It was a day for race records, especially in the annual 14 km cross-country race of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, held in Centennial Park on Sunday 12 December 2010.

Records tumbled in three of the four age group categories represented in the race. Outright winner Benoit Le Caloch from France, toppled the old time with his superb front-running 52:42, well ahead of David Barr in 2nd place in 54:09. Third across the line was women's winner, Laura James with a sensational run of 58:32, five minutes clear of her nearest rival. Witold Krajewski set an excellent new mark in the Men 60-69 with 1:01:11, placing him 5th amongst all male participants. Peter Pommer took out the Men 50-59 category in 1:08:00.

Runners found the going quite challenging, especially on the second 7 km lap as Summer seemed to finally arrive in earnest – water stations around the course were very well patronised. Smiles were aplenty at the finish line though, as pancakes were dispatched with enthusiasm.

Earlier, the 7 km race saw the largest field of the day, with 212 runners completing the scenic loop around Centennial Park. Outstanding run of the race came from Tony Moran, who was 4th across the line in winning the Men 50-59 category in a new record – 26:05. William Kelsey (24:48) drew away from Lee Cook (25:09) and Jak Bukovinsky (25:12) to win the race in style. Keith Edwards led home the Men 60-69 in 40:02.

Nancy Newsome was a convincing winner of the Women's race in 27:26 (7th overall). Marion McAllister took out the Women 50-59 category in 34:11, and the evergreen and ever-enthusiastic Dot Siepmann the Women 60-69 in 46:45.

Davor Zailac continued his winning form in the shorter 4 km race with 15:57, from second-placed Max Jameson, whose 16:23 won him the Boys Under 13 main award. Sophie Gocher took the prize in the corresponding Girls Under 13s in 17:48; Charly Rose Iron won the Girls Under 17 in 18:42 and Diana French the Women 17 and Over in 19:30. First-placed in the Boys Under 17 was Nathan Salys in 24:08.

Full results for the three distances are published, and a photo album from around the course. Sri Chinmoy Sydney Races will resume with a 10-event series in 2011.

Race 7 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2010 was staged at Iron Cove over the distances of 16 km, 8 km & 4 km on Sunday 28 November 2010.  Full results by age category are published below:

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 16 km, category results>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 8 km, category results>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4 km, category results>>

Race 6 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2010 was held alongside the banks of the Cooks River on Sunday 12 September. The delightful loop course of 4 km formed the basis for the 3 distances of 16 km (4 laps), 8 km (2 laps) and 4 km.

For the first time in the event's brief 3-year history, the sun shone gloriously, making for a dry track underfoot, excellent conditions for good times and an enjoyable race. The grassy staging area of Ewen Park positively sparkled in the sun.

A cozy field of 174 runners enjoyed the 3 distances. First to finish (and first to hit the pancakes) were naturally the 4 km runners. Ken Wong set a new fastest time for the course with his winning 16:10, while Nicholas Katsilis came in first boy under 13 in 17:09. Justine Brady led home the women in 17:34, with Maddison Zahra heading the girls under 13 in 19:53, a new course record for her age group.

While her sons were running so well in the 4 km race, Manal Garcia held off strong runs by Joyce Lam and Joanne Williamson to win the women's 8 km race in 34:48. Julie Hawkins was first home in the women 50-59 in 49:33, while Jo Rickards ran a sensational 41:53 to set a new record for the women 60-69 category.

Jonathan Heron won the men's 8 km in an excellent 29:55, keeping Daniel Lorenzotti and Ben Reeves at bay in the process. In 6th place overall came Bill Lloyd in 31:35, trouncing the previous best time for men 50-59 over this course. John Manahan was fastest in the men 60-69 in 48:19.

In the 16 km race, Pete Conway led from the start, to be the only finisher in under the hour with a new course best time of 57:37. Kieron Blackmore likewise set a new fastest time in the men 50-59 with his 1:06:45, placing him 4th overall in the race. Sid Astbury made up the trifecta of course records for the men, courtesy of a fine run of 1:15:17 in the men 60-69 category.

Melissa Lynn meanwhile made her 3.30 am start from Wollongong count, taking out the women's race in 1:09:19, from Larissa Tichon in 2nd. Kerry Bray's 1:38:56 set a new course record for the women 60-69.

Full results by age category are published for all 3 distances, along with a photo album from around the course.

There is a simple satisfaction in running beside water. Somehow the mind, emotions and nerves are soothed by the mere presence of a river, lake or the sea. The mental challenges which sometimes accompany a run seem more remote, as though dissolved. There is a sense of freedom, of possibilities yet undiscovered...

321 runners gathered in Peter Depena Reserve, Dolls Point, by the lapping waters of Botany Bay for their choice from the 3 most-raced distances in road-running – 5 km, 10 km and Half-Marathon.

