Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, 26 March 2017, full results by category 97.49 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km, 26 March 2017, full results by category 96.3 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km, 26 March 2017, full results by category 79.03 KB

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Sydney may be experiencing a miserable run of almost constant rain, and Centennial Park can be a muddy, sloshy venue in the wet; but Sunday 26 March showed that Sydney can also turn on the most glorious of sunny days, and there is no finer place to enjoy the beauty of city and nature on a fine morning, than Centennial Park.

When the morning dawned fine, an almost disbelieving group gathered to grasp the occasion in the best way possible: by running through the park in a trio of Half-Marathon, 7km and 4km jaunts.

Michelle McAdam ran a superb race in the Half-Marathon to break Laura James’ long-standing course record by 6 seconds, with a new best time of 1:23:28. While the race announcer was getting excited about Matthew Cox breaking the men’s course record, it turns out he got it all wrong: Matthew’s winning time of 1:10:24 – although good enough to win the race by 12 minutes – was still nearly 2 minutes shy of his own time from 2015. It was Michelle’s stellar race which should have been getting more plaudits on the day. Deirdre Hopkins ran with great purpose to place 2nd in 1:35:50; and Stephanie Bilic came in 3rd with 1:38:55.

Marie Chretien took out the Female 50-59 category with 2:10:48; while Mary Sheehan ran an exhibition race in the Female 60-69 with an inspiring showing of 1:48:08.

Matthew Cox ran the race without any company until he started lapping runners, as he led from the very start; a study in concentration, style and lovely form. Behind Matthew, Gary Mullins and Neil Culkin staged an excellent contest for the minor placings, with Gary able to run on strongly to a 1:22:18 finish from Neil’s 1:22:28. Next in was also the winner of the Male 50-59; Phillip Balnave celebrating his new category with a fine run of 1:23:53. Kieron Blackmore again took out the Male 60-69 in 1:40:06; and Arthur Huxtable the Male 70 and Over with 2:16:59.

In the one-lap 7km race, Louise Arnott produced a blinder of a race to set a new record for the Female 50-59 category, in placing 2nd overall in the women’s race with her outstanding 29:41. Kate Hobbs was the only woman ahead of Louise, taking the Under 50s in 29:13. Sylvia Nicholls was the winner of the Female 60-69 in 37:34.

In the men’s 7km Daniel Veragoo’s 27:51 was too strong for the challenge from Erin Cook’s 28:04. David Heazlett took out the Male 50-59 with 31:48; Rob Ellis the Male 60-69 in 36:06; and we saw another impressive outing of 36:55 from David Iverarch to take out the Male 70 and Over.

It was all kids in the 4km race: a flurry of eager faces sprinting off at the start, and showing clean pairs of heels to most of the adults throughout. Coco Remond took out the Girls Under 13 with 16:03; Sally Hannah the Female 17 and Over with 17:07; and Elena Berryman the Girls Under 17 with 24:09.

Rhys Shariff was fastest of all, taking the outright win and the Boys Under 17 category in 14:59 from James and William Smith in 15:17 and 15:22 respectively. Billy Zavetsanos won the Boys Under 13 with 16:36; with Davor Zailac close behind to take out the Male 17 and Over in 16:41.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Mirambeena 16km, 26 February 2017, full results by category 81.99 KB

Sri Chinmoy Mirambeena 8km, 26 February 2017, full results by category 85.34 KB

Sri Chinmoy Mirambeena 2 miles, 26 February 2017, full results by category 69.99 KB

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The Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series had not visited Mirambeena Regional Park in 3 years. Today we realised what an omission this has been; how much we have missed the beauty, tranquility and uplifting spirit of this magical place.

Heavy overnight rain placed some puddles about the course, awoke the air, and freshened the grass’ green, reflecting the sense of newness and rededication heralded by a new Series’ start.

The field was certainly smaller than Sri Chinmoy Series races in coastal Sydney, yielding a more intimate and friendly outing, though the racing was real and the competition keen. This is a fulfilling course in every sense; the constant company of birdsong through grand and gracious groves forms counterpoint with some ‘honest’ hills to test both fettle and mettle.

Louise Noble has held the course record for the 16km event at Mirambeena for 6 years. Yet not content to see another runner come along to eclipse her time, Louise returned today clearly on a mission: and proceeded to carve an astonishing 3 minutes off her previous mark. Her new time of 1:04:38 placed her 5th outright in a competitive field. Lillian Molesworth followed Louise into 2nd place in 1:08:15; from Stephanie Bilic in 1:12:10. Tracey O’Donnell celebrated her promoted age group by setting a new Female 50-59 course best time of 1:25:03; while Mary Sheehan’s remarkable 1:19:53 came close to one of the strongest records of them all – Helen Stanger’s formidable Female 60-69 landmark.

Timothy Molesworth took out the Male Under 50 in 1:00:05, narrowly missing the one hour barrier; closely followed by Karl Safi in 1:00:22, while Martin Vu also ran strongly for his 3rd place 1:02:14. Neal Ames took out the Male 50-59 in 1:12:51; and Ian Jarrett the Male 60-69 with his 1:24:00.

Brian Brady was a strong front-running winner of the 8km race, taking the Male Under 50 in 31:05. The next 2 places behind Brian were taken by age group winners: Geoff Barnes (Male 50-59) in an impressive 32:47; and Kieron Blackmore, who sliced 6 seconds from the great Witold Krajewski’s Male 60-69 record with his new best time of 33:12. Next in were Ken Wong (34:49) and Moses Ribal (35:52). Robert Montgomery took out the Male 70 and Over in 52:25.

Winner of the women’s race saw a similarly dominant Jessica del Gigante winning by over 3 minutes in 39:44, from Sharon McGregor (43:00) and Cathie Sherrington (44:07). Susan MacCallum took out the Female 50-59 in 45:09; while Gina Jessop matched her counterpart in the men’s field by setting an impressive new course record for the Female 60-69 of 44:47, placing her 4th overall among the entire women’s field.

Peter Sewell, who usually runs the middle distances events in the Male 50-59 category, today “stepped down” in distance – and up in speed – to take out the 2 mile race in a pacy 11:47 from Davor Zailac’s 13:13. Julieann Tully won the women’s race, setting a new record for the Girls Under 17 with 16:09. Nicholas Stock took out the Boys Under 13 in 14:50, and Lani Kennedy the Girls Under 13 with 18:11; while Samantha Truong won the Female 17 and Over in 18:16.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km, 18 December 2016, full results by category 84.89 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km, 18 December 2016, full results by category 89.59 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km, 18 December 2016, full results by category 82.16 KB

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A happy atmosphere of calm contentment pervaded those gathered today at Iron Cove for the closing chapter of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2016. The enjoyment of one of life’s finer pleasures – the combined physical, mental and emotional challenge of running, in the company of friends in familiar, uplifting surrounds – seemed the perfect start to the week leading in to Christmas, the celebration of all we most treasure in life.

A surprisingly cool morning, given the roasting Sydney has endured of late, was an added bonus for those fortunate or wise enough to make the trip out to Lilyfield.

Some long-standing race records were broken today. David Iverarch, having already captured the 7km Male 70 and Over record for this course at the previous race here in September, made sure that the record for the 14km distance won’t be going anywhere for a while, as he sliced 20 minutes from the old best time, today running 1:06:55. Meanwhile newbie M60-69 categorian, Kieron Blackmore, stepped down from his accustomed longer distance to snare the record for the 7km in 28:26 from the legendary Witold Krajewski. We look forward to both of these esteemed gentlemen having a crack at their respective Half-Marathon records when this distance is next offered in September 2017!

