After a break of 4 years, Sri Chinmoy Races returned to Sydney on Sunday 9 September with a 14 km, 7 km and 4 km cross country run in Centennial Park.

The first race back was a humble affair with a small field and minimal razzamatazz. Overnight and early morning rain ensured the cross-country courses would feature fair portions of mud and drenched grass. Despite threatening to clear on several occasions, the light rain persisted with the clouds finally lifting just as the last runner crossed the finish line.

The 14 km runners were first to toe the start line at 8 am, followed 5 minutes later by the 7 km field with the 4 km entrants commencing a further 5 minutes adrift, ensuring the whole field was well spread out. The courses were being used for the first time: the 14 km race comprised 2 loops of the 7 km course, with the 4 km route fitting inside the 7 km loop. All courses saw the runners passing the start/finish area after 1.5 kms, giving supporters and spectators ample opportunity to cheer their favourites.

Though last to set off, the small 4 km field were first to return. Emma Hickey, racing in the Girls Under 17 division was outright winner of the race, followed by 9-year-old Tess Bukovinsky running with father Shane. With only 6 entrants, everyone was able to claim a prize in their respective age groups.

Peter Hatton was a convincing winner in the 7 km event, finishing in 26:30 ahead of second place John Hughes who tied with female race winner Natasha Cole who in 28:12 finished more than 5 minutes clear of her rivals.

The 14 km race was dominated by a fine run from Tim Lindop in a course record 54:12, while Amanda Smith was delighted to win the first race of her career in 1:07:11. Of course all winning times for all distances are now course records, setting standards to be challenged when the races are next held on Easter Monday 24 March 2008, hopefully in sunny, dry conditions.

Full results by age category are published along with a photo album of the day's proceedings. Runners who wish to purchase images of the action can also check the photos from Abbey Digital.

The next race in the Sri Chinmoy Spring Series will be 16 km, 8 km and 4 km around Iron Cove. We look forward to your company in Leichhardt Park on Sunday 14 October. Online entries are now open for all distances - enter online to save $10 compared to on-the-day entry prices. Registration is from 7 am with racing starting at 8 am.