Early morning rain descended on the Mirambeena Nature Reserve. Despite the precipitation, the location was surprisingly beautiful, to the eyes of this first time visitor. Why hadn't anybody told me about it before? But then, I suppose our country is filled with magical spots only waiting to be discovered by fresh eyes.

The rain grew heavier as the first participants arrived to register, and attempts were made to waterproof the pancake marquee!

Fortunately the rain had stopped by 8 am, when it was time for the race to start. The 16 km and 8 km events started together. The 2 mile race started five minutes later.

It was with some surprise that we noticed the 2 mile race leader Mohan Dhall returning to finish in under 9 minutes, with the other runners not too far behind! It seems that a shortcut was inadvertently taken by the field. A note was most assuredly taken by the organisers to ensure this doesn't happen next time. William Chaffey in the Under 17 division was second outright and Bryce Marsden in the Under 13 division was fourth outright.

Peter Hatton was first home in the 8 km in 30:54, closely followed by Liam Rapley and John Hughes (far left). Tracey O'Donnell was the first female in a time of 37:38, followed by Sharen Ryan and Leonie Tonner. Dorothy Siepmann, the only over 60 female competitor of the day, finished in 47:35.

Luigi Manfrini (right), a phD student from Bologna, won the 16 km in 60:46, followed by David Pell three and a half minutes later. Then there was a lull of more than seven minutes before Brendan Davies finished in third place. Next was Sharon Antonir (left), first woman across the line, in 74:19.

Thanks to all the runners who came to our inaugural Mirambeena race. Many commented on what a great environment it was for a race, and we look forward to returning next year.

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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.