Tim Goodwin took out the Male Under 50 race in the 14km 2-lapper in the excellent time of 54:58, from Philip Balnave (55:51) and Erin Cook (56:26) Amy Lam was the only woman to break the one hour barrier today to win the Female Under 50 in 59:51; from a tight race for 2nd between Aurelie Ryan (1:01:38) and Naina Jerath (1:01:42).

Richard Sarkies continued his winning ways in the Male 50-59, taking out the main trophy in 52:40; while Rob Ellis did likewise in the Male 60-69 in 1:11:50; while Victoria Barber took out the Female 50-59 in 1:22:36.

Darren Moyle had turned up originally at the wrong place for the race this morning, and only appeared at the right venue after the 7km runners were already lined up ready to go. The latest of late entries was hastily arranged and Darren leapt into the fray without time to pause for breath, took the lead and went on to win the 7km men’s race in 24:33, from a close finish for 2nd place between Shaun Malligan (25:23) and Jesse Taylor (25:29). Peter Sewell was dominant in the Male 50-59 with his fine 26:29; while Kieron Blackmore ran his course record 28:26 in the Male 60-69.

Michelle McAdam was a clear winner in the women’s 7km event, winning in style in 28:03 from Bronwyn Lee (29:49) and Nicola Bodor (30:50). Rhonda McManaway took out the Female 50-59 with 34:44; and the indefatigable Sylvia Nichols the Female 60-69 in 35:38.

Fastest our of all of the female in the 4km race was Girls Under 13 winner, Saskia Hughes in 20:10; while Female 17 and Over winner Kirsten Todd clocked 22:00; and the Girls Under 17 victor Julieann Tully 22:10. The men’s race was won outright by Vince Touchard in 24:26; with Boys Under 13 runner Joshua O’Connell next home in 14:57, while Boys Under 17 winner Evan Hamele came crossed the line in 22:38.

Gratitude to all who have participated, helped and served in any way to make the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2017 such a memorable and enjoyable success. We look forward to your company again in 2017.

Happy Christmas!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 14km, 23 October 2016, full results by category 94.91 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km, 23 October 2016, full results by category 92.72 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km, 23 October 2016, full results by category 74.07 KB

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An overcast morning flirted with showers, before falling for the blustery bravado of a vigorous but unreliable wind, with occasional gusts proving strong enough to blow away one marquee and tilt the timing tent to a perilously horizontal lean. Pancake production was almost brought to a standstill as the wind aggressively threatened the barbecue’s flames.

Perhaps it seemed a good morning to sleep in, for a surprisingly modest turn out turned out for the trio of distances – 14km, 7lm and 4km around Centennial Park. All the more pancakes for those who made the effort of appearance…

Despite the smaller field, quality showed it can stand alone from quantity, with some course records tumbling. Richard Sarkies took a long-standing record in the 7km Male 50-59 with his outstanding effort of 25:48, earning him second outright; while Ernest Jordan set a new best time for the 14km Male 70 and Over with his fine 1:19:41.

Darren Moyle showed good form to win the Men’s 14km race in a round 53:00, ahead of a tighter tussle between Christopher Strom (54:57) and Erin Cook (55:16). Peter Sewell continued his fine run of form to take out the Male 50-59 in 56:35 (4th outright); while Craig Thom won the Male 60-69 in 1:09:00 and Ernest Jordan as previously proclaimed, took out the Male 70 and Over in a record 1:19:41.

The women’s 14km race saw Tiffany Knight (1:02:10) hold off the efforts of Laura Roff (1:02:43) with Aurelie Ryan (1:04:32) completing the podium placings. Vicki Jeffreys ran a superb 1:04:56 to take 4th outright and win the Female 50-59; with Merridy O’Donnell setting the pace for the Female 60-69 with 1:26:09.

Robbie Neill was outstanding in the windy conditions to take out the Men’s 7km one-lap race in 25:10; with Richie Mason (27:40) and Tom Owen (28:20) taking the minor placings in the Male Under 50. Richard Sarkies ran from the front from the outset to blaze a new record in the Male 50-59 of 25:48; while Ric Giddins ran an excellent 32:39 to take out the Male 60-69 and David Iverarch continued his winning ways in the Male 70 and Over with a superb run of 33:46 (though missing the course record he set here at his previous outing).

Fiona Low won the women’s 7km race in 30:29, from Laura Pigot (31:02) and Renee Kramer (32:44). Vianney Smith was first home in the Female 50-59 in 40:40; and likewise Sylvia Nichols in the Female 60-69 with another impressive run of 36:27.

Ollie Mason was outright winner of the 4km race and fastest of the Boys Under 13 in 16:55; He-Shyan Balnave took out the Boys Under 17 with 19:44; and Sean Hails the Male 17 and Over with 17:08. Nyree Gale won the Female 17 and Over with 18:12; the Girls Under 13s was won by Evie Cook in 19:04; and Julian Tully took out the Girls Under 17s in 22:18.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, 11 September 2016, full results by category 85.08 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km Run, 11 September 2016, full results by category 86.04 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4 km Run, 11 September 2016, full results by category 71.44 KB

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Like a favourite song, the Iron Cove course can be run and re-run countless times and one never tires of it: indeed, one savours it the more with each repetition. Each undulation, each arc, each vista across the Bay is like the smile of a dear friend: familiar, heart-warming and encouraging.

A smaller-than-usual ensemble gathered at the start for race 6 of the 2016 Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series, on a cool morning which seemed born for one purpose: the enjoyment of running.

Despite the smaller field, several course records tumbled which is no mean feat on the most-used course of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series.

Dennis Van Wyk established a new best time for Male 70 and Over in the Half-Marathon of 2:05:54; while 2 records fell in the Men’s 7km race. Richard Sarkies – who came in 2nd outright – beat a 4-year-old mark in the Male 50-59 with his blistering run of 25:24; while David Iverarch continued his rampaging way in the Male 70 and Over with another impressive record of 32:06.

Tim Carlson showed the benefit of consistency by winning the men’s Half-Marathon in a fine run of 1:22:13 from Stephen Redfern’s 1:23:15. Neal Ames took out the Male 50-59 in 1:39:53; and Kieron Blackmore showed he has settled well into his new age group with a fine 1:34:53 to win the Male 60-69.

Alan Leabeater won the womens’ race comfortably in 1:39:54, from Dianne Abdo’s 1:41:07. Belinda Lockwood took home the Female 50-59 first place prize with 2:01:57.

Nic Bailey showed a good turn of speed to win the Men’s 7km race in 25:10 – he had to, to be the only one to finish ahead of Richard Sarkies’ Male 50-59 record-breaking run. Next home was John Tucker with 25:33. Brian Radburn won the Male 60-69 in an excellent 32:08, even though he was pipped by 2 seconds by the older flying David Iverarch.

The Women’s 7km race was won by Lilian Molesworth with a fine solo run of 28:08; Lianne Christall took out the Female 50-59 in 38:58; and Kerry Wilson the Female 60-69 with 38:03.

Greg Churchill withdrew from the Half-Marathon on the morning due to an injury. He decided to “run with the kids” in the 4km instead, to keep them company. They obviously didn’t get the message, as he flew away from the field to win by over 2 minutes in 14:49. Mitchell Dean won the Boys Under 13 in 17:17; Callum Predavec the Boys Under 17 in 22:54.

