The seventh race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2013 was staged around Iron Cove on Sunday 20 October, over the distances of Half-Marathon, 7km and 4km.  Full results for each distance follow:

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Half-Marathon, 20 October 2013, full results by category>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7km run, 20 October 2013, full results by category>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4km run, 20 October 2013, full results by category>>

There was a reflective, almost subdued mood this morning at Cooks River as the smallest field at any Sri Chinmoy Sydney race in 5 years assembled in Ewen Park, ready for one, two or four laps of the scenic 4km loop course which wends and winds its way up, across, along, down the river, across and back again.

A gentle misty rain enveloped proceedings prior to the start, giving way to superb running conditions – cool, overcast and still – for the duration of all three races.

In the 4km race, overall winner was Hayden Brown from the Boys Under 17s in 15:55, from Marc Mardini of the Boys Under 13, not far afield in 16:06.  Andrew Webb was first Male 17 and Over in 17:15.

Emily Scolyer was 1st outright among all the females, taking out the Girls Under 13 in 20:16; while first Female 17 and Over , Gillian Shannon, came home in 20:49.

Jake Stollery ran another cracking race, taking out the 8km run in 27:19, from first-time Sri Chinmoy race entrant Mustapha Takieddine – who came across the race just before the start while out for a morning training run – in 27:49.  Geoff Johnston was first Male 50-59 in 37:59; though local runner Bruce Flaherty saw the Men 60-69s home earlier in an impressive 36:33.  Edward McMaster was the perennial Men 70 and Over winner in 59:40.

First among the women in the 8km was Ellen Glennan in 36:06.  Georgie Young took out the Women 50-59 in 50:37; and Julie Roelevink the Women 60-69 in 52:40.

Philip Balnave led the 16km race through all four laps, clocking a solid 1:01:47 before departing as he had arrived, on his scooter.  Victor Correa ran an impressive race to win the Men 50-59 in 1:05:10; while John Hoffman took out the Men 60-69 in 1:20:30.

A smiling Akiko Akashi won the Women's 16km in 1:12:00; while Diana Slack was first in the Women 50-59 in 1:16:26.

With the races run, pancakes put away and trophies taken, the sun emerged to survey a satisfied scene of happy runners.

Full results are published along with a photo album from the morning.

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...

437 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-Marathoners, who were soon trundling around the St George Sailing Club to complete a small loop of 1.1 km, 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.

As the races progressed the superb weather and delightful 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.

Full results are published here, as well as a photo gallery.

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 of ours. We look forward to seeing you all at our next race-  Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 6: Cooks River 16km, 8km & 4km runs on 8 September

There were no lurking lightning-storms, no last-minute double-bookings of venues, no dramatic injuries, no timing calamities – just a lovely morning for a run, in a sublime venue, with a wonderful gathering of people all looking to better themselves and enjoy the process immensely.

Race 4 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2013 was held this morning, Sunday 9 June over the distances of Half-Marathon, 7 km and 4 km over this now well-used and much-loved cross-country course.

Course records fell in each of the distances today – all in the Female categories:

In the Half-Marathon, Laura James – who already holds the 14 km course record at this same venue – took a few minutes from the previous best time, bringing it down to 1:23:34 to set a new mark for the women.

In the 7 km race, Eija Stewart ran a new nest time for Women 50-59 of 33:37; while not far behind her, Kate Rowe set a new benchmark for Women 60-69 of 34:54.

In the 4 km race, Taylor Porter ran a wonderful time of 15:28 to establish a new course record for Girls Under 13. Congratulations to all the new course record holders! You are inspiring us all to transcend ourselves in whatever ways we can…

Drew Arthurson ran from the front for the entire Half-Marathon, always looking composed, focussed and in control. His finish time of 1:14:51 left him a few minutes ahead of Danny Burgess (1:17:25) who had to hold off a threat from the Spanish-speaking duo of Leonardo Rodriguez Pena (1:17:26) and Mauricio Loaiza Jaramilo (1:17:48).