First to start were the Half-Marathons who, despite the lead cyclist almost heading off in the wrong direction, were soon trundling the right way to complete a small loop of 1.1 km around the St George Sailing Club, followed by 2 larger loops of the 10 km course which follows cycle paths through Cook Park– first northwards as far as Ramsgate Beach, then returning south back past the start/finish area, to the Georges River Sailing Club before crossing Captain Cook Bridge over the mouth of the Georges River, and returning via the same route to Peter Depena Reserve.

Arthur Huxtable (1:41:22) and Kerry Bray (2:17:36) each set new course records for the Men and Women 60-69 categories in the Half-Marathon respectively. Garry Browne led home the Men 50-59 in 1:26:29, while Kim Foster took the Women 50-59 in 2:01:45. First home in the Men Under 50 was Paul McLarnon in 1:17:09. holding off a strong challenge from Darren Moyle who was never far off the pace, and finished only 13 seconds adrift of Paul. Kath Carty was too strong in the Women Under 50 field, winning in 1:30:49.

Meanwhile, the 10 km race saw a new course record for the women, with Ruth Gluckman clocking an impressive 38:31, to win by 4 and a half minutes. Tonia Wood led home the Women 50-59 in 58:29, with the irrepressible Dot Siepmann talking the Women 60-69 with her 58:23. Richard Fogarty (34:36) got the better of a close tussle with Michael Prince (34:40) in the men's 10 km race, while 4th outright went to he flying Jose Carvalho in 37:23, improving on his course record set last year for the Men 50-59. Tom Kramer was first in the Men 60-69 in 1:06:52, just ahead of Edward McMaster, who also clocked a new best time for the Men 70 and Over of 1:07:37.

Fiona Reid continued a day of strong performances from the women, setting a new best time in the women's 5 km event with her 18:09, placing her 3rd outright. Holly Cormack won in the Girls Under 17 with 21:06; while Kate Wilson took the Girls Under 13 category in 32:52. The men's 5 km race was won in fine style by Brent Harris in 17:22; while Jayden Schofield (24:24) had a close race with brother Luke (24:27) in the Boys Under 13s.

While clouds threatened for most of the morning, they courteously chose not to bless the course with any rain until after the last runner had departed.

Full results by category are published, along with a photo album from around the start/finish area.

Race 6 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2010 will be held over 16 km, 8 km and 4 km at Cooks River, starting from Ewen Park, Tennent Parade, Hurlstone Park on Sunday 12 September 2010.
 

A beautifully crisp and clear morning set the scene for the 4th race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney 2010 Series. These ideal conditions brought a flood of last minute entries eager to enjoy the scenic beauty and varied natural terrain of the delightful cross country course.

The golden dawn also summoned an army of other active individuals; the parklands abuzz with horses, cyclists, scooters, skaters, soccer games, kites and all manner of outdoors endeavours. To stage a running race amidst this hive of activity seemed the perfect proclamation of Sydney's vibrant dynamism.

The assembled runners were soon registered, race-readied and toeing the start line; half marathoners first, then 7km and finally 4km. The staggered starts and looping course provided a magnificent spectacle of runners snaking their way simultaneously along the dirt tracks, numerous ovals, tree lined boulevards, lake side embankments, pine needled forest trails and sprawling grassy expanses.  I know from my own training runs that this sheer variety of the course brings a great freshness to the mind and a resulting spring in one's stride. It is favourite for many and was a joy to behold this morning.

As the races progressed the camaraderie of the running community sweetened the experience for all involved; young and old, fast and slow, experienced and first timers were all encouraged and cheered; spurred on to personal bests or simply to determined feats of perseverance and resilience; courage in the face of adversity; self-transcendence.

Whilst all were encouraged equally, special applause goes to the following who set new course records for their respective categories:

* Catherine Barlin, 16:51, 4 km Girls Under 13
* Jessica Durand, 14:53, 4 km Girls Under 17 (and outright female winner)
* Brent Harris, 13:37, 4 km Male 17 and Over
* Ginta Viliunas, 33:40, 7 km Women 50-59
* Dot Siepman, 41:50, 7 km Women 60-69 (breaking her own record)
* Kate Rowe, 1:46:13, Half-Marathon Women 50-59
* Kerry Bray, 2:13:54, Half-Marathon Women 60-69

Running is truly an act of self-discovery; a fact confirmed by the contented smiles and elated conversation of the athletes post-race. It is nice yet not surprising to see friendships blossoming and flourishing in such environments. The love of running is a great gift we are all so lucky to share. Fortunate indeed are we who revel in the joy of pushing beyond protesting legs and winter lethargy, out into cold mornings and beyond the boundaries of the mind and body. The solace of the laboured breath and potentialities of ever unfolding running adventures are a balm to the spirit. Simply being part of today's event as a helper reminded me of these sometimes forgotten truths. I know that my own training runs this week will be buoyed by the collective enthusiasm I experienced today. It was a great event!