Erika Rimes won the women’s 4km race in 18:03 from Gemma Glynn’s 18:12; while Carissa Lam won the Girls Under 13 in 28:55.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Marathon, 10 July 2016, full results by category 76.44 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Half-Marathon, 10 July 2016, full results by category 95.01 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 10km run, 10 July 2016, full results by category 96.6 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 5km run, 10 July 2016, full results by category 67.15 KB

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After a week of relentless rain in Sydney, one could have been forgiven for assuming that the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast for Sunday was a joke: a UV warning was issued!

When the rain started falling again at 3.30am, another day of drizzle beckoned. Yet the Bureau’s forecast proved absolutely correct – the sun shone, coats were cast off and yes, sunscreen was applied.

The Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Festival of Running has seen all manner of conditions over the years: cold, rain and gale force winds which once blew hats and even eye glasses off runners on the crossing of the Captain Cook Bridge. Yet today’s conditions proved the best yet, with mild temperatures and nary a breeze.

Construction works on a section of cycle path just south of Peter Depena Reserve enforced a late change to the course, with a detour along suburban footpaths and a consequent shortening of the northern turnaround point. Because this revised course could not be officially measured and certified in time, unfortunately any course records which might have been set cannot be recognised.

The marathoners were first to get the legs turning over, at 7am, followed an hour later by the Half-Marathoners, then in turn the10km and 5km runners. Thien Vuong led from the outset and ran a steady pace the whole way to record a good win in the men’s marathon in 2:58:24, though Lachlan Dansie was not far behind in 2:59:48, delighted with his first-ever sub-3 hour effort. Glenn Gielissen was 4th outright and 1st in the Male 50-59 with 3:10:56; while Leon Barnard led home the Male 60-69 in 3:44:51.

Athene Chariot, making her long-awaited return to the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series after a lengthy hiatus, looked comfortable in the lead of the women’s marathon, but sadly had to withdraw from the fray due to injury. We hope your absence will not be not so long this time Athene, and wish you a speedy recovery!

Kirby Clarke, running in her first-ever Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team event, ran strongly throughout to record a fine win in 3:36:09; while Jane Trumper was dauntless in her Female 50-59 victory in 4:07:19.

Sara Burgess was dominant in the women’s Half-Marathon, winning in an exceptional 1:31:14. Vicki Jeffreys was 2nd overall in the women’s race in taking out the Female 50-59 with her strong run of 1:37:30; while Veronica Hopkins won the Female 60-69 in 2:29:25.

Timothy Molesworth meanwhile had won the men’s race in a solid 1:17:45. Stephen Orr took out the Male 50-59 in 1:29:45; and Noel Weeks the male 60-69 with 1:51:23.

The closest race of the day was in the men’s 10km event, with Matt Craft (37:03) just edging out Nelson Santos’ 37:07. Greg Rankin took out the Male 50-59 in 47:17, though both more senior age groups did progressively better – Brian Radburn winning the Male 60-69 in a faster time of 45:42; and David Iverarch the Male 70 and Over with a splendid 45:29.

Bronwyn Wood won the women’s 10km in 43:11; Tracey O’Donnell the Female 50-59 in 49:37; Rosemary Roedigger the Female 60-69 in 46:37; and the indefatigable Kerry Bray the Female 70 and Over with 1:02:47.

A relatively sparse field turned up for the 5km race today, though what they lacked in numbers was certainly made up for in eagerness. Carter Clifton was rewarded with 1st place in the Boys Under 13 with 26:08; Gerard McMahon took out the Male 17 and Over in 21:49 – but it was Louise Graham who took line honours in the race for the women in 21:17.

Our special congratulations and gratitude to Trent Morrow: congratulations for completing his 309th marathon today, and gratitude for supplying 2 pairs of superb Altra running shoes as prizes for a few of today’s winners!

Please also enjoy this wonderful selection of photos from Shane Braz Photography!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, 12 June 2016, full reslts by category 100 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km, 12 June 2016, full results by category 95.41 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km, 12 June 2016, full results by category 77.09 KB

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How many ways can you tell the same story?

This is the challenge facing the report-writer for a Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series event in Centennial Park… there are only so many ways of saying:

* "the park is a jewel of Sydney"
* "It was a stunning morning"
* "the course has something of everything"
* "there was tremendous camaraderie amongst the runners"
* "pancakes were devoured to the very last serve" …

… not that this experience becomes in any way boring, it's just that one wonders if readers will believe if we continue regaling them with tales of spending near-perfect mornings running with wonderful people on a beautiful course in a sublime setting…

Storyline of the morning was David Iverarch's new course record in the Male 70 and Over category in the 7km race of 32:14. David beat all the younger Male 60-69 category, which was won by Bruce John Flaherty's 34:54. The race had been won by Nelson Santos in an excellent 26:11, just besting the amazing Peter Sewell who took 2nd outright, in winning the Male 50-59 in 26:24.

Alison Newitt took out the women's race with a sensational 27:56, which placed her 3rd amongst the Male Under 50 and 4th outright in the race. Sue Pendlebury won the Female 50-59 with a fine 36:47, and the amazing Rasa Pes the Female 60-69 with 41:17.

A smaller-than usual field in the 4km race had seen the Boys Under 17 category won by Shoryu Daz-Zaman – who also came 2nd outright – in 16:18, behind his friend Nishan Gill-Misson who won the race (and Male 17 and Over) in 15:26.

Willow Sewell was fastest in the Girls Under 13 with 16:57, a time which earned her 4th place overall. Elaine Glass took out the Female 17 and Over category in 21:31.

It was an excellent day for the Balnave children, with Ee-Shyan winning the Girls Under 17 in 23:04; Ren-Shyan winning the Boys Under 13 in 17:34, and brother He-Shyan taking 2nd place in the Boys Under 17 with 20:35.

While the 4km and 7km were being run and won, the Half-Marathoners continued their 3-lap journey through and around the Park. Laura James – defending course record holder – returned to once again win the women's race with a resounding 1:25:28. Jane Baker took out the Female 50-59 in 1:50:02; and Kate Rowe the Female 60-69 in 2:02:32.

Darren Moyle's 1:15:31 proved too strong in the end for James Costello, who took 2nd in the men's race with 1:15:45. Stephen Orr won the Male 50-59 in 1:29:28; and the amazing Victor Correa the Male 60-69 with 1:32:44 (only just ahead of Kieron Blackmore's 1:33:23)…

... even though on the surface the story appears the same, yet within each re-telling, there are ever-new surprises, discoveries and revelations.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016 race 3, Sunday 1 May: Royal National Park, full results by category 142.54 KB

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016 race 3, Sunday 1 May: Royal National Park, full results overall 126.91 KB

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Sunday the 1st of May saw more than 300 runners line up for the Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 5K, 10K, Half and full Marathon trail runs.

Set in the beautiful Royal National Park, the main track takes the runners out and back – easy, right? However, Mother Nature, with all her beauty on show in this spectacular race also gives the runners some challenges to keep everyone honest. The course is undulating with a nice little hill at the end, it’s just a little bit rocky at times, and - well muddy. As one competitor commented “just run through the first puddle and then you don’t have to deal with dodging anymore”. Good advice I say! And yes, many a runner came back with mud sprayed up their legs. Watching them cross at the finish you knew they had a good race.

The Marathoners arrived in the predawn to register and collect their numbers, the heavens were showering us with light rain and all runners toed the line at 7am to start the first of one small and two long loops up the course.

An hour later the three other races were started, with all competitors now out enjoying the course.