The ever-green Victor Correa took out the Men 50-59 in 1:26:34 from Alan McLennan (1:28:15); with Greg Marsh (1:51:15) winning the Men 60-69; and Daniel Klenbort the Men 70 and Over in 2:55:54.

While Laura James took the main spotlight in the women's race, Kathryn Parkinson was an excellent runner-up with 1:26:32; from Tiffany Knight in 1:33:35. Jacqueline Korhonen took out the Women 50-59 category with her 1:56:29; and Kerry Bray once more stood victorious in the Women 60-69 with 2:13:52 – an inspiration to us all!

Aside form the stellar showings in the older women's categories of the 7 km race mentioned above, Zoe Williams was in fine form in the Women Under 50 with a slick 28:18; in front of Athene Chariot – sharpening up for her defence of the Traralgon Marathon next weekend – finishing in 29:35, and Naomi Tancred in 30:57.

Jake Stollery dominated the men's field from the outset, winning the 7 km race in style in 23:42; from the fleet-of-foot Ali Najem in 24:36; and Adam Chadwallder in 24:47. Dennis Johnson took out the Men 50-59 in 29:01 from Warren Williams' 29:38; while James Box proved too fast in the Men 60-69 with 30:59 from Bruce Flaherty's 33:10.

Taylor Porter's 15:28 saw her take 2nd place overall in the 4 km event, after Girls Under 17 winner, Catherine Barlir's 15:20 and a little ahead of Sianna Steele in 15:42. 1st place Female 17 and Over was Sally Hannah in 16:03.

Max Jameson won from a record field in the Boys Under 13's race, with an impressive 15:10; ahead of Boys Under 17 winner, Ben Muston in 15:17, who just tipped Hayden Brown in 15:21. Meanwhile, Gilbert Olzomer swept all before him in an impressive run of 13:11 to take out the Male 17 and Over category.

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

Easter Monday brought an eager turnout of runners to Centennial Park for race 3 of the 2013 Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series, for the varied challenges of the Half-Marathon, 7 km and 4 km runs. Many were trying their first Sri Chinmoy race, others were long-time participants.

Some light early-morning rain helped tremendously. First, the cooler temperature and clear air made for ideal running conditions; and second, the public holiday crowds didn't flock to the park until later on, after the races were run and won.

A record number of on-the-day entries tested the registration systems to the max, yet despite some breathless behind-the-scenes processing, the Half-Marathoners got under way only a few minutes after their scheduled departure time.

Quite often, the 4 km race is a low-key affair, favoured by weekend joggers and those just out to enjoy the morning. Today's 4 km was a fair dinkum race, with fast times across all categories.

Ali Najem set a cracking pace in the Male 17 and Over, his 12:47 a new all-comers course record, with second placed Gilbert Olzomer's 13:02 also inside the previous best time. Ben Moss won the Boys Under 17 in 14:04, the second fastest ever recorded for his category; while Marc Mardini led home the Boys Under 13 in 16:31.

Catherine Barlin (Girls Under 17) was first female home in 15:33, but only after a sprint finish from Sianna Steele (15:35). Sally Hannah took out the Female 17 and Over category in 16:05, while another great race unfolded in the Girls Under 13, where Breanna Ivankovic (16:50) just edged out Isabelle Mardim (16:52). Had the ground not been softened by over night rain, a few more course record may well have fallen.

The 4 km was also notable for the most ever participants in the Under 13 and Under 17 boys and girls categories, since Sri Chinmoy races commenced in Centennial Park seven years ago.

Meanwhile Edward Fernon attacked the 7 km course, slicing 2 seconds from the all-comers record in 23:16, from a brave Jake Stollery in 23:36, these two finishing a full 2 minutes clear of the field. Michael Baker took out the Men 50-59 in 27:49; and Rob Connolley the Men 60-69 in 29:49.