We, the organisers, are extremely grateful to you, the runners, for making these events such a success. Long may the running community prosper and flourish in this magnificent and dynamic city we call Sydney!

Full results are published along with a photo album from around the start/finish area. Enjoy!

by Christopher Willis

 

While most of Sydney cowered under a deluge on Sunday morning, Mirambeena Regional Reserve was an oasis of calm, with not a single drop of rain.  For those from the coastal and inner suburbs who braved the rain to make the expedition 'out west', a delightful surprise and wonderful reward lay in store. 

This beautiful haven nestled between Prospect Creek, Lake Gillawarna and the Georges River provides a dreamlike playground for runners and walkers' enjoyment – nature herself showering inspiration, encouragement and appreciation every step of the way.

Three distances were on offer – 16 km, 8 km and the rarely raced 2 miles (3.2 km) – all starting and finishing on the grassy expanse of Garrison Point at the southern end of Mirambeena Reserve.  The 8 km course followed cycle paths northward alongside Prospect Creek, through pristine woodland and over some testing hills, turning around just before the Hume Highway, with a detour on the return leg to loop around Lake Gillawarna.  The 16 km race comprised 2 laps of the 8 km course, while the 2 mile runners turned around just after passing Lake Gillawarna (before the hills!)

Kenneth Wong was a clear winner in the 2 mile race in 12:16, from Benjamin Moss in 12:42; while Stephanie Harris, racing in the Girls Under 17 category was first girl home in 16:03.

Elmarie O'Regan had a fabulous run in the women's 8 km race to win by over 5 minutes in 34:31.  Jonathan Heron led home the men with his 30:05, not too far ahead of first placed Men 50-59, Frank Zeichner in an impressive 30:36.

The men's 16 km race was won by Alex Frame in 1:05:57.  David Taylor took the Men 50-59 category in 1:09:19; with Sid Astbury winning the Men 60-69 in 1:13:29.  Just ahead of Sid was Melanie Headley, first Woman Under 50 in 1:13:19; the ever-green Kerry Bray taking out the Women 60-69 with her 1:41:24.

As this was only the third time this course had been used, several course records were set on the day.  The boutique field of only 95 runners were spoilt to have such a beautiful course and perfect running conditions all to themselves – some vowing never to tell their runner-friends about the event, in the hope of maintaining such an intimate atmosphere in future years.

Full results by age category are published, along with a photo album from the morning.
 

28 March: A record field for a Sri Chinmoy event at Iron Cove of 410 eager runners faced a beautiful morning beside the Bay for the second race in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2010.

Most extraordinary run of the day came in the 16 km men's event. Running solo throughout the race and finishing over 5 minutes clear of the field, Thomas Do Canto (left) not only set a new best time for the 16 km course of 54:04, his pace was such that he would also have broken the course record for the 8 km twice in succession.

Pete Conway was the other runner to post a sub-one hour run of 59:13, while Cristine Wong (1:12:23) held off a strong challenge from Sonia Favero-Williams (1:12:57) in the women's 16 km. Kate Rowe broke the course record for the Women 50-59 with her exceptional 1:21:59, while Brian Radburn took out the corresponding men's division in 1:08:52.

The Men 50-59 category in the 8 km race saw a phenomenal run from Dennis Wylie who not only set a new course record for his category of 29:39, he also placed second outright in the event, behind only Mark MacLachlan's exceptional 28:35. Robert Connolley took out the Men 60-69 in 36:18, while Edward McMaster ran 50:58 in the Men 70+ category.

Jennifer Stevens was a comfortable winner in the Women's 8 km event in 33:10 – the largest single category in any event of the day with 101 finishers. Selma Mooney took out the Women 50-59 in 45:08, with evergreen Kerry Bray leading home the Women 60-69 in 48:01.

In the day's shortest event, Belinda Dent ran a fine 16:02 to set a new course record for the Female 17+ category. Tori Dixon's 19:51 earned her first placing in the Girls Under 17; while Lara Wilkinson (22:44) came in just ahead of her friend Carla O'Donnell (22:47) in the Under 13 Girls (Lara and Carla, right).

Daniel De Zilva took the men's event in 15:20, with Oscar Sheehan winning the Boys Under 13 in 19:55 and Edward Phillips the Boys Under 17 category in 24:20.

Full results by category for all 3 events are published, along with a photo album from around the bay.

Thanks to all volunteer helpers who helped make the day such a success – to Peggy Huang of Sports Medicine Australia and to the Councils of Leichhardt and Canada Bay for their kind assistance in staging the event.