38. The podium finishers in the men’s race after Harden, saw a close tussle between Darren Lake in 1:22:17 and Matt North with 1:22:23.

The stars came out and shone brightly at the upper end of the age categories today, with Anne Elizabeth Boyd establishing an inaugural F70+ course record of 2:36:38, just one week after running the Sydney Marathon. David Iverach holds most of his age group records for most courses of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series, but had never run the Half-Marathon distance at Iron Cove. He rectified that today, duly setting a new M70+ record of 1:52:37. The final finisher had also run the furthest distance – David Vuaghan started today’s Half-Marathon needing only 4km to complete his virtual “Around Australia” run which has taken him no less than 5 years to complete – and added a further 17km for good measure. That’s an amazing effort, David!

Kaye Johnson won the F50-59 category with a wonderful 1:43:52, and Razz Wilkins the F60-69s in 2:00:27. Jon Schol was fastest among the M50-59 in a slick 1:38:45, with Christopher Jones taking out the M60-69s in style with 1:44:28.

It seems that runners nowadays are staying fitter and runner faster, for longer. It has been a distinct trend in recent years, that course records for older age categories have been challenged and eclipsed more and more often, by significant margins. The one-lap 7km race, for those who enjoy speed or just like to be home early, saw outright wins to runners in more mature age categories.

Raewyn Harlock already owns the F50-59 record for this distance, and today stepped up to take the F60-69 course best time and win the women’s race outright with a simply stellar run of 30:42. She makes it look easy! Sophie Collett was impressive in winning the Female Under 50 category in 31:05, with the next two finishers representing the Female 50-59 category – Sachiko Spears winning her age group with 32:04 from Zoe Melling’s 33:00. Next were FU50’s Mayumi Jomkamsing’s 35:11 and Rebecca Karantonis in 35:25. The other standout performance in this distance was Kathy Stanley, claiming a fine new course record for Female 70 and Over of 47:35.

The men’s race saw a fine win from the Male 50-59 category to Greg Churchill with 26:49, ahead of 1st placed Male Under 50, Nicholas Foale in 27:54. Next was another in the M50-59, Trevor Thomas with 28:00, then Ian Tattersall’s 28:26 and David Winning’s 28:33 in the MU50. Andrew Panos took out the M60-69 with 43:32, and Brian Rayburn the M70+ in a princely 38:31.

Louise Graham was in a class of her own in the 4km “sprint” race to run away in a new course record time of 15:31, from the Female 70 and Over category. Next home was Boys Under 13s winner, Oliver Fyfe with a fine 16:52. Yuya Sugiyama took the Male 17 and Over in 20:43, with Emma Sugiyama taking out the Girls Under 13 in 21:00, and Isabella Vincent Delgado, the Girls Under 17 with 22:02.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Half-Marathon, Sunday 10 July 2022, full results by category 72.2 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 10km Run, Sunday 10 July 2022, full results by category 83.3 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 5km Run, Sunday 10 July 2022, full results by category 60.78 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Torrential, sometimes horizontal rain – sunshine peeping through patches of blue – furious, maniacal wind – a glorious double rainbow crowning Botany Bay – helpers drenched as water rats – and through it all, the poise, perseverance and grace of a select band of runner-warriors, striding, plodding, pushing through each and every obstacle to the goal. It felt like an action movie where the car chases, fight scenes and daredevil stunts just keep rolling, one after the other, over the top. No course records fell, no news crews attended – yet no-one who participated will ever forget this extraordinary morning, exemplifying the Spirit of the Runner.

This time, we won’t single out anyone for special mention, for every single participant – runner, helper, server and spectator – was a winner simply by attending, daring to step forward to the start line, and facing down whatever was thrown at us.

Congratulations and respect to one and all. Cherish this day, take strength and inspiration from it, and draw on it, for there will always be more to come…

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Trail Marathon, Sunday 8 May 2022, full results by category 77.37 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Trail Half-Marathon, Sunday 8 May 2022, full results by category 81.37 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 10km Trail Run, Sunday 8 May 2022, full results by category 82.01 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 5km Trail Run, Sunday 8 May 2022, full results by category 62.91 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

The Royal National Park is an ideal locale to appreciate the beauty and splendour of Nature. Running is the ideal way to imbibe and assimilate the power and sweetness of Nature. Racing in such an environment nourishes us integrally on all levels of our being, in the process drawing us inexorably closer to each other and to our inner selves: a shared celebration of the best in us all. So, under a benign forest canopy framed within a greater canopy of radiant blue, today was bound to be special.