Coming in first were the 5k finishers with Paul Molloy cruising in to win in 21:17. In the Under 13, Lewis Cook secured first place in an impressive 23:53, with Evie Cook taking out the under 13 girls in an equally amazing time of 24:56, only 6 seconds behind the 13 – 17 female leader Jade Garrahy who did a time of 24:50, who in turn was only 8 seconds behind the over 17 year old women’s leader Nyree Gale in a time of 24:42. It was a busy finish chute when the 5k pack came in!

In the 10k race Jeffrey Whalan made it under the 40 minutes mark winning the under 50 male category in 39:24 with Alistair Sandilands hot on his tail in 2nd place in 39:58 The women’s leader, Amy Carrad, was just over 1 minute behind Alistair, finishing in 41 minutes flat, winning the under 50 female category and placing fourth outright while Tracy Davenport took out second place in the Women’s under 50 in 42:46.

Unfortunately, a missing turnaround sign meant that almost all of the field in the Half Marathon ran an additional 600 metres or more. Hence the times are slower than they otherwise would have been. The Half Marathon saw James Carroll take out first place in 1:31:09, with Paul Gillan 2nd in 1:32:57 and Aaron Cooper in 3rd in 1:33:51. Peter Sewell was first in the Male 50 – 59 in a great time of 1:32:35, putting him second overall while Michael Rendle won the Male 60 – 69 category in a time of 2:01:06.

Watching Larissa Tichon cross the line to place first in the women’s category was fantastic to see, she looked effortless in her time of 1:46:28. Second place getter, Julia Wenner, came through smiling in 1:55:03, with third place not too far behind for Millerine Brikkerin in 1:57:17. Amanda Smith was first in the 50 – 59 category in 2:10:04 while Merridy O'Donnell took out the 60 – 69 category in 2:24:15.

The wonderful finale to these events was the triumphant finishes of the Marathon runners. First place male, Under 50 Raymond Wareham comfortably broke the 3-hour mark in 2:54:58, with Darren More 2nd in 3:02:06 and 3rd place to Stephen Redfern in 3:05:11.

Winning the 50 – 59 category was Geoff Barnes in an impressive 3:18:19, placing him in the top 10 marathoners for this race while Sydney Strider Victor Correa won the 60 – 69 category comfortably in 3:24:58, adding yet another win to his new age category! In the same category, Ray James had a hard day at the office, finishing in 6:26:30 but perhaps can be excused as he ran another marathon the day before at the Relay for Life!

First in the women’s race went to Alicia Ralph who looked strong as she came into finish in 3:37:05, 2nd place going to Mary Ryan in 3:40:45 and 3rd to Katy Anderson in 3:51:48.

An ever-smiling Jane Trumper took out the women’s 50-59 category in 4:46:16, finishing yet another of her more than 100 marathons, finishing side by side with her husband Peter.

A special mention should be made to Kelvin Marshall who drove all the way from Queensland and Zach Benjamin who flew from Japan to run his first trail Marathon in the Royal National Park. Well done! As well as Steve who did the half marathon on his birthday and still made it back to celebrate with his family!

Congratulations to all competitors! We applaud you for challenging yourself and hope you enjoyed the race as much as we enjoyed putting it on! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Enjoy the SCMT race photos and also these offerings from Shane Braz Photography.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon, 28 March 2016, full results by category 101.8 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km, 28 March 2016, full results by category 116.63 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km, 28 March 2016, full results by category 90.34 KB

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Race 2 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2016 saw the long-awaited return to Centennial Park, for the traditional trio of the 3-lap Half-Marathon, one-lap 7km and “sprint” 4km cross-country runs.

A deluge at 2am blessed the course with some substantial puddles, but could not deter a record number of 127 on-the-day entrants joining the throng of pre-entered runners toeing the start line.

Easter Monday, coming at the end of a series of days off for most, has a relaxed and grateful atmosphere which set the perfect backdrop for a complete morning of athletic aspiration and the mutual appreciation of good company in harmonious surroundings. Due to a malfunctioning gas cylinder, runners had to wait in line for up to 20 minutes to receive their pancakes while a replacement cylinder was procured: never have we witnessed such a contented and good-spirited queue of pancake-lovers who seemed grateful for the opportunity just to stand in line with each other.

While there were some outstanding times recorded in all 3 distances, only one course record fell: having recently “graduated” to the Male 60-69 category, Victor Correa celebrated his new status with a record for the Half-Marathon of 1:30:51.

Both Elouise Carey (15:43, Girls Under 13) and Carson Helmer (14:33, Boys Under 13) came very close to the records in their respective categories for the 4km race, which featured the largest-ever turn-out for a children’s category with 29 finishers in the Boys Under 13s.

Congratulations to all who participated in this celebration of the simple, perfect pleasure of running – and pancakes. We hope you found the morning as enjoyable as we did!

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km, 28 February 2016, full reslts by category 88.95 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km, 28 February 2016, full results by category 88.97 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km, 28 February 2016, full results by category 77.73 KB

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The first race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2016 saw a return to our roots: Iron Cove, scene of more Sri Chinmoy races in Sydney than any other venue since the early '90s. We shared the start/finish area today with a rowing regatta, which added more crowds and augmented the atmosphere of vibrant exuberance.

A warm morning witnessed solid times and a good turnout in all 3 distances, boding well for a competitive and enjoyable Series to come.

Lilian Molesworth was the only woman to finish in under one hour in the 14km race, winning in 59:29; while Tracey O'Donnell celebrated her move to a new age category (bearing in mind that ages for categories in the Series are taken at 31 December 2016) by winning the Female 50-59 in 1:12:27; while Merridy O'Donnell (no relation) took out the Female 60-69 in 1:22:26.

Joseph Thomas won the Male Under 50 in 55:19; Brett Molloy the Male 50-59 in 1:04:16; and Harry Karlikoff the Male 60-69 in 1:09:54 to round out the 14km first place-getters list.

The one-lap 7km race was won outright by Adam Denison (Male Under 50) in a fine 24:54. Next home came an outstanding run from Male 50-59 winner Peter Sewell in 26:03; from first-placed Female Under 50, Fiona Yates, winning (and trouncing the whole men's field with these two exceptions) in 26:36.

Brian Radburn took out the Male 50-59 in 32:55; and Bruce Gerard the Male 70 and Over in 38:40; while Susan Hitchen won the Female 50-59 in 35:34; not far ahead of Female 60-69 winner Sylvia Nichols in 35:45 (second in this category was a most welcome return to racing from Helen Stanger in 36:19).

Nicholas Katsilis (Male 17 and Over) was a comfortable winner in the 4km race with a swift 14:24; while James Smith (15:35) and Joshua O'Connell (15:38) were 3rd and 4th outright respectively, running in the Boys Under 13s. Shannon O'Connor (Female 17 and Over) won the women's race in 18:31; with Evie Cook taking out the Girls Under 13 in 19:40.

Thanks to all involved in helping stage this event and especially to all participants. Enjoy the photos from the morning, memories of an enjoyable and fulfilling race.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km Run, 13 December 2015 full results 83.5 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 13 December 2015 full results 78.93 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 13 December 2015 full results 69.38 KB

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Gratitude to all runners who helped make the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015 such a memorable and enjoyable success; to the ever-encouraging Robert Glasson-Smith from Sports Medicine Australia who served at almost all of the series throughout the year; to the officials from the various Councils and authorities who helped make the series possible; and to the volunteers both from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and the broader running community for turning up each race to offer their smiles and support.

