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.
 

For full results by category from each of the 16 km, 8 km and 4 km distances of the Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove Runs held on Sunday 28 March, starting and finishing at Leichhardt Park, please select the link below.

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 16 km Run>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 8 km Run>>

Sri Chinmoy Iron Cove 4 km Run>>

Centennial Park resplendent in all her glory; the multifaceted heart-beat and life-breath of Sydney; a collective celebration of all we treasure about Australia; and above all the perfect venue for the first race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2010.

The weather was warm and the park a hive of activity as a field of 482 runners wound their way across the charmingly varied cross-country terrain over distances of 4km, 7km and a Half-Marathon.

Many familiar faces could be spotted amongst a crowd enriched by a host of first-time helpers, eager and enthusiastic to be part of this wonderful sport we all love so much. As these familiar faces passed by I reflected upon the friendships that exist without names; friendships forged by smiles and encouragement, the mutual respect between athletes and volunteers, strengthened through the shared experience of all the things we love about running – the uncluttered minds, the camaraderie of a race, the serenity of mother nature, the rejuvenation of deep breaths, the meditative cadence of resolute footfalls, feats of uncompromising determination, sheer will power in the face of adversity, the achievement, the relief. How lucky we all are to be part of this sport of sports!

Congratulations to all finishers. Despite the heat, new course records were established in the Half-Marathon by Magda Karimali in the Women Under 50 (1:26:08), Ginta Viliunas in the Women 50-59 (1:54:56), and Carl Barker in the Men 50-59 (1:27:07). Edward McMaster also bettered his own course record in the 7 km Men Over 70 category with his 45:23. Our special gratitude to Sara Edwards, a competitor in the Half-Marathon who also happens to be a doctor, who interrupted her own race for half an hour to attend to a fellow athlete in distress.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone once more for the next event in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2010 – over 16 km, 8 km or 4 km – at Iron Cove on March 28th.

Full results are now published.

Race Report from a course marshal (Christopher Willis)
 

Centennial Park is a Sydney jewel – a haven of beauty, recreation and aspiration in the very heart of a pulsating city. Concert goers, cyclists, artists, cricketers, picnickers, horse riders, conversationalists, bird watchers, sun bathers, sky gazers – and runners – flock to the park to celebrate nature, humanity, community – and life.

The final race of the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2009 – offering the choice of a Half-Marathon, 7 km or 4 km run – was run over tracks and trails within Centennial Park on Sunday 22 November. With a forecast of 39 degrees, aid stations were equipped with additional water and runners came prepared for a hot day at the office.

The course comprises a smaller loop for the 4 km, and a larger loop for the 7 km event. The Half-Marathon completes three laps of the 7 km loop, which winds amongst tree-lined trails, ponds, open fields and the perimeter trail of this vast park.

Due to significant heavy vehicle presence associated with the bump-out from a large polo event the previous day, one section of the original course was replaced with a meandering jaunt betwixt the thick vegetation of Snake Bank, adding a degree of adventure and about 100 metres to the length of each loop.

The Half-Marathon saw a stellar run from Matt Janes (right), smashing the course record by 5 minutes and winning the race by 11 minutes. Running solo from the outset, Matt's 1:12:28 over a challenging cross-country course under very hot conditions showed the finest elements of running – courage, focus, determination and grace.

Meanwhile Dave Barr (left) and Scott Milson had a decent battle for second, crossing the line in 1:23:16 and 1:23:35 respectively. Gregory Scott took the Men 50-59 category in 1:29:47.

Lizzy Hall was surprised to find she had won the women's Half-Marathon in 1:37:33, having run behind Laura James the whole race. Unfortunately for Laura, while following another athlete she inadvertently missed one turn and so did not run quite the official course so her time could not be recognised despite her fine effort. Kate Gustafson finished second amongst the women in 1:42:56.

First home in the 7 km was an outstanding run from Dennis Wylie, setting a new course best time of 26:43 for the Men 50-59 category. Max Delacy (27:00) and Scott Stefl (27:15) were not far behind, leading home the Men Under 50. Gerard Tupin, visiting from France, won the Men 60-69 category in a fine 32:08, while Edward McMaster established a new course record for the Men 70+ with his 45:38.

A tight race in the Women's 7 km was won by Myree McCosh in 31:43, from Liliane Peroton (31:49) and Sue Stedman (31:54). Sylvia Nichols continued her wonderful running form with 36:09 to take out the Women 50-59 category.

The 4 km women's race saw Jennifer Stevens (right) exactly equalling the course record of 16:36, set one year ago by Larissa Tichon. Amanda Perez was first girl under 17 in 29:00, while Catherine Barlin won the girls under 13 category in 19:48.

Daniel White was first boy under 13 home in 16:51, placing him 3rd male outright behind Nathan Barry (14:21) and Davor Zailac (16:25). Ricci Stavropoulos took the boys under 17 category in 33:45.

Full results are published along with an extensive dynamic photo album from the morning's action.

Organisers and runners are most grateful to Peggy Huang of Sports Medicine Australia for her invaluable service, and to the staff and rangers of the Centennial Parklands Trust for their kind assistance and cooperation in the staging of this event.

 

13 September 2009: Summer arrived early on Sunday. Even before the dawn the heat loomed, the sun appearing with a vehemence that instantly proclaimed who's boss.

Runners acclimatised to cool Winter mornings, were not prepared for the dramatic mercury rise. Particularly the 24 km entrants – many of whom were inadvertently led to run up to an additional kilometre – found in the alliance of rising heat and lengthening distance a formidable adversary.

First away were the 6 km runners, over a direct out-and-back course to the Cumberland Highway overpass and return. The men's and women's fields were led home by Greg and Katharine King in 22:56 and 26:34 respectively. Nadia Barrett took home the Girls Under 13 gold medal with her 34:14.

The 12 km course followed parklands along the southern bank of Prospect Creek to Polding St, returning along the waterway's northern shore. Following several months sidelined through injury, Italian Daniel Lorenzotti celebrated his return to running form with his first victory in a Sri Chinmoy Series race in 47:41, with series regular Pavol Sefcik of Slovakia following in 49:46. Next home was Men 50-59 winner David McEwan in 50:34, while Robert Amery led the Men 60-69 in 1:04:04.

Two women came in under the hour – Corinne Fulford continuing her fine recent form with 59:34, followed closely by Estelle Von Abo in 59:46. Jo Rickards claimed first in the Women 50-59 with her 1:07:57.

Most of the field in the 24 km, including the lead cyclist, were confused by a directional sign which had been interfered with – leading to most runners covering from 700 metres to one kilometre extra. Runners showed their resilience by taking this error in remarkably good grace, as another hurdle to surmount in the day's long and arduous journey.

Despite the additional distance and attritional heat, Chris Waterhouse finished in the excellent time of 1:36:23, ahead of Wayne Bulloch (1:38:28). Next home was the Men 50-59 winner, Carl Barker setting a new category record of 1:47:56. Bob Corderoy was first home in the Men 60-69 with 2:10:56, while the small women's field was led by April Palmerlee in 2:14:00.

Full category results are published, as well as a photo album. The last race in the Sri Chinmoy Sydney Series 2009 offers the choice of a Half Marathon, 7 km or 4 km cross-country in Centennial Park on Sunday 22 November.