Tag: War Memorial Park Run

News #123: Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series: Race 2

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners competing on Lovelock Track during Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 2

Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 2 Shines on a Mild Summer Day

A mild and breezy summer’s day welcomed runners and walkers for Race 2 of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The event returned to the popular Lovelock Track in War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill — a favourite venue for the series.

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series continues to grow as one of New Zealand’s most welcoming running series. It offers four distances designed for athletes of all ages and abilities: the Half-Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5.6 km, and the fun Kids 2.5 km race. This second race of 2026 delivered excellent performances and a joyful community atmosphere.

Half-Marathon Results

Harry Champion produced a strong performance to win the men’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon comfortably in 1:32:24. Mark Andrew finished second in 1:38:31, followed by Jason Gerritz in third with 1:43:58.

The women’s half-marathon saw some competitive racing, though the main spotlight this race fell on the shorter distances.

Outstanding 10 km Performances and Course Record

The 10 km race delivered one of the highlights of the day. Alexander Broom took a clear victory in the men’s category with an excellent time of 37:54. Christopher Rawles placed second in 49:04, and Jay Harrower finished third in 55:28.

In the women’s 10 km, Kate Macdonald set a fantastic new course record. She ran 39:48, improving the previous 2019 mark set by Cath Delaporte (42:15) by more than two minutes. Anne-Marie Mujica took second place in 53:02, and Loren Peart finished third in 53:48.

Kate’s record-breaking run was one of the standout moments of Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 2 and showed the high standard of competition developing in the series.

5.6 km and Kids 2.5 km Races

Oscar Sheweiry won the Sri Chinmoy 5.6 km race in 25:03. Stephan Rawles placed second in 28:15, while his father Phil Rawles completed the distance in 40:25, showing great family participation.

Sarah Lockyer won the women’s 5.6 km in 35:00, followed by Rachel Guan Ebbett in 36:56 and Rita Paton in 43:22.

The youngest participants filled the morning with energy and laughter. Villa Zhang won the Sri Chinmoy Kids 2.5 km race with a strong time of 14:39. Minnie Zue was the first girl across the line in 26:57.

Perfect Venue and Friendly Atmosphere

The Lovelock Track at War Memorial Park once again proved to be an ideal location for the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series. The all-weather synthetic track, combined with the surrounding green spaces of Mt Roskill, created a safe, scenic, and motivating environment for runners and walkers of every level.

Mild temperatures and a light breeze provided comfortable racing conditions. Families gathered to support one another, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere that is a hallmark of Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events.

Results and Photos

The Growing Success of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is building a strong reputation for well-organized, family-friendly events that welcome beginners and experienced runners alike. Each race offers a supportive environment where personal improvement and enjoyment are the main goals.

Sri Chinmoy’s vision behind these events was to use running as a tool for both physical fitness and inner growth. The series embodies this philosophy by creating regular opportunities for people to challenge themselves while staying connected to a positive, encouraging community. 

The combination of the Half-Marathon, 10 km, shorter distances, and dedicated kids’ race makes the series accessible and enjoyable for entire families.

Why Runners Love This Series

Participants return to the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series because of the friendly atmosphere, excellent organisation, and the beautiful park settings. Many families appreciate having options for every age group on the same morning. The events also help develop healthy habits and a positive attitude toward physical activity from a young age.

The record-breaking performance by Kate Macdonald in Race 2 shows that the series also attracts competitive athletes who enjoy racing on a welcoming course.

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #121: Opening Race of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners on the Lovelock Track during Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 1 at War Memorial Park

On Sunday, 11 January 2026, runners and walkers enjoyed a warm to hot, blue-sky mid-summer’s day for the first race of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series. The event took place at the peaceful, newly-refurbished Lovelock Track in War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill. This popular Auckland venue offered excellent conditions for athletes of all ages and abilities.

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is a much-loved annual calendar of family-friendly races that combine physical challenge with inner joy and self-transcendence. Race 1 featured four distances: the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5.6 km, and the fun Kids 2.5 km race. 

Half-Marathon Results

Neil Cheetham claimed a comfortable victory in the men’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon with a strong time of 1:48:51. James Carson followed in second place (2:06:31), and Michael Guffler finished third (2:13:24).

In the women’s category, Gayleen Carson took first place with an impressive 2:04:19. Millie Manning secured second with 2:19:36. These athletes demonstrated excellent endurance and determination on the scenic course.

10 km Race Highlights

Mark Andrew delivered a fine performance to win the men’s 10 km race in 42:15. Finn Campbell finished closely behind in 42:35, while the evergreen 61-year-old Rexhep Ajvazaj showed remarkable consistency with 42:59 for third place.

Melanie James dominated the women’s 10 km event, winning in 47:38. Anne-Marie Mujica placed second (54:31), and Rachel Rawles completed the podium in 58:51.