Shining performances in the 14km today included a superb run from David Riches in the Male 50-59, bettering his own course record with a blazing 51:43; another new course record from the evergreen Kate Rowe in the Female 60-69 of 1:16:24; a new course best time for the Male 70 and Over from Vic Egerton of 1:26:15; a fine solo run from Lilian Molesworth to take out the Women’s race in 59:43; an honest tussle in the Male Under 50 between two heartfelt champions, Gary Mullins and Phil Balnave, with Gary easing away through the second lap for the win; Ian Jarrett just pipping Harry Karlikoff in the Male 60-69 by 2 seconds – 1:11:18 to 1:11:20 in the closest finish of the day. Mighty congratulations to Vincenza Visciano who, accompanied by Sean Buchanan, walked the entire 14km in a tremendous feat of self-transcendence, completing the challenge in 3:25:01.

The 7km one-lap circuit belonged to Kristen Piper for the Female Under 50 in a superb 28:42; and to Jason Keane for the Male Under 50 in 26:02, though close behind was the outstanding Peter Sewell winning the Male 50-59 in 26:25 for second outright. Linda Boland took out the Female 50-59 in 37:02 just ahead of Sylvia Nichols’ 37:17; while Sue McNamara was too good in the Female 60-69 with 38:07. Meanwhile Brian Radburn had won the Male 60-69 in 33:10; and Ernest Jordan took out the Male 70 and Over in 37:00.

Richard Sarkies was unchallenged in the 4km race, cruising home in a whirlwind 13:54. Matthew Scolyer took out the Boys Under 13 in 17:15 from Rory Nicholl’s 17:48; while sister Emily Scolyer won the Girls Under 13 in 17:44. Bethany Lo won the Girls Under 17 in 23:38, while Sally Hannah ran the race of the day for the Female 17 and Over in 16:33.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, 18 October 2015 full results 79.63 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 18 October 2015 full results 82.97 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 18 October 2015 full results 70.27 KB

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While everyone who finishes is a winner in their own right, sometimes one runner lifts the occasion with a singular stellar performance. Today that runner was Elizabeth Pittaway, an elegant athlete who ran in her own dimension, to seize 4 minutes from the previous course record in the Half-Marathon at Iron Cove. Elizabeth’s 1:25:53 was 9 minutes ahead of the next fastest female, promising junior Katelyn Clark who ran a fine 1:34:54. Ann Kelly took out the Female 50-59 with 1:48:57.

In the men’s division, Bruce Lambert also ran most of the race in clear air, finishing in 1:19:54, two minutes ahead of Philip Balnave’s 1:21:41 and Christopher Strom’s 1:21:47. Richard Sarkies powered over the course to win the Male 50-59 in 1:25:11, with Arthur Huxtable taking the Male 60-69 in 1:53:22.

In the one-lap 7km race, another course record was broken, this time at the other end of the age spectrum – Robert Amery bettered his Male 70+ record set earlier this year by 45 seconds, raising the bar (if that analogy can be applied to lowering a time…) to 35:15.

Bruce John Flaherty’s excellent 32:49 was too good in the Male 60-69; Peter Senell took out the Male 50-59 with an outstanding 26:46; while Nathan Berry claimed line honours with a commanding run of 24:43.

Renee Everett was streets ahead of the women’s field in running a superb 27:54; while Susan Hitchen took out the Female 50-59 with 36:06.

In the 4km out-and-back run, Jeremy Levy ran a demonstration solo run of 14:53; 3rd place outright was the Boys Under 13 winner, Joshua O’Connell in 16:36. Sophia Westzlook took out the Girls Under 13 in 18:48; Sarah Durante the Girls Under 17 in 20:53 and Emily Wilcock the Female 17 and Over with 18:37.

While many pre-entered runners opted to stay in bed due to the threat of rain, nary a drop was spilt from the skies, the nurturing low cloud offering welcome cool cover, with runners finishing fresh and eager. Rarely have pancakes disappeared with such alacrity.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Marathon, 12 July 2015, full results 78.34 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point Half-Marathon, 12 July 2015, full results 89.43 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 10km run, 12 July 2015, full results 80.67 KB

Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point 5km run, 12 July 2015, full results 68.29 KB

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There is the Real and the Imagined.

More often than not, the Imagined causes us more concern than the Real. And so it was at Dolls Point on Sunday 12 July for the 7th race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015. This race is held mid-Winter and the course crosses a high bridge, so one can anticipate cool temperatures and a fair gale blowing over the bridge at the best of times. Yet the media build-up to an “Antarctic Vortex” of frigid, wild weather predicted to descend on Sydney about the time the race was due to get underway, caused more than a few flutters of dread amongst runners and organisers alike – and possibly led to a significant proportion of “no-shows”.

Yes, it was a cool morning and yes, there was a strong wind – at least for the southbound crossing of the Captain Cook Bridge – yet most runners reported the conditions were actually pretty good for running. Several reckoned last year’s race was colder, and other years have presented a more formidable gale.

The spirit of the marathoner embraces all obstacles as companions on the road to self-conquest. In the context of willing the body to complete the daunting 42.2 kilometres, numb fingers and a strongish breeze only serve to sharpen the will and intensify the warrior-runner’s focus on the goal.

The Marathon is for heroes. It is telling that the lowest proportion of DNSs (Did Not Start) on the morning were for the race in which the forecast conditions promised to cause the greatest suffering – the Marathon. There were also fewer DNFs (Did Not Finish) in the Marathon than in the shorter Half-Marathon.

While every finisher is a winner in the Marathon, we’ve randomly selected a few:

* Ray James, fresh from hospitalisation and major surgery for a life-threatening condition, who looked like a fish back in water, and vibrant throughout;
* Natasha Hjerrild, the women’s winner in a new course record of 3:31:30;
* Jessica Dietz, who endured and enjoyed for 6:33:01 – over an hour longer than anyone else;
* Gary Mullins, a casual race winner in a fine 2:47:09;
* Glenn Gielissen, who set a new record for Male 50-59 with his 3:14:46;
* Bob Fickel, quietly completing his 236th marathon;
* Second placed Philip Balnave, who ran from his home in Kensington for the race, and then ran home again, for fun;
* Gerry Gosen from Singapore, in Sydney for a few days, who probably felt the cold more than anyone.

Meanwhile, Thien Vuong won the Half-Marathon in an excellent 1:21:24, with a tight race for the other podium placings between unrelated Reece Bailey (1:22:45) and Nic Bailey (1:22:55). Geoff Barnes took out the Male 50-59 with 1:30:46; and Noel Weeks the Male 60-69 in 1:45:17.

Anna Grigg was the only woman to break to elusive 90 minute barrier, winning the race in 1:29:39, with Katelyn Clark second in 1:32:42 and Brooke Hannan third in 1:35:25. Sue Cooksley won the Female 50-59 with 1:51:21.

The one-lap 10km race was won by Jarrod Boyd in 38:21; while second place outright went to women’s winner Michelle McAdam in 39:31. Other age group winners were Fiona Shand for the Female 50-59 with 50:59; Merridy O’Donnell in the Female 60-69 with 55:40 and Kerry Bray in the Female 70 and Over, cruising under the one hour mark with 59:45. Paul Hoban meanwhile took out the Male 50-59 with 47:51; and Rob Ellis the Male 60-69 in 50:15.

Max Jameson, running in the Boys Under 17s, was too good for the field in the 5km race, winning comfortably in 18:28 from fellow Under 17 Oliver Smith in 18:41. Next home was Girls Under 17 winner Taylor Porter with a new course record time of 19:49, to go with her still-standing course record for the younger Under 13 division; ahead of Male 17 and Over first placed Wayne Duhigg in 20:46; Girls Under 13 winner Juliette Moore with 22:28 and Female 17 and Over first place Kaitlin Hill’s 23:57.

