The October 3 Labour Day public holiday Monday dawned under an exultant canopy of blue.   Like so many flowers, buds and shoots eager for the embrace of such a splendiferous Spring morn, a record field of fun- and fitness-seekers thronged to the lake's edge and spilled into a polite pile-up at the registration table.

Following a moment's pause which only brightened the lake's shimmer and deepened the sky's azure, 135 runners set off to complete either a 10 km or 4 km course on the cycle path skirting the bank of Lake Burley Griffin.

The day's shining performance came from Jackie Fairweather (née Gallagher), who in setting a new women's course record (of 36:29) also came in first outright, ahead of all the men in the 10 km race.   Jackie is a former world triathlon and duathlon champion, has won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in the marathon, and is now triathlon coach at the AIS.   Today she presented a master class for all as she strode to a consummate victory. Second place was Kristin Connell in 41:52, and third was Jo Allison in 43:08.

Fastest male was Rob Little, in a time of 37:24, who came in just ahead of Rob Imhoff and Michael Corlis, who finished in 38:07 and 38:36 respectively.

The 4 km race offered a showcase for the talents of the Torley family, who will be needing a new annex at home for trophies augmented today by a further 5 prizes across all age groups.   Leading the charge was number one son Robert, taking line honours in a tick over 14 minutes and 20 seconds.   Paul Considine finished hot on his heels in 14:28, with Geoff Monro a close third in 14:42.
 
Fastest female 4 km runner was Catriona Windsor in 17:09, in the Under 13 age category. Next fastest, and winner of the Over 17 category, was Miriam McCarthy, in 17:38. Kayler Torley, winner of the Under 17 category, was third fastest female in 18:11.

The runners lingered at the finish area after the race, enjoying the fine weather and the delicious fresh pancakes cooked up by Bernice. We'd like to thank all the runners who attended, and look forward to seeing you at our races in the future.

Full results for Sri Chinmoy Labour Day 10 km & 4 km Fun-Runs
Photo Album

In perfect weather, a devoted group of runners visited the Acton Ferry Terminal, on the north shore of Lake Burley Griffin, for a 20-year tradition: the Mother's Day 10km Run. Some of the runners have been doing the race almost since day one, but everyone- young and old- joined in the fun with enthusiasm. Stuart Doyle won the 10 km race in a time of 36:23, followed by Mick Corlis (37:24) and Paul Considine (37:32). The first woman across the line was Kym Chisholm in 47:04, followed by Michelle Elmitt (47:41) and Carolyn Kramer (47:53).

Special mention should go to Joan Mallory. At 73, she is our oldest female runner for some time- and she finished in an impressive 1:14:49.

The family of the 4 km race was the Torleys. Seventeen-year-old Robert Torley won the race overall in a time of 14:05. His sister Kayler, 15, was also the first female home in 17:48. Meanwhile, their father Paul, younger brothers Michael and Joshua, and younger sister Nicola, ALL won trophies in their age groups (in Paul's case, the over-17s category). To coin a phrase, the family that runs together, has fun together!

Sri Chinmoy Mother's Day 10 km Fun-Run results (pdf) >>

Sri Chinmoy Mother's Day 4 km   Fun-Run results (pdf) >>