Records Smashed in Sri Chinmoy 24-Hour Championship Race

We are thrilled to announce that several records have fallen during the 24 hours just past. Shirley Young, 75 years old from Victoria, holder of 21 World Age Category Records has set a new Australian record for 6 hours in the women's 75+ years age category, completing 50.54 kilometres. Shirley broke her own record set earlier this year in Coburg.  Shirley tookfirst place in the women's division of the 6 hour race, just completed.

Meanwhile, 12 Hour competitor, 70 year old Peter Lahiff  from sunny Queensland has (subject to ratification) smashed the Australian men’s 70+ age category record for 50 miles AND for 12 hours.  The previous record of 10:15:19 for 50 miles held by David Padget was set at this event two years ago.  Peter went through the 50 mile mark in a time of 9:22:10, taking an impressive 53 minutes off David’s record.   Last year whilst competing in the 12 Hour Event Peter broke two Australian men’s track records for the 65-69 years age category for the 100km and 12 hour which still stand today.  Peter also broke the 70+ men's record for 12 hours, setting a new mark of 98.269 kilometres, breaking the old record of 93.490 kilometres set by Dave Padget in 2003 at this same race.   Peter’s ever-present smile and fierce determination have crowned him with great success again today.   Congratulations Peter from all of the Australian Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and your fellow runners on the track.

In the 24-Hour Race, Carol Baird's previous Australian record for the w55+ for the 24 Hour set last April in Coburg was 189.692km. Her new 24 Hour W55+ record set this weekend is now 194.945km (subject to ratification).  We shall also check the lapsheets for milestones along the way for any other possible records Carol may have set along the way.

Deryck Skinner's performance may be the most outstanding of all in this extraordinary race.  His achievements for the 24 Hour walking are so good he has also set new records for running...

In the course of the race, Deryck achieved the following Australian records for the M 70-74 Age Group. Walking: 50 miles, 12 Hours, 100km, 100 miles and 24 Hours.  Running: 100km, 24 Hours and 100 Miles.  The 24 Hour walk and 100 mile walk are also World Track Records in the 70-74 Age Group.  Deryck also becomes the oldest debutant ever in the world to walk 100 miles (that is their first one).  He also becomes the only Australian in the 70-74 Age Group whether
running or walking to exceed 100 miles in 24 Hours. He now becomes Centurion Number 51.

Congratulations to our new record breakers, and to all who participated in this great event.