Congratulations to all runners who braved the forecast and helped make this a memorable morning for all involved; and gratitude to the helpers without whom this event could not have happened.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon 7 June 2015, results by category 86.46 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km 7 June 2015, results by category 81.94 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km 7 June 2015, results by category 81.01 KB

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Running, Matthew Cox is a fish in water, a swallow on the wing. To the more earth-bound, marvelling observer, he presents running, and running fast, as the only natural, normal state for a human.

As a swan paddles hard under water to seemingly glide over the surface, so his rapid gait belies a gathered poise and honed focus.

Within 400 metres of the start, it was clear today’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon in Centennial Park had its champion. Merely excellent runners toiled in another dimension while Matthew calmly devoured the challenging cross-country course. Lapping three quarters of the field (one lap = 7km!), almost everyone felt a surge of inspiration and astonishment as he passed.

A new course record of 1:08:46 – peeling 4 minutes from Matt Janes’ already-excellent 2009 time – will glow in the record books for a long time to come.

Philip Balnave (1:18:13) and John Hughes (1:19:19) had a good tussle for the minor placings before Philip drew away in the final lap. Victor Correa extended his run as one of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series' most decorated winners, taking out the Male 50-59 in 1:32:06 from Masanori Chiba in 1:33:31 and Kieron Blackmore (1:35:12). Ian Jarrett (1:49:30) won the Male 60-69.

The women's race was won comfortably in the end by Rebecca Holmes (1:40:08) from Kim Shmuel (1:42:11), who held off Mary Ryan (1:42:20) for second place. Carolyn Wiseman won the Female 50-59 in 2:09:03; and Merridy O'Donnell ran a sterling 2:16:46 to take out the Female 60-69 category.

The 7km saw a much closer race with Kit Edwards coming out on top with 25:57 in front of Alex Rowe (26:03) and James Polson (26:28). David Heazlett took out the Male 50-59 in 29:54; Bruce John Flaherty the Male 60-69 in 35:19; and Robert Amery the Male 70 and Over category with a fine run of 37:21.

Catherine Barlin was too good in the women's 7km, completing the one lap course in 30:02, with Michelle Murray (32:14) and Elouise Sarka (32:32) filling out the minor placings. Karen O'Connell won the Female 50-59 in 37:19; Rasa Pes the Female 60-69 in 41:14 and the indefatigable Kerry Bray the Female 70 and Over in 42:02.

The 4km race was won outright by Otto Khoo, representing the Boys Under 17 in with a gutsy run of 14:44. Next home was Under 13 Girl champion Jade Cameron in 16:11. Then came Girls Under 17 winner Olivia Lee in 17:11, just pipping Male 17 and Over first place-getter Jeffrey Lee's 17:12. Emily Scolyer was next for the Girls Under 13 in 17:23, just ahead of her brother Matthew Scolyer, who won the Boys Under 13 with 17:28. Mano Yapanbandara took out the Female 17 and Over category in 19:19.

A remarkable course record in a beautiful setting on a splendid morning amongst a wonderful bunch of eager runners on a Long Weekend – what more could we ask for?

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, 24 May 2015 full results 76.65 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 24 May 2015 full results 75.29 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 24 May 2015 full results 62.02 KB

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The appeal of running always has been, always will be, simplicity. One foot in front of t’other; breathe; follow the course ahead; strive to go further, faster or just to survive… no specialised or mechanised accoutrements, no Masters degree, no qualifying standard required: just a passion to live life a little deeper, fuller, brighter…

… and so we gather, from wherever we come, whatever we are doing, whenever we arose, from whatever station, vocation and family situation, the fast and focussed, the daily joggers, dauntless sloggers, the lame yet game… the myriad marvellous leaves of the tree of humankind …

Today itself was simple as running: sun, shining; breeze, barely bothering; cool, chilly even for spectating, but for propelling oneself on two legs – invigorating.

In the 4km race, it was two Boys Under 13, Joshua O’Connell (16:53) and Matthew Scolyer (16:57) who were first to shake the timing crew out of their reverie. Next home was Matthew’s sister Emily, winning the Girls Under 13 in 17:52, trailing her dad Richard behind her in 17:54 (taking 1st Male 17 and Over). Riley Grainger took out the Boys Under 17 in 18:43; while Kathleen Bleakley was first Female 17 and Over in 21:48.

While the younger boys swept all before them in the 4km, in the 7km race all eyes were on the women, with an astonishing record-smashing run from Lauren Hamilton to win the race outright in 25:06, nearly a minute and a half clear of the men’s field. Michael Abiwahab was next across the line in 26:31 to win the men’s race, but only just ahead of Audrey Amiya-Hall whose 26:37 would easily have won the women’s race on most days.

Geoff Arthurson (27:27) and Alistair Sandilands (27:48) completed the podium places for the men, with Elizabeth Georgopoulos taking 3rd for the women in 28:44. Daniel Zanolla (28:40) won the Male 50-59; Stephanie Compton (36:55) the Female 50-59; Victor Saywell victorious in the Male 60-69 (55:13) and Shirley Dalton (41:17) in the Female 60-69.

Philip Balnave has had an outstanding and consistent Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series this year, continuing his excellent run of excellent runs in winning the 3-lap Half-Marathon by well over 3 minutes in 1:18:38 from Sam Walker (1:22:16) and Jesse Taylor (1:25:42). Peter Sewell ran a fabulous 1:23:28 to take out the Male 50-59; while Gary Dalton blazed 1:27:29 to dominate the Male 60-69 category and set a new course record.

The women’s Half-Marathon was similarly won comfortably by Sarah Hately in 1:41:01 with an unassailable margin from Michelle Lim ((1:43:51) and Katie Broadfoot (1:45:26). Surprisingly, there were no 50 and Over Female entrants in the Half-Marathon today.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Marathon, 3 May 2015, results by category 70.72 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park Half-Marathon, 3 May 2015, results by category 71.55 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 10km trail run, 3 May 2015, results by category 70.5 KB

Sri Chinmoy Royal National Park 5km trail run, 3 May 2015, results by category 68.9 KB

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Race report Royal National Park

Today was THE day to be a tree, a bird, a moss, a fish … even a leech – anything or anyone that exults in the sight, the sound, the feel, the flow, the presence, the sustenance, the magnificence – of water: fast water, slow water, high water, low water, running water, standing water, even leaping water.

As water brings life, lush bush brings inspiration, mud brings joy, running brings fulfilment: in concert these elements contrived a glorious, vibrant celebration to remind us why we so love and need each and all of them.

Today was a great day, a good day, one for which to be forever grateful.

Athlete-runner-explorer-enjoyers raced, ran and played within four distances: the earliest to start were the Marathoners; then the Half-Marathoners; the 10km and 5km.

Philip Balnave led from go to woe in the Marathon, an easy running style belieing a tenacious focus on the goal. His 3:05:39 would have been considerably faster on a drier day – yet would it have been as memorable? Michael Everest (3:11:09) and Graeme Russell (1:31:35) filled out the podium. Brett Molloy (4:03:40) won the Men 50-59; while Ray James (4:55:54) was calm and stoic as ever, taking out the Men 60-69 from local lad, the indefatigable Bob Fickel (5:33:31), today crossing his 235th marathon finish line.

