100km Christchurch 5 April 2009 - Review and Results

Results are now up for the Sri Chinmoy 100km and 50km:
http://www.srichinmoyraces.org/nz/race_results/2009/100km-results

Thanks to everyone for a truly inspiring event. We hope it will continue to grow. Some highlights of the day included a superb turnout for the 10km event, 50km completed on crutches by John Stevens, hard won 100km medals earned late in the day by veteran women Niribili File and Shirley Rolston, and a great team performance by Christchurch Avon Athletic Club.

The 100km got off to an early start just as the sun started to rise. It looked set to be a scorching day with clear blue skies overhead, but thankfully the cloud cover rolled in as the morning progressed, saving the hopeful runners from an unhappy fate.

The men’s 100km was a close contest between veteran Bryan McCorkindale and up and coming ultra marathoner Tim Cranfield. Both showed remarkable consistency through the painful latter section of the race, Bryan maintaining the lead till 80km when Tim’s younger legs carried him through to a stronger finish. An excellent time by both athletes. Walker Angus Bromley reached a new personal best of 80km before retiring for the day. The women’s event showed some gutsy performances by veteran runners Shirley Rolston and Niribili File. Both showed the strength of experience and incredible determination in this relentless journey, hanging on for a late finish as the night set in. The teams event saw some strong runners, the title being taken by Christchurch Avon Athletic with an impressive time of 7 hours 12 minutes.

The men’s 50km was dominated by Shane Grose who looked set to turn out a new course record. Sadly he fell victim to severe cramp and was forced off his feet temporarily, going on to complete the race in a gesture of good sportsmanship and still managing to maintain a substantial lead over veteran Bill Richardson. 76 year old duathlete Ray Bennet completed the 50km. He will now be focusing on the bike as he prepares with his team of 70+ year olds for their next ironman event in Germany. The women’s 50km was taken by Val Muskett, out doing some speed work after her incredible 11th placing in the world 24 hour championships in Seoul last year. Perhaps the most impressive performance of the day was the 50km of John Stevens on crutches. John continues to transcend himself, putting to shame the able bodied people who would not dare to attempt the distances he is now covering.

The introduction of a 25km distance proved quite popular and provided some added company to those completing the longer races.