Audrey Amiya-Hall took out the women's race in 28:10, from Nancy Newsome (28:45). Grace Stone was first Women 50-59 in 34:57; Helen Stanger won the Women 60-69 in 36:30 and Wendy Bennett the Women 70 and Over in 52:56.

The sun finally came out for the final lap of the Half-Marathon, making conditions more demanding for those going the longer distance. Philip Balnave took out the men's race in 1:20:49 from Danny Burgess (1:21:13) and Paul Ansell (1:22:07). John Collins won the Men 50-59 in 1:38:09; and John Dawlings the Men 60-69 in 1:43:19.

Skye Pailthorpe won the women's Half-Marathon in 1:36:48 from Justine Carmichael (1:37:51) and Kim Shmuel (1:40:36). Gillian Bramley won the Women 50-59 in 1:50:16; and Lyn O'Mara the Women 60-69 in 2:36:10.

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

The 2nd race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2013 was held on Sunday 10 March at Iron Cove with races over 3 distances – 14 km, 7 km and 7 km.  Full results for each of the 3 distances follow:

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 14 km run, 10 March 2013, full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 7 km run, 10 March 2013, full results>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4 km run, 10 March 2013, full results>>

In a weekend characterised by howling winds, deluges of rain, repeated lightning strikes, flooding and numerous severe weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, it was indeed remarkable that at no stage during either the course setup or the race itself was any organiser or athlete in race 1 of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2013 subjected to even a single drop of rain.

Perhaps it was the collective intrepid spirit, on a weekend where many other sporting events were cancelled, that somehow invoked the blessings of the running and weather gods?

For the organisers, it was a restless sleep leading up to the race with the shop awning of our downstairs neighbour being torn from it fixture overnight and multiple leaks appearing in the ceiling. Nightmares of bedraggled runners navigating a flooded and debris-laden course, constantly confused by wind-tossed marker arrows pointing in the wrong direction played upon our minds. Myriad contingency plans were conceived during these sleepless hours to combat the impending disaster with the prospect of soggy pancakes seeming overwhelmingly likely. In the midst of all this any suggestion of the smooth, streamlined event that ultimately transpired, would have seemed quite unrealistic if not utterly delusional.

And yet there we were only hours later, enjoying the delights of Centennial Park as athletes young and old raced distances of 14km, 7km and 4km with nothing more than a few easily navigable puddles to slow them down. Well before the race was underway the howling winds of the previous night had died down and the rain completely disappeared. Yet, most importantly, upon completion of their respective events each athlete was greeted with a pancake that was warm and fluffy!

There were many notable achievements on the day. Full results are published andalso a photo album. We look forward to seeing you all in two weeks' time for 14km, 7km or 4km on the picturesque waterfront circuit of Iron Cove. Enjoy your training!

"Everyone's a winner" is a phrase especially applicable at small fun-runs. On Sunday 16 December, for the final race in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2012, over 14 km, 7 km and 4 km at Iron Cove, every finisher – whether 1st, 21st or 101st across the line – wore that smile of satisfaction that can only come from the reward of genuine effort.

On a still, humid and very warm morning, there were some outstanding performances with new course records set across all three distances.

The course used for the Sri Chinmoy runs at Iron Cove was this year changed from an out-and-back 8 km and 16 km configuration to the full 7 km loop of The Bay. Thomas Do Canto owns the course records for both the old 8 km and 16 km courses, destined now to remain forever. So with new courses now in effect, today he added the 14 km record to his impressive resume, winning in a superb 48:49 – but not before a battle royal with Anthony Farrugia who trailed by a mere 6 seconds at the finish. John Dawlings took out the Male 50-59 in 1:02:56; and Elwyn Elms the Male 60-69 in 1:26:05.

Alisia Barrell was dominant in the Women's 14 km race, winning in 1:01:23 from Sharon Antonir, Athene Chariot and Sonia Favero. Jackie Korhonen won the Women 50-59 with her 1:18:12.

