Sri Chinmoy

Post date: Oct 04, 2010 7:26:33 AM

Back in Waikouaiti after a very successful trip to Auckland

Val went to take part in the superbly organised Sri Chinmoy races at the Soveraign Stadium Auckland. Having done enough to be considered by Athletics New Zealand for the World Championships in Switzerland Val decided to run in the 12 hour race instead of the 24 hour race and go for 5 world records.

Simahin Pierce of Sri Chinmoy was aware of the record attempt and did all he could to assist Val. He and his helpers are athlete based and aware of what is required and how to get the best from an event and the competitors.

The race started at 9 am in pleasant weather, however over the 12 hours the wind got up, died down got up again and stayed up. The sun came out went in and stayed in.

Val set off at a brisk pace trying to get a little warmth back into her body. But soon settled in to her rhythm. As the time ticked on the kilometres clicked off. The weather got cooler and the wind slightly stronger but the counters, the athletes and the crowd kept encouraging Val on. The records tumbled as the day progressed.

The results speak for themselves.

Here is a list of the Old World records Women 55 - 59 and the new marks set by Val. 

50 k was       4:30:46      Val 4:28:30

6 hour was  64.800k        Val 66.041 km

50 mile        7:36.44        Val 7:28: 03

100 k was   9:41:31         Val  9:31:45

12 hour was 114:00        Now  121:983 (17 meters off what she had wanted!)

She was first overall in the 12 hour race by 9 k .