Bringing together extraordinary people from all corners and walks of life, the running community is a wonderful family of mutual appreciation and support. One of the earliest to arrive on the scene in the pitch dark this morning to help register everyone and get the ball rolling, Annabel Hepworth is a 4-time Australian Ultra-Runner of the Year, fresh from another world-class performance in the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 6-Day Race in New York a few weeks ago. All who recognised Annabel eagerly serving up pancakes for hours post-race were at once in awe and appreciation of the dauntless enthusiasm and charming humility of a true champion. In praising Annabel, we appreciate the epitome of each and every volunteer, organiser, supporter and spectator who offer their all for the simple reason – they love to. Always, we receive more than we give.

It’s never a bad idea to go for a run in the bush. That was the philosophy informing one of Sydney’s foremost running clubs – “Billy’s Bushies” – back in the day, who would enjoy much for their running and training in and around Royal National Park. So it was especially pleasing to see Billy himself – William Hick, no less – front up to vigorously walk today’s 5km along the ever-delightful Lady Carrington Drive. Billy would have been proud also of another one of his early local members, Bob Fickel, who today completed his 297th marathon, with no sign of letting up any time soon.

Months of rainfall have left the track sodden in places, making the going a little more challenging today, though you wouldn’t have known that from the beaming, satisfied smiles around the pancake table. Congratulations to all who completed their first marathon, or their 297th, or anywhere in between, and to all who finished their respective Half-Marathons, 10km and 5km outings. Even the most-used cliché sometimes proves true, and so it was today: everyone was a winner.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km, Sunday 12 December 2021, full results by category 81.7 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km, Sunday 12 December 2021, full results by category 89.11 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km, Sunday 12 December 2021, full results by category 67.3 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Standout performer of the day: having entered a new age category of F60-69, Raewyn Harlock took the opportunity to claim the F60-69 record for the 14km to add to her still-standing F50-59 course records for the 7km, 14km and Half-Marathon over the same course – so she now holds 4 course records for this one event!

Other course records to tumble today came from David Riches, whose slick 28:05 set a new best time for M60-69 in the 7km race (and who also owns the M50-59 record for the 14km race, from 6 years ago); and Kerry Bray’s 48:10 establishing a new benchmark time for the F70 and Over, also in the 7km distance.

Samuel Morse led the 14km race from the outset and never looked back, to claim the win with an impressive 53:41, from the pair of Joseph Thomas with 54:13 and David Paterson in 54:20. Mike Turner was next home in 54:29, leading the field for the M50-59 (and 3rd outright). Ben Dall,äôamico took out the M70 and Over with 1:23:34 (surprisingly there were no entrants in the M60-69 in the 14km race today).

The women’s 14km event was won by Georgina Beech with 1:00:39, from Sarah Whitley’s 1:01:56 and Melanie Shields with 1:04:11. Josie Ryan was fastest among the F50-59 with 1:27:57; while Raewyn Harlock stood alone in the F60-69 as the only contestant, yet still ran faster than any from her age group have covered this course before.

Michael Abiwahab was strong and stylish in winning the men’s 7km one-lap race in 26:25, ahead of the fast-finishing pair of Chaturanga Jayalathge with 27:19 and Leon Goh in 27:21. Greg Chruchall took out the M50-59 in 26:48; David Riches won the M60-69 (and was 2nd fastest in the M50-59) with a record 28:05; and Peter Allen claimed the top award in the M70 and Over with 47:41.

Ruth Thomas was fastest today among the women 7km contestants, taking the top podium placing with 28:24, holding off Mel Selby’s 28:49 and Rochelle O’Connor with 29:16. Rosheen Boyle was the quickest in the F50-59 with 33:16; Joan Feeney stood first in the F60-69 with 35:42; and Kerry Bray claimed another course record for the F70 and Over with 48:10.

Isac Churchall was fastest finisher in the 4km race, winning the Boys Under 17 in 16:58, ahead of 1st Boy Under 13, Oliver Fyfe in 17:36, towing his father Angus Fyfe who was the only contestant today in the Male 17 and Over, with 17:38. Freya Ingwersen won the Girls Under 13 with 20:37; coming just after the 1st Female 17 and Over runner Laura Heaney, who took the main prize in her division with 20:24.

