While most of our running team remained in Melbourne today, two of us brought the team vans over to Tasmania...

After a very smooth crossing and being gently rocked to sleep by the waves of Bass Strait we crept, somewhat cautiously, off the ferry ‘The Spirit of Tasmania’ after our arrival at the port of Devonport.

A 7.00am arrival gave us the opportunity to enjoy some of the local products that have made Tasmania famous. Fresh eggs with home grown asparagus and mushrooms served with homemade muffins and honey set the scene for the day.

At 10.00 we stopped in the village of Westbury where Edi explored the mysteries of a labyrinth.

The owner of the maze was interested in our mission and willingly posed for photos with the torch, being particularly careful that the flame did not reach the hedges of his labyrinth.

We then drove the thirty kms to Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city. Here we carried the torch on a loop over a swing bridge that spans a cataract.

This excursion caused considerable interest amongst the locals, tourists and one of the particularly beautiful peacocks that roam freely in the park.

Even after only one day it was evident that we will be able to spend our three days here connecting with the spirituality that is so evident in the beauty of the state and its people.

– Audrey Ward (Australia)

Meanwhile back in Melbourne, on a beautiful morning the remainder of the Team took part in the annual Sri Chinmoy Running and Fitness Festival at Williamstown.

Over one thousand runners participated, an impressive field,! There was a 4 km, 10 km, half marathon and marathon all going at once.

Several of our World Harmony Runners helped out at various aid stations along the route and five actually ran in the races.

Our brother and sister team members from Ukraine, Dima and Nataliya both won their respective races with large leads, Dima setting a new course record in the 4 km (13:54) and Nataliya winning the half marathon (1:24:00) by a large margin:

The Melbourne Sri Chinmoy Marathon team led by Kishore and Prashanta Cunningham put on a perfect day's event,

everything went flawlessly throughout the mild but sunny day - perfect weather for running which was reflected in the smiles of the participants:

The famous pancake breakfast was enjoyed by everyone after the race.

Melbourne native Uddyogini Hall ran the marathon in fine style after spending a month on the American World Harmony Run.

Another local Tristan Boyle was a lead rider for the Marathon.

 

Many Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team members from around Australia came to help out for the day including Vidagdha Bennett from Perth who manned the water station at the finish line.

It was a fruitful day for everyone and we leave Melbourne for Tasmania impressed with the organisation and dedication of the Sri Chinmoy Races Team in Australia.

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