Ali Najem set the pace and took the new course record in style in the 7 km event, winning in a fine 24:04, from Hamish Wallace (24:36) and James Carroll (24:45). Stephen Durante won the Male 50-59 with 32:59 after a close race with Stephen William Bond (33:06). The Male 60-69 saw another close – and even faster – race, with Brian Radburn (30:39) edging out Rob Connolley (30:49); while Edward McMaster claimed the Male 70+ yet again with 53:44.

One of the best age-group runners in the Sydney scene, Raewyn Harlock seems to get better and better, winning the 7 km Women's race outright today in 29:18 and setting a new course record for Women 50-59 in the process. Jess Dougherty was next in 29:47, taking out the Women Under 50 from Jenny Doak (30:07) and Sally Hannah (30:09).

While the 7 km and 14 km courses are only new this year, the 4 km course has been in use now for 7 years, so for a record to be smashed takes quite a run. Neill Robbie blazed around the course in a sensational 12:36, leaving the timing crew waiting another 3 and a half minutes before they would be called into action again – this time for Hayden Brown, 1st Boys Under 13 in 16:07; from the 1st Boys Under 17 runner, Josef Falcomata in 16:25.

Outright winner amongst the females in the 4 km race was Girls Under 13's Renee Lewis in 17:24, from Isabella Mardini in 17:44. Zoe Iron won the Girls Under 17 with 20:58; and Sofia Hakanson the Female 17 and Over in 20:20.

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

The Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series for 2013 will commence on 24 February, at Centennial Park. In the meantime, the Sri Chinmoy Races crew wishes to thank all runners and walkers who participated in the Series in 2012, and to wish all a joy-filled Christmas and a blossoming New Year.

Over the past few years, I have attended many Centennial Park races as an official. This time, for a change, I attended as a competitor. Now I can have an athlete’s-eye view of the course enjoyed by so many of Sydney’s cross-country runners.

The organisers of this event, of course, would suggest that, if you plan to do this event, you prepare slightly more than I did. The Olympic motto, that has inspired athletes (both elite and amateur) around the world, is “Faster, Higher, Stronger”. My motto was “unwell, unfit, untrained”. This wasn’t exactly positive reinforcement, but it would be a useful excuse. I was ready to tell anyone in advance that I wasn’t exactly at my peak (which was around 1995), but nobody was interested, so I didn’t have to use my watertight excuse.

Instead, I noted that – as part of my duty as an official – I drove from Canberra, heading off at 2:00am. Hence, with only three hours’ sleep, I arrived in Centennial Park, ready to run 14km, unwell, unfit, un – oh, you already knew that, didn’t you? Moreover, it was the hottest, sunniest day in some time, with the piercing Sun providing an extra challenge to the runners.

So I was basically sleep-running. This worked fine, as my mind switched off, and I was able to enjoy the race in my somnambulist state, usually not competing with anyone else. Now I discover that this is a truly unique race, a great race for road runners willing to make a break into simple cross-country trails. I was also able to enjoy the festival-like atmosphere when I returned, clusters of runners gathered after earning their Sunday rest. It’s easy to miss this when you’re focused on recording numbers in the timing tent. I can speak now without boasting, when I say that the timing crew, aid stations and marshals all did a fine job, ensuring that the races ran smoothly, even as the early summer Sun was beating down on us, giving us a need to replenish that left longer than usual queues at the pancake barbecue, plus endless refills of water and electrolyte drink. If you were out this morning, running any of the races, you would have been both pleased and toughened by the experience.

Noivedya Juddery (14 km, no. 91)

New records were set in the 14 km race, with Laura James (Female Under 50) lowering her own course record from last year to 57:24, and Martin Dowson – who took second outright – setting a new benchmark in the Male 50-59 with an outstanding 54:37.

Full results are posted here, along with a photo album from the course.