Our thanks to all helpers – especially to Albert Ho and to Penny and Stephen Redfern for their wholehearted and cheerful service throughout the morning.

Merry Christmas and a truly Happy New Year to all!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, Sunday 13 June 2021, full results by category 97.77 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, Sunday 13 June 2021, full results by category 89.21 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, Sunday 13 June 2021, full results by category 67.31 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

It is said that one can never have too much of a good thing. In the case of running around Iron Cove, this adage certainly holds true. No matter what the conditions, in this inner city haven there is always beauty to behold, happiness to inhale and valour to savour. The course presents a passing pedestrian parade, a murmuring hum of contemporary humanity, from ambled conspiratorial gossip to aspiring elite athleticism. In amongst it all, each of us fits perfectly with our own gifts, goals, dreams and daily dramas. The Bay Run is so special, because we are The Bay Run.

Is it because the pancakes are not on offer in these times that overall participation numbers were slender today? In any case, the field was more intimate than usual, enabling a broader spectrum of contenders to claim prizes and glory. Congratulations to all who turned up and played your part, no matter what the distance!

The 3-lap Half-Marathon saw a breakaway run from James Costello, who early on realised he would be running solo and took up the mantle with a stylish showing of 1:16:59, with a chasing pack including Nero Zhang (1:18:04) and Michael Mangili-Vincent (1:18:28). Richard Sarkies ran a heroic race in the Male 50-59 to claim 6th outright with 1:21:23, well ahead of his rivals Eddie Guo (1:29:41) and Wai-Yat Yuen (1:35:24). Gregory Leamon took out the M60-69 with 1:45:17; and Ben Dallamico the M 70 and Over in 2:15:06.

Jemima Bissett led home the women’s field with an impressive 1:38:04, ahead of Morgan Yuen’s 1:39:27, just edging out Phoebe Fear with 1:39:30. Lily Iamundi won the F50-59 with 2:00:19 from Barbara Hemingway’s 2:01:06; though both trailed the impressive June Southwell, who took home the F60-69 main prize in 1:52:26.

Thomas Virgona was a stand-out winner in the 7km men’s race, leading from the outset to finish with a huge lead in 23:14 (just 16 seconds outside the course record), from Joe Ghilks’ 25:52 and Eamon Bullock in 27:33. Lorenzo Modesto was first home in the M50-59 with 26:01, from Philip Balnave (27:18) and Bruce Burns (27:58); while Jimmy Owens stood first in the M60-69 with 33:51 from Christ Webster’s 34:58; and Derek Bolton took his category of M70 and Over with an impressive 37:01.

The women’s 7km race saw a fine win to Rosheen Boyle from the Female 50-59 category with 32:21, just ahead of Portia Palmerlee (F Under 50) in 32:24, from F50-59 2nd placed Zoe Melling (32:31), and Erin Jones’ 33:07, then Jessica Monaghan with 34:27. Tracey O’Donnell took 3rd spot int he F50-59 with 34:54. Rita Webster was fastest among the F60-69 in 3G 6:08; while Anne Elizabeth Boyd again excelled in the F 70 and Over with a new age group record of Phil Balnave ran 51:50.

Amber Kusano showed fine form and style to win the 4km race outright from the Girls Under 13s, in a wonderful 16:15. Erin Allison was next, 1st in the Girls Under 17 with 18:11. Laura Heaney won the Female 17 and Over category with 24:28, while Douglas Upton took out the Boys Under 13 with 44:31.

Our immense gratitude to all helpers and volunteers, especially the ever-enthusiastic Albert Ho and the irrepressible Kieron Blackmore.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Trail Marathon, 2 May 2021, full results by category 73.03 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Trail Half-Marathon, 2 May 2021, full results by category 90 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 10km Trail Run, 2 May 2021, full results by category 74.48 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 5km Trail Run, 2 May 2021, full results by category 62.92 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Lady Carrington Drive, in Royal National Park, is one of the favourite destinations for runners, organisers and helpers alike in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series. In a venue which can range from cold to wet to an absolute slosh, today offered perhaps the optimal conditions for running in the forest: mild, fresh and invigorating. This is a route which fulfils at once the eyes with its noble trees, verdant foliage and flowing river; the ears with an incessant chorus and carolling of ebullient birdsong from all sides, above and even below; the lungs with an unceasing ecstatic surge of fragrant air; and most importantly, the heart with its all-encompassing purity, soothing harmony and uplifting beauty.