Meanwhile in the women’s race, the smiling 20-year-old Sophia Anicic seemingly breezed through her first marathon, winning stylishly in 3:57:26. Holly Bohensky (4:24:16), holidaying from the US, just edged out Kristy Lovegrove (4:24:28) into second place. Jane Trumper (4:55:53) won the Women 50-59 and proved a loyal comrade-in-arms to Ray James, bringing him home with heartfelt oneness.

The marathon’s 35 runners presented a mini-United Nations, with runners from the USA, the UK, Italy, South America, Mongolia, China, India, New Zealand … even Australia.

The Half-Marathon saw a new course record for the Women 60-69, the youthful Merridy O’Donnell clocking a sprightly 2:20:54 over the challenging course. Sally Gordon led home the younger brigade in 1:40:03, from a tight race for second and third between Millerine Brikker (1:55:22) and Deborah Castres (1:55:47).

Michael Rendle meanwhile took out the Men 60-69 in 1:59:24; while the great Victor Correa placed 5th outright in winning the Men 50-59 in 1:37:05. It was the smooth-running Justin Hill who ran away with the Male Under 50 award in 1:27:4 from Matthew Hassall (1:30:21) and Matt North (1:31:57).

The 10km race gave a good indication of just how much tougher this course was today compared with the same course on a fine day. Nic Bailey won the race today in 41:11, compared with his course record time of 37:41 set last year. Klaus Muhlbock took out the Men 50-59 with 52:06; and Tony Roper the Men 60-69 in a fine 48:02.

While Emily May won the women’s race in 50:28, the big story in this field was the second place getter, Cathy Davenport, whose 51:16 set a new course record for the Women 50-59! The ever-cheerful Rasa Pes meanwhile won the Women 60-69 in 1:04:28.

It seemed that the whole field in the 5km were friends, as they moved brightly together en masse about the venue pre- and post-race. Allegra Short was first home from the Girls Under 17 in 28:04; Sophia Mansfield winning the Girls Under 13 in 29:20 and Riley Michelmore the Female 17 and Over in 30:17. The girls certainly dominated the race, as the winner of the Male 17 and Over category, Henry Wijanto (30:40) came in only 7th overall! Marcus Jewell was the proud winner of the Boys Under 13 in 38:26.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park Half-Marathon 6 April 2015, results by category 98.15 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 7km 6 April 2015, results by category 106.73 KB

Sri Chinmoy Centennial Park 4km 6 April 2015, results by category 85.04 KB

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Urged ever on by a silent inner yearning, the runner flows, glows and grows with each step, each breath, each pounding heartbeat towards the promise of a brighter dawn. The runners’ quest is universal, it is eternal: the lethargy-defying, age-denying shout of the soul asserting its ultimate sovereignty. Running is at once suffering and joy; torture and triumph – the simplest, most exquisite expression of the journey of life itself.

So when runners of all ages, backgrounds, capacities and builds gather together to run with, against and for each other, it is always a special occasion – especially special in a location such as Centennial Park.

Today’s 4km race saw a new course record in the Female 17 and Over category with Lisa Biffin’s 15:09 taking one second off the old record set 4 years ago. First in the Girls Under 17 was Ashley Karagorgovski’s 16:32; with Jade Cameron winning the Girls Under 13 in 17:17.

The only males ahead of Lisa in the 4km race were Josh Stevens (14:26) and Nicholas Katsilis (14:45), both running in the Boys Under 17. Andre Pech (Male 17 and Over) – 15:36 – just edged out the first Boy Under 13, Bailey Habler in 15:39.

Jacob Grooby was a solid winner of the men’s one-lap 7km race today with 24:51, from Nelson Santos in 25:28. Richard Sarkies’s 26:29 winning time in the Men 50-59 was good enough for 4th place outright. Ric Giddins’ 31:31 took out the Men 60-69; while Robert Amery lopped nearly 2 minutes off his own course record in the Men over 70 category with a fine run of 36:43.

The Women’s 7km race was won by Sarah Lesko in 28:27 from Sally Lynch’s 30:35 and Lyndsey Fitzgerald’s 31:04. The closest competition across the various categories came in the Women 50-59, where Pamela Blaikie finished strongest with 41:06, leading in Cathie Scott (41:24) and Martine Woodhill (41:42). Francis Bowman (51:14) took out the Female 60-69; and Rosemary Bridge the Female 70 and Over with 1:09:33.

The men’s race in the Half-Marathon was led home by local boy Philip Balnave in 1:20:03, from Joseph Thomas (1:22:30) and Clinton Killen (1:23:05). Peter Sewell’s 1:25:11 took out the Men 50-59, the 5th fastest time on course; while Ian Jarrett ran away with the Men 60-69 main prize with 1:52:05 and Vic Egerton the Men 70 and Over in 2:21:29.

The women’s Half-Marathon was won convincingly by Elizabeth Pittaway in a dashing 1:27:51, from Michelle McAdam (1:30:10) and Katelyn Clark (1:33:29). Helen McDonald took out the Women 50-59 with 2:19:03 and Karen Shepherd the Women 60-69 in 2:36:55.

The story of the morning is told in pictures in the photo album from around the start/finish locale.

Results (PDF Download)

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14km run, 22 March 2015 full results 90.1 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 22 March 2015 full results 91.76 KB

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 22 March 2015 full results 76.1 KB

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Unfailingly fulfilling is a run around Sydney’s Iron Cove: like the call of the currawong, a good hot bath or a Bach cantata – one of life’s simple, solid verities that never disappoints. The sure surface, soothing presence of water, subtle gradients, satisfying loop and communal amity all complement the endeavour.

Race 2 of the 2015 Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series was held on Sunday 22 March over three distances: 14km (2 laps of The Bay), 7km (one lap) and 4km (a straight out-and-back course).

Philip Balnave returned to his winning ways, taking out the main prize in the Men’s 14km race by nearly two minutes with 51:20 from Indrajeet Aich’s 53:09 and Justin Hill’s 53:32. Martin Fletcher (1:04:40) held off Brett Molloy (1:04:47) in the Men 50-59 category; while Ian Jarrett set a new Course Record for the Men 60-69 with his excellent 1:11:35.

Merridy O’Donnell likewise set a new record for Women 60-69 of 1:20:53; ahead of the first placed Women 50-59, Jan Swinhoe in 1:21:44. 15-year-old Katelyn Clark made it two from two in the Series to date, winning the Women Under 50 category in 1:01:46, having to work hard to hold off Breeda Lynch1:01:58, and a little ahead of Karina Wheelan in 1:02:39.

Robert Amery had meanwhile kept up the trend of new records in the older categories, winning the Men Over 70s in the 7km race in a new best time of 36:00 – not far ahead of Ernest Jordan, whose 36:40 also came in under the old record. Rasa Pes took out the Women 60-69 in 41:04, with John Bowman leading home the Men 60-69 in 38:52. The Women 50-59 category belonged to Noni Sweeney in 37:27; and the Men 50-59 to Mark Bible, marking his return to fun-runs after several years’ break with a winning 36:50.

Merryn Aldridge proved too strong in the 7km Women Under 50 with 28:36 from Sarina Blumentritt’s 30:45 and Jacqui Shearer’s 31:59; while Edward Fernon was a class above winning the Men’s race in 23:41 from Dani Andres (24:34) and Renaud Herington (25:07).

