Stories from the world's longest certified road race
The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race has been in progress since September 4, and is now nearing its half-way point. Runners have 52 days until October 25 to complete the distance, which means that they have to run 59.6 miles (95.9 km) on average every day. The runners start at 6am every morning and run laps around the same city block in Queens, New York until 12 midnight.
You can keep in touch with the runners' progress on the official race website:
This year 11 runners started. Andrea Marcato, a 2-time winner of the race, is currently leading ahead of the race record holder and 17-time finisher Asprihanal Aaalto from Sweden. Susan Marshall from New Zealand is currently leading the women's race and has just crossed the 1500 mile mark.
The race often attracts friends from the ultra-running community. Recently, Gary Corbitt visited the runners to offer encouragment to the runners
The race was founded in 1997 by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, who saw these races as a unique opportunity for self-discovery and transcending one's own boundaries.
Running offers us the message of transcendence. In our running, every day we are aiming at a new goal. It is like a child who studies in school. First he studies in kindergarten, then he goes to primary school, then to high school, college and university. After getting his university degree, still he is not satisfied. He wants to achieve more wisdom, more knowledge. Similarly, every day we are running towards a goal, but when we reach that goal, we want to go still farther. Either we want to improve our timing or increase our distance. There is no end. Running means continual transcendence, and that is also the message of our inner life.
Sri Chinmoy
The race gets a lot of visitors and well-wishers. During this year's race we had a very nice visit by former President Xanana Gusmāo of Timor-Leste, who led his country to independence over 30 years ago.
President Gusmão (fourth from left, in yellow cap) in front of the race scoreboard.
Related:
- Susan Marshall also ran the 6-day race in April this year, you can read about her race experience...
Sports & Self-Transcendence
More stories from Sri Chinmoy's students.
All I needed was the Supreme, and I would always win
Pragati Pascale New York, United States
Regaining My Inner Joy
Sujata Muto Kyoto, Japan
How my spiritual search led me to Sri Chinmoy
Vidura Groulx Montreal, Canada
10-Day Race: Staring into the Infinite
Patanga Cordeiro São Paulo, Brazil
Filled with deepest joy
Tirtha Voelckner Munich, Germany
The spiritual life is normal to me
Shankara Smith London, United Kingdom
Now you are in the boat
Kaushalya Casey Toronto, CanadaHow sports and fitness became part of our spiritual life
Banshidhar Medeiros San Juan, Puerto Rico
Meditation Nights at the Sri Chinmoy Centre
Preetidutta Thorpe Auckland, New Zealand
Sri Chinmoy meets an old friend
Pradhan Balter Chicago, United States
A 40-Year Blessing
Sarama Minoli New York, United States
If a wish comes from the soul, it will be granted
Kamalakanta Nieves New York, United StatesSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students
An airport meditation experience
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
Starting a spiritual café
Toshala Elliott Auckland, New Zealand
Humorous moments with Sri Chinmoy
Toshala Elliott Auckland, New Zealand
How I got my spiritual name
Pradeep Hoogakker The Hague, Netherlands
No prior experience needed
Samalya Schafer Berlin, Germany
Selfless Service
Brian David Seattle, United States