Having missed this event in 2020, anticipation was high for its promised return...

While the longest race of the day may have attracted only a small field, as always the strength of character and stamina required to complete a marathon ensured that much of the morning’s most compelling drama belonged to this event. Perhaps the outstanding performance of the race came from Greta Truscott, who impressed her fellow runners and spectators alike with her 4th placed outright, 1st female win in a new course record 3:23:52, ahead of fellow Female Under 50s Sophie Shawdon’s 3:53:59 and Trang Ha with 4:45:15. Vicki Jeffreys was best of the Female 50-59 with 4:19:06; while Jane Trumper backed up her 100km from the previous weekend in Canberra with an age group record time of 5:08:42 to lead home the Female 60-69 ahead of Gloria Lau who flew from Perth for the race, finishing strongly and happily in 6:17:17.

This is a local run for Stephen Redfern, who lives just 10 minutes from the start line and while he has run the race several times, today marked his first victory in the event, in 3:12:23. Congratulations Stephen! Next home was David Chiew with 3:18:36, ahead of Michael Cartisano’s 3:29:12. Meanwhile, in 3rd overall, Philip Balnave – who had run from his home to the start – was a class apart in the Male 50-59 to take the category in 3:22:35, from evergreen Masanori Chiba (3:43:02) and Carl Schwartz (3:45:24). Leon Barnard led home the Male 60-69 with 4:06:21 from Kieron Blackmore’s gutsy 4:22:13 – with a Special Mention to another local lad, Bob Fickel, completing his 289th marathon in 5:24:31. Many more stories abound from each and every finisher over this heroic distance, though only a few make their way onto the winner’s podium…

The largest field of the morning were chasing glory and satisfaction over the 21.1km Half-Marathon distance. Jordan Awad stayed with the leaders from the start, and after the 1st (2.2km) turnaround, made his move to take the lead, which he held to the end with a strong run, his 1:19:06 a mere 4 seconds adrift of the course record. Gareth Franklin was 2nd in 1:21:10, with Inigo Jauregi Unanue completing the podium in the men’s race with 1:22:57. Gareth Prosser took out the Male 50-59 in 1:38:44 from Mark Irwin’s 1:39:31; while Chris Dixon led home the Male 60-69 with a fine run of 1:40:48.

Janice Minogue was a clear winner in the women’s race, pacing herself wisely to finish in 1:41:16, a clear 10 minutes ahead of Sarah Colquhoun’s 1:51:07, and Alice Caldwell with 1:54:15. Yvonne Richards led home the Female 50-59 with her excellent 1:51:49, from Sue Flynn’s 1:59:12; while Amanda Barlow took out the Female 60-69 in 2:13:47.

The standout feature of today’s 10km trail race was the remarkable showing of the Female 50-59 category as a whole – with a quarter of the top 16 finishers! Sure enough, Harley Mangham took line honours from the Male Under 50s in 43:34, though next home was Eileen Cantwell for the women in 45:22, from Natalie Kapitzka (48:52), just ahead of the 1st Female 50-59 champion and new age group record holder, Zoe Melling in 49:02, who led home the first of the Male 50-59s in John Hayes (49:05) and Greg Rankin (49:27), with Rosheen Boyle (again Female 50-59) on their tails with 50:46. Pam Joseph took out the Female 60-69 with 1:02:15.

The shorter 5km race was won handsomely by Oliver Fyfe, from the Boys Under 13 category in an impressive new course age group best time 22:50 (breaking a 7-year-old record), from Male 17 and Overs Pablo Arenas’ 22:44 and Angus Fyfe’s 22:51. Toni Faros won the largest contingent of the day (16 out of the 23 contestants), the Female 17 and Overs, with her 26:41.

Congratulations and sincere thanks to all who took part in any way in this memorable morning in the forest!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, Monday 5 April 2021, full results by age category 364.83 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, Monday 5 April 2021, full results overall 291.58 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km race, Monday 5 April 2021, full results by age category 365.48 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km race, Monday 5 April 2021, full results overall 294.94 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km race, Monday 5 April 2021, full results by age category 358.23 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km race, Monday 5 April 2021, full results overall 289.28 KB

Race Photos

View gallery »

Being the shortest distance and smallest field, and catering primarily for kids and newbies, we don’t usually start a race report with coverage of the 4km event. Today we do!

