SRI CHINMOY 5TH INTERNATIONAL 24 HOUR
CHAMPIONSHIP IN BASEL, SWITZERLAND
2ND & 3RD MAY, 1992.
by Helen Stanger
This was my first experience of an international race and one that will stay in my memory forever. Top marks must go to the Sri Chinmoy group who worked so hard to make the race such a well-organised and exciting international event.
The track itself, approximately a mile long, would around a large park, which contained large tents for feeding, massage and lap-counting plus a crowd of supportive spectators, calling “Super” and “Bravo”. The camaraderie and friendships that developed between runners from 15 different countries, even though communication was sometimes difficult, made the race very special’to me.
Unlike the previous year’s race, the weather was quite cold and we ran in the rain during the first 12 hours, the wet shoes and socks causing a few blister problems for me in the last few hours. The Sri Chinmoy group certainly lifted the spirits of the runners in the grey conditions, with constant track-side encouragement. One helper even donned a clown suit and circled the track on roller skates to brighten everyone up during the long night hours. A large table of food was always available and runners were regularly announced over the P.A. system amidst a lot of cheering as they passed the counting tent flanked by national flags.
My main problem during the race was the night hours, as the person responsible for lighting had not made a showing, leaving the organisers the only alternative – to line the track with small lanterns that provided little light. Hence, some of the competitors (self included) found it difficult to concentrate and/or to stay awake on the really dark, tree-lined side of the track. I found regular cold face-washers and coke mixed with water invaluable at this time.
As for the runners, the field contained numerous elite runners from 15 countries, including 10 with p.bs over 240kms. I am full of admiration for the strong Russian competitors, one of whom, Kruglikow (pb 258km), led during the entire race to end up the winner with 242kms. Considering their poor footwear, partially responsible for two other Russian runners, their performances are truly remarkable.
Four Australian runners competed. David Standeven (suffering from a virus) and Peter Gray did not have good races and were well down on their previous great performances. A third Australian, Gerrit Immel, who is residing temporarily in Holland ran 205kms in his first 24 hour race – a top effort! As for myself, the Italian 24 Hour champion, Marie Nardin (pb 211 km) ran strongly and applied the pressure during the first 14 hours, staying within 1 – 1.5km of my tail. At that stage, having just experienced being a temporary low, I managed to find a “second wind” and widen the gap to 14km at the finish. Winning the ladies’ section and placing 6th overall were additional bonuses and were totally unexpected.
But my best memories of the race are the runners from 15 countries who ran together, supported each other, shared their highs and lows and experienced that great camaraderie that exists between ultra runners.
Many thanks to NIKE who sponsored me with sports’ gear and shoes for the race, and the “Aussies” who travelled to Europe with me and took care of all my needs during the event.
Helen Stanger (alias “6 Bricks”)
Ed’s note: What a wonderful ambassador you are, Helen for AURA and Australia! Please accept our heartiest congratulations on a magnificent performance. Fancy winning the women’s event in a world class field! Fantastic! We are also so proud of our Aussie contingent, David Standeven, Peter Gray and Immel Gerrit who all performed so well in poor running conditions to cover 597.816km between them to place second in the team’s event after France, who altogether covered 605.011km. Let’s hope that Gerrit Immel returns to Australia to compete against our top ultra runners out here. We also hope that you’ve recovered from your virus David. Congratulations, all of you!
Results and press release on the following pages.
Tags: Europe, Ultra history
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Tags: Europe, Ultra history
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