The first three placings outright in the 4km race were taken by the flying brothers Smith: 1st to William (15:23) in the Boys Under 13; 2nd to Oliver (15:36) in the Boys Under 17 and 3rd to James (15:45) also in the Boys Under 13. Terry Couchman’s 16:35 won him the Male 17 and Over category, though 5th outright behind the boys and Jessie Raupach’s 16:16, the winner of the Female 17 and Over category. Mia Hinchliff took out the Girls Under 17s next in 16:42; with Zoe Banks completing an excellent morning for the girls from Wenona School by winning the Girls Under 13 in 18:39.

View the photo album from the start/finish area, chronicling the morning's emotion and satisfaction.

Results (PDF Download)

4km results by category 73.91 KB

7km results by category 85.06 KB

14km results by category 89.54 KB

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Centennial Park always satisfies.

When it rains or when it shines, it feels it is meant to be so.

On Sunday 22 February, for Race 1 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, a dawn thick with brooding clouds broke through to a warm, sparkling morning. Before the races it rained – it really rained; and during the races it shone – it really shone.

All who, peering through the curtains into the morning gloom or hearing rain pattering on the window pane, decided to roll over and enjoy a longer sleep, dudded themselves of a glorious morning’s run.

The standout run of the day belonged to Gary Dalton who broke the Men 60-69 age group record for the 14km cross-country course. Gary’s time of 59:42 placed him 8th outright, and two and a half minutes faster than Victor Correa, who won the younger Men 50-59 category in 1:02:19.

Hamish Wallace and Philip Balnave had meanwhile tussled it out for the first of the 7km loops, only for Hamish to prove too strong over the closing stages to win the race in 51:43 from Philip’s 52:34 and Kevin Branagan’s 53:46. Michael Foster took out the Men 70 and Over category in 1:34:02.

15-year-old Katelyn Clark flew away from the rest of the women’s field, winning the 14km race in an outstanding 1:01:48, though a well-matched race behind her saw Sophia Anicic (1:08:39) just pipping Sophie Cooke (1:08:45) for 2nd place. Karen O’Connell was best in the Women 50-59 with her 1:17:43.

Just as the 14km run saw a standout performance in the “older” categories, so the 7km run was distinguished in particular by Frank Zeichner’s 27:29 to win the Men 50-59, placing him second behind only outright winner Vincent Touchard’s 27:20. Bryan Lynch (27:53) and Simon Reddy (27:56) were the only others to break the 28-minute barrier. Bruce John Flaherty took out the Men 60-69 in 35:33, and Ernest Jordan the Men 70 and Overs with a fine run of 38:33.

Eileen Cantwell from Ireland ran a superb 31:03 to win the women’s race from a brave Sally Gordon (31:38) and Angela Burgess (33:17). Jenny Middleton took out the Women 50-59 category in 41:32; while Rasa Pes continued her winning form in the Women 60-69s with 41:56.

In the Men’s 4km race, Michael Abiwahab was a graceful winner in 14:41, well ahead of Jayson Millis (16:04) and Jeffrey Lee (17:29). Meanwhile Ren-Shyan Balnave bettered his father’s second placing by winning the Boys Under 13s in 19:13; and Josh Kelly took out the Boys Under 17s in 21:47.

Taylor Porter convincingly won the women’s 4km race from the Girls Under 17 category in 15:46, from Olivia Lee in the same category with 17:27; while Portia Palmerlee (19:15) edged out Celia Cropper (19:17) and Lily Jennings (19:36) in a classy field for the Girls Under 13.

Meanwhile Natalia Bermudez De Castro Angulo took out the Female 17 and Over category in 17:15 from Catherine Higginson (20:20) and Camila Cropper (21:27).

Congratulations to all who participated in any way to make this such a satisfying morning – to all the runners, helpers and officials, as well as to the glorious Centennial Park itself which always contrives somehow to steal the show.

The next race in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2015 will be staged at Iron Cove on Sunday 22 March, over the same distances of 14km, 7km and 4km.

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Another year of Sri Chinmoy Races in Sydney drew to a close today with the traditional pre-Christmas 14km, 7km and 4km runs around Iron Cove. An intimate field ensured a relaxed and convivial mood, notwithstanding some fast times across all distances.

There is something magnetic about a loop course, as with every step as we progress further and further from our starting point, we simultaneously draw closer and closer to the same point, our goal. There is tremendous satisfaction in returning to the same – yet new – place, our surroundings transformed as we are by an inner as well as an outer journey, of striving, transcendence and achievement.

Congratulations to all who took part in any of the races today.

Peter Sewell took out the Men’s 2-lap race from the 50-59 category, winning in a fine 54:53; from Nicholas Hanva (Male Under 50) in 56:17, with Timothy Wels, Brendan Webb and Geoff Barnes (also Male 50-59) not far behind. John Hoffman took out the Men 60-69s in 1:07:35.

In the Women’s 14km, Kathryn Boiltho’s 1:04:50 was the standout, leading home some fine runners including Julie Watson and Shellie Tinworth in the next minute. Kristina Hallett took out the Women 50-59 in 1:21:59.

In the one-lap. 7km run, Daniel Watchorn zoomed around in 25:42, a commanding winner from Newton Soares and Greg Churchill. Father, Alistair Watchorn completed an impressive family double, taking out the Men 50-59 in 28:41 though strongly pressed by Michael Wilding. Bruce Flaherty’s 35:14 brought him victory in the Men 60-69.

Sarina Blumentritt led a quality women’s field in the 7km, winning in 28:59 though hotly pursued by Megan Hasick, Susanne Tonkin, Anne Moss and Georgie Young – all of whom finished among the top 10 men’s times. Jan Swinhoe took out the Women 50-59 with 37:15; and Rasa Pes the Women 60-69 in 39:00.

In the shorter 4km race, Grant Armessen took line honours in 15:59 from Terry Couchman; while Will Clifson won the Boys Under 13s in 18:21. The top 3 placings in the Women’s 4km race went to the Girls Under 17 category, with Taylor Jones first in 18:33 from Mia Bridle and Hannah McKee; Sophie Wisely won the Girls Under 13 with 26:48; with Kathryn Wood took out the Female 17 and Over with 20:37.

Full results by category for each of the 3 distances are published, along with a photo album from the morning.

Thank you to all who have made the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series in 2014 so memorable and enjoyable. We look forward to your company again for the Series in 2015. Look for online entries opening later this week!

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series

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Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2017, race 2: Centennial Park Half-Marathon, 7km & 4km cross-country run, Sunday 26 March 2017

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2017, race 1: Mirambeena 16km, 8km & 2 mile runs, Sunday 26 February 2017

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016, race 8: Iron Cove 14km, 7km & 4km runs, Sunday 18 December 2016

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016, race 7: Centennial Park 14km, 7km & 4km cross-country runs, Sunday 23 October 2016

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016, race 6: Iron Cove Half-Marathon, 7km & 4km runs, Sunday 11 September 2016

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016, race 5: Dolls Point Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10km & 5km runs, Sunday 10 July 2016

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016, race 4: Centennial Park Half-Marathon, 7km & 4km, 12 June 2016 Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series race 3: Royal National Park

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016, race 2: Centennial Park Half-Marathon, 7km & 4km, 28 March 2016 Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2016, race 1: Iron Cove 14km, 7km & 4km, 28 February 2016 Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 9, Iron Cove 13 November Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 8, Iron Cove 18 October Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 7, Dolls Point Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10km & 5km runs, 12 July Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 6, Centennial Park 7 June Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 5, Iron Cove 24 May Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 4, Royal National Park 3 May Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 3, Centennial Park 6 April Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 2, Iron Cove Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2015 race 1 Results

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 10: Iron Cove Race Report

Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series

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