5.6 km and Kids 2.5 km Races

The shorter 5.6 km race brought family spirit to the forefront. Christopher Rawles won in 26:26, followed by his father Stephan Rawles (28:24) and Mauro Refosco (28:59). Emmy Hurcum took the women’s title in 29:09, with Loren Peart second (31:53) and Sarah Lockyer third (36:48).

In the joyful Sri Chinmoy Kids 2.5 km race, young Harvey Watson crossed the line first in 13:59. Riley Cunningham finished second with 16:15. The children’s race always adds special energy and smiles to the morning.

A Perfect Venue and Community Atmosphere

The newly-refurbished Lovelock Track provided an ideal setting for the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series opening race. Located in the peaceful War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, the all-weather synthetic track and surrounding green spaces created a calm yet energising environment. Runners appreciated the flat, well-maintained course under clear blue skies.

The series welcomes runners, walkers, families, and beginners alike. It promotes self-transcendence — the joyful effort to go beyond one’s previous limits without competing against others.

The warm summer weather enhanced the positive mood. Families gathered, friends cheered, and athletes of all ages enjoyed a sense of community and shared achievement. Events like this show how sport can bring people together in a spirit of goodwill and encouragement.

Results and Photos

Looking Ahead in the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

Race 1 marked an excellent start to the 2026 series. The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series continues with multiple events throughout the year, offering regular opportunities for runners and walkers to stay active and inspired. More races are planned at War Memorial Park and Auckland Domain.

These events form part of the wider global Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team calendar, which organises hundreds of races worldwide each year. From short fun runs to ultra-distance challenges, the focus remains the same: personal growth, inner peace, and the joy of participation.

Why These Races Inspire Participants

Sri Chinmoy believed that physical activity and spiritual aspiration support each other. Regular running or walking helps develop qualities such as perseverance, focus, and gratitude. The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series creates a welcoming space where beginners feel comfortable and experienced athletes can test their limits in a friendly atmosphere.

Parents appreciate the kids’ races that encourage healthy activity from a young age. Many families return race after race because of the positive, non-competitive spirit. 

The combination of perfect weather, excellent organisation, and enthusiastic participants made it a memorable morning for everyone involved.

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #98: Auckland Half-Marathon Series Race 8 – Pure Joy!

Posted on by Yatkara

Auckland Half-Marathon Series

Another beautiful chapter of the Auckland Half-Marathon Series unfolded on Sunday, 23 November 2025. Runners gathered at the peaceful War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill under a soft, cloudy sky. A warm late-spring breeze greeted everyone. Even with a 10-minute late start, smiles never faded. The beloved trio of half-marathon, 12 km and 6 km distances welcomed every kind of participant – from speedy racers chasing personal bests to happy families and giggling children enjoying their first event.

Why the Auckland Half-Marathon Series Feels So Special

First, the park offers flat, shaded loops on the famous Lovelock Track – perfect for relaxed running or fast racing. Second, volunteers cheer with genuine warmth and quiet encouragement. Finally, the atmosphere stays calm and meditative from start to finish. All of this blends into the perfect recipe for joyful running. Many regulars smile and say they come not just for the run, but for the quiet peace they always carry home.

Half-Marathon – Strong Performances

Mark Andrew powered to a clear victory in 1:32:54, followed by Vince Sesto (1:36:45) and Thomas Milliken (1:40:21). In the women’s race, ultra-legend Susan Marshall – who once finished the incredible 3,100-mile Self-Transcendence Race – showed her timeless strength with a winning 1:53:02. Melissa Kjestrup (1:58:24) and Kirsty Sesto (2:00:15) completed a happy podium. Runners spoke afterwards about how the peaceful park setting helped them find a smooth, flowing rhythm.

12 km & 6 km – Speed, Smiles and Family Moments

Melanie James flew to an impressive outright victory in the 12 km with 59:42, while TK Higuchi led the men in 1:03:06. The 6 km brought pure delight: Christopher Rawles sprinted to first place in 29:06, proudly followed by his dad Stephen (36:21). Larissa Wildsmith topped the women in 31:36, with Liz Hardley (36:15) and Melissa Stewart (42:11) enjoying every step. The shorter distances are always full of children, grandparents and first-timers discovering the simple happiness of moving together outdoors.

A Global Family of Peaceful Races

Since Sri Chinmoy founded the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in 1977, members of the SCMT have lovingly organised more than 500 events worldwide every year. The Auckland monthly series, now in its 22nd season (since 2004), is one of the longest-running regular community race series in New Zealand and among the most enduring monthly programmes in the entire global SCMT family.  Whether you race the half-marathon or take the 6 km at your own pace, the same warm, open-hearted feeling is there for everyone. Race 8 at War Memorial Park reminded everyone why they keep coming back: beautiful places, kind people and the gentle feeling that, for a couple of hours, the world is exactly as it should be.

Explore More

For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.