New Zealand 24-Hr Championship

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Temperature 8 - 14 degrees C.

At 8:00 a.m., after a few moments of silence for the runners to reflect, meditate and focus their inner capacities, the timekeepers clasped their stopwatches and the starter set the runners and race walkers on their way.

The 24 hour runners, conscious of the long journey ahead, began gently and smoothly while the team runners ran strongly and confidently. Gary Regtien with 100 km world age bests at the back of his mind was running impressively and his classic running style looked very suited to the fast track surface.

At 10:00 a.m. 8 runners led by New Zealand 100 km World Cup representative Lilac Flay began the inaugural Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour Race. The beaming Lilac started briskly and became more confident as the race progressed. She cruised through 30 kms in 2:15:59 (splits of 45:06, 45:56 and 44:57) and then really picked up the pace as she ran from 30 to 40 kms in 42:38 and a 40 to 50 km split of 43:46 - establishing women's 40 to 44 world track records of 3:35:03 for 30 miles and 3:42:22 for 50 kms (subject to ratification). Both of these times are more than 5 minutes under British runner Hillary Walker's current world bests!

After a break Lilac went on to finish with 52.600 kms followed by Linda Law with 42.296 kms and Karen O'Connell with 39.020 kms. In the Sri Chinmoy 6 Hour Race men's division Brian Dahlberg ran steadily to finish with 60.929 kms from Paul Dragicevich, who showed promise with a comfortable 44.807, and Brian Nairn with 44.698 kms.

The Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race was developing into an enthralling battle between Gavin Smith, Michael Simons and Margaret Hazelwood, with Michael leading through 50 miles with 7:46:57 followed by Margaret in 7:55:11 and Gavin in 8:08:45. Margaret was first to 100 kms in 9:57:24 heading Michael with 10:15:32 and Gavin in 10:24:39.

In to the night and light misty rain had been falling intermittently; musicians were playing sublime music and singing running songs; lap counters cheered and clapped; kitchen helpers shuttled hot food and drinks to keep every one awake and energized, and the atmosphere was charged with a powerful feeling of joy and transcendence!

Nearing 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning as the runners approached the final direction change (they alternate directions every 6 hours), Gavin was ahead of Margaret by less than 2 laps. Gavin whose 24 hour personal best is 158 kms was running the race of his life as he passed through 100 miles (160.934 kms) in 17:42:24. Margaret also running a momentous race reached 100 miles in 17:46:02. In overall 3rd place race walker Gerard Manderson was relentless as he powered past 100 miles in 21:45:47 on route to a New Zealand all comers record of 176.969 kms.

Gavin showed excellent pace judgement throughout the 24 hours and added a wonderful 52 kms to his previous best to finish with 210.967 kms. Margaret ran resolutely from the beginning and showed heaps of character in setting New Zealand women's 45 to 49 age records with a 25 km personal best of 205.018 kms- a marvelous run.

In 3rd place in the men's section was Ashley Smith who ran a 172.326 kms personal best, followed by Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team representative Barnaby McBryde whose 164.792 kms transcended his previous best performance by 35 kms.

Dianne File who recently completed 505 kms in the Sri Chinmoy 6 Day Race at Wards Island New York City, did an inspiring 164.483 kms New Zealand women's 50 to 54 age record (also a 25 kms personal improvement).

61 year old race walker Jack Tregurtha showed good form to add 11 kms to his previous best with an excellent 153.670 kms, while 71 year old Colin Clifton ran a gutsy 128.819 kms.

In the Sri Chinmoy 12 Hour Race 62 year old Gary Regtien, though slightly short of his 100 km time-goal, showed form, grit and heart as he strode to a fine 113.387 kms. Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team representative Gael Ballantyne who recently completed a courageous 404 kms in the Sri Chinmoy 6 Day Race ran 77.617 kms.

The Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Teams Relay was a very entertaining and absorbing race between the New Zealand Ultra Runners Association"immortals" and a energetic team of triathletes -"Rob's Swimmers".

Led by multi world record holder Sandy Barwick, New Zealand Champions Richard Tout and Ian Curtis, New Zealand Race Walking Champion Jane Jackson, and experienced runners Carolyn Tassie and Ian Cornelius, the"immortals" were leading by only 230 metres after 12 hours (137.550 kms to 137.320 kms). The lead changed several times but consistent running by the New Zealand Ultra Runners Association and a strong 2nd leg by Ian Curtis led to a victorious 269.357 kms with"Rob's Swimmers" finishing with 255.122 kms, followed by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team men's and women's teams.

At the award ceremony Sandy Barwick presented the"Sandy Barwick Perpetual Trophy" to Margaret Hazelwood as the winner of the women's division of the Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race and the 1998 New Zealand Champion. Richard Tout presented the"Richard Tout Perpetual Trophy" to Gavin Smith as 1998 Men's Champion.

50 runners participated in the carnival.