Sri Chinmoy Canberra Time-Trail Runs 2020

The second of the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Time-Trail Series followed the progression of the easing of lock-down restrictions in the ACT, as groups of up to 20 runners were (theoretically) allowed to run at the same time. Step by step we are progressing towards the goal of racing with each other on the same course at the same time … in the meanwhile, this format of time trial racing has provided some exciting competition of its own and another kind of camaraderie, as seen in the photos submitted for the event gallery.

The Stromlo Strides is another new course, stitching together tracks from beyond, up, down and around Mt Stromlo, starting and finishing on the superbly manicured Deeks Cross-Country grass track in front of the Stromlo Forest Park pavilion. Options included 2km (a lap of the grass course); 6.3km (half way up the hill and return); and the full 15.4km circumnavigation route.

The photo gallery, taken at all times of day (including the dead of night), shows the many faces and moods of Canberra in Winter, from early morning frost and the first rays of a promising rising sun, to blazing afternoon sunshine and a soothing early moon.

Full results are published, including some truly sensational performances! Congratulations to one and all who ran: sorry there were no burgers or pancakes at the finish line this time – though category winners will receive vouchers to enjoy a meal from our café, “My Rainbow-Dreams” in Dickson – now open again for sit-down customers!

Congratulations to Nicole Siddon who also wins a meal for the photo judged by our panel as the best of the event, featuring herself striding towards the moon, under the watchful gaze of a spectata-roo!

This is the first time I’ve attempted to write up a race report for an event I almost entirely missed. So here goes …

The first challenge to the Sri Chinmoy Canberra Trail Series for 2020 came when the footbridge over the Cotter River near the camping ground, abandoned its post in the thrall of the recent flooding (which you might not recall, after all…). This meant the traditional series opener, the “Cotter Canter” could not be staged this year. Fortunately, Weston Creek resident and Encyclopaedia-of-Trails, Martin Fryer, devised an alternative course utilising the wonderful network (some might say “labyrinth”) of tracks and trails along, up, over, behind and around Cooleman Ridge. So the “Cooleman Clip” was born…

You know all about the next challenge to the Series, so let’s skip right along…

With outdoor exercise allowed and even encouraged, runners (and dogs) have not been short of training opportunities, though with the traditional format of mass races out of the equation, options for putting all that training to use have been scarce. Hence the “Sri Chinmoy Canberra Time-Trail” concept – a race conducted as a time trial, over a set course with various distance options, each runner responsible to navigate and time themselves, the whole event spread over a week.

With a brand new, unknown and unmarked course, most participants realised early on, that a “reconnaissance run” was a very good idea – indeed, quite a few who hadn’t planned on it, ended up taking an exploratory outing, returning later in the week to “race” the course. When I ran the race myself, there were two runners who started just ahead of me. I never passed them – yet they passed me twice – and still I finished ahead of them – and yes, I definitely covered the correct route!

While we all ran (roughly) the same course, the photo gallery supplied by participants, tells the story of varied race experiences: some sent dawn photos, some of the sunset, some of the midday sun. Some encountered fog. Those who love to run in the rain had two full days to indulge themselves! Wise ones headed out early in the week when the sun shone lovingly and benignly – whereas those who left it to the last day paid the price, slugging it out in the coldest day of the year.

Full results are published. Congratulations to one and all who ran: sorry there were no burgers or pancakes at the finish line this time – though category winners will receive vouchers to enjoy a meal from our café, “My Rainbow-Dreams” in Dickson (yes we are open for take-away and deliveries) … as will our photography award winners! Our judges couldn’t decide on the best overall photo, so have awarded two 1st prizes: “Best Runner Photo” for action, mood and composition goes to John Harding for “Running in the Fog”; and “Best Selfie” to Tam Farrell for her windswept vista. Thank you for your photos – there were too many "honourable mentions" to mention!