The all-comers course record for the Sri Chinmoy 4km loop at Centennial Park was set on Easter Monday in 2013 by Ali Najem, and stood unthreatened for 8 years – until today, when it was lowered by a full 8 seconds in a head-turning display of style and speed – by Ali Najem. His new best time, 12:40. Thank you Ali, for the inspiration and sheer joy you bring through the passion, power and grace of your running!

Ali was not the only super-fast runner burning up the grass today, as he was chased by a flying Max Russell – whose awesome 12:59 set a new record for the Male Under 17 category – with Brady McIntyre also streets ahead of the rest of the field in 13:08.

Natasha Ward was next runner home, winning the Girls Under 17 in the process with an impressive 14:48. Tahli Weigand took out the Girls Under 13 with a well-below-4-minute-pace run of 15:45; and Natalie Malligan the Female 17 and Over with 17:18. Evan Rowbotham meanwhile won the Boys Under 13 in 15:11.

Usually one expects the early finishers in these races to be populated by the Male Under 50 category, yet the big story of today’s 7km one-lap race saw 3 of the top 5 placings upsetting this dominant paradigm. Yes, Nic Bailey won the race outright from the MU50s with his accustomed sleek style in 26:27 – yet next home was a flying Ella Higgins, taking out the women’s race and 2nd outright with a fantastic 26:39, a mere 12 seconds adrift of Nic. Ella barely held off the charge of Alan Wheat, 1st in the Male 50-59 and 3rd outright, winning his category in 26:42. Shaun Malligan got one back for the MU50 for 4th outright with 25:56, before Audrey Hall flew across the line next in 27:33. 3rd placed Female Under 50 was Amber Kusano with 32:45; with the same trophy in the Male Under 50 claimed by Joe Park (27:53).

Zoe Melling took out the Female 50-59 category with 33:27, from Kathleen Wallington’s 34:00 and Rosheen Boyle’s 34:47. Visiting legend Belinda Soszyn – who was also timing and producing results for the entire event with husband Greg D’Arcy – showed her ageless pedigree in winning the Female 60-69 with 35:44, from Rita Webster (39:11) and Sylvia Nichols (41:43); while Anne Elizabeth Boyd came home 1st in the Female 70 and Over with an impressive 50:43.

2nd in the Male 50-59 was Shane Maundrell with 32:22, from Aaron Francey’s 33:12; while Craig Saphin took out the Male 60-69 in 33:23, from Chris Webster with 36:51 and Marc Jarman in 39:28.

The advantage of the loop course is that spectators – while not seeing the entire race unfold – are at least treated to regular snapshots of the action, observing the entire field passing by 6 times in the course of the Half-Marathon. So it was that the excitement and anticipation built through the race as Gerber Koster was shadowed by Stuart Rennie through most of the distance. Who would make their move and how would the other respond? As it turns out, Gerber eased away over the final mile, to claim victory in 1:19:39 from Stuart’s 1:20:21, with John McCormack completing the podium positions with 1:24:33.

Though a lovely day for spectators and supporters, it was nevertheless deceptively warm for running more than one lap, and most runners found their times a little slower than might have been anticipated on a cooler morning.

Ruth Thomas was best on the day among the women, winning by a clear margin in 1:34:28, from Krista King (1:39:47) and Georgia Auchterlonie with 1:41:15. Soonchul Shin won a tight race in the Male 50-59 in 1:32:00, from a close-finishing Eddie Guo with 1:32:13 – a good distance ahead of their competition. Rob Ellis won the Male 60-69 with 1:51:51 from Gregory Leamon’s 1:57:53; while Paul Feain won the Male 70 and Over in 2:33:45. Elaine Glass earned the main prize in the Female 50-59 with 1:58:38; while Cheryl Parnham took home the trophy for 1st Female 60-69 with 2:21:29.

Congratulations to all participants and thanks to all helpers! Our special gratitude to Belinda Soszyn and Greg D’Arcy of Multisport Australia and Sports Splits for their generosity, kindness and superb professional service.