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.
Praying for God’s Grace to Descend
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My 5 a.m. strategic meditations
Sanchita Fleming Ottawa, Canada
Time seemed to freeze
Brahmata Michael Ottawa, Canada
I know where you are
Kamalakanta Nieves New York, United States
'Always say things in such a way as to inspire people, not discourage them'
Pradhan Balter Chicago, United States
All I needed was the Supreme, and I would always win
Pragati Pascale New York, United States
Listen to the inner voice
Vidura Groulx Montreal, Canada
'When you perform for me, always choose devotional songs.'
Gunthita Corda Zurich, Switzerland
A Quest for Happiness
Abhinabha Tangerman Amsterdam, Netherlands
A 40-Year Blessing
Sarama Minoli New York, United States
In the Right Place, At the Right Time
Eshana Gadjanski Novi Sad, Serbia
Muhammad Ali: I was expecting a monster, but I found a lamb
Sevananda Padilla San Juan, Puerto Rico
Soul-Birds take flight
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New ZealandSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students
Things I have learnt from the spiritual life
Sanjay Rawal New York, United States
Why we organise ultra-distance events
Subarnamala Riedel Zurich, Switzerland
Siblings on a spiritual path
Pranlobha Kalagian Seattle, United States
What brought me to the spiritual life
Paula Correia Porto, Portugal
Running for peace in the South Pacific
Nirbhasa Magee Dublin, Ireland
The relationship between Guru and disciple
Baridhi Yonchev Sofia, Bulgaria