November 2005, 2 Mile Race, Hyde Park

"Self-Transcendence-Joy

Unmistakably

Knows no equal"

Cristiano and Ashirvad (pictured) from Brazil were among the international guests who joined UK members of the Sri Chinmoy AC for a 2-miler around the shores of London's Serpentine. Early on a Sunday morning we weren't expecting company, but participants in the veteran car run from London to Brighton were warming up their engines on the lakeside course, giving the lead runners a challenging slalom course!

As well as falling on "World Run Day", this race was part of a pan-European Oneness Race, in which Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team members in many different countries held a simultaneous 2-miler, results of which are to be pooled and published.



After our usual moments of silence before the race, Roger and Ashcharjya led the charge along the banks of the Serpentine on an unusually mild November morning. Ascharjya briefly held the lead, the resurgent Frenchman surprising everyone with his turn of speed now that he has put knee surgery behind him, but in the relative chaos of the veteran car rally Roger nipped in front and managed to stay ahead until the finish.

The battle for second was won by Mark from Bristol, fresh from several weeks of high mileage on the World Harmony Run. The aforementioned Ashcharjya held on to third place, while Dhavala was fourth, and first lady as usual, with a great time of 12.11.


Next in were the Irish contingent with some impressive times considering they had run the Dublin Marathon just a few days before. Second lady was Dhavala's sister Shyamala, while their father Tarit, hoping for a vet 50 prize, surpassed his own expectations by finishing seventh to take a prize in the men's open category.

Prizegiving took place at the afternoon function in a nearby hotel, and a joyful time was had by all. Our thanks go to the timekeepers and marshalls as always. Full results (including times for those who walked the course) follow, and pics are online in our gallery.

Men

1. Roger (Cardiff) 11.41
2. Mark (Bristol) 11.55
3. Ashcharjya (Paris) 12.04
4. Ambarish (Dublin) 12.17
5. Colm (Dublin) 12.21
6. Cristiano (Paris) 12.33
7. Tarit (Edinburgh) 13.03
8. Pavel (Paris) 13.15
9. Ashirvad (Brazil) 13.24
10.Karteek (Edinburgh)13.25
11.Harashita (Edin) 13.46
12.Devashishu (London) 14.24
13.Mikael (Paris) 15.09
=14.Ed (Bristol) 34.35
   Madhupa (Paris)
=16.Dave (Cambridge)
   Steve (Camb) 37.08
   Arno (London)

Women

1. Dhavala (Edinburgh) 12.11
2. Shyamala (Edin) 14.10
3. Amelia (London) 14.43
4. Nurari (London) 15.11
5. Bhauliya (Edinburgh)15.11
6. Sahana (London) 17.33
7. Helena (Cambridge) 18.04
8. Fran (Cardiff) 19.05
9. Padmasini (Paris) 19.11
10.Andhi (London) 19.22
11.Bhashini (London) 21.27
12.Francoise (Paris) 27.26
=13.Julia (Oxford)
   Liz (Oxford) 37.49
   Pascale (Lorient)