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.
The day I recieved my spiritual name
Banshidhar Medeiros San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Peace Run visits Oxford
Tejvan Pettinger Oxford, United Kingdom
A disciple re-incarnates
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
I see infinitely more than I say
Agraha Levine Seattle, United States
Is it unspiritual to care about winning?
Tejvan Pettinger Oxford, United Kingdom
I felt a bell ringing in my heart
Charana Evans Cardiff, Wales
A spiritual name is the name of our soul, and what we can become
Nayak Polissar Seattle, United States
Time seemed to freeze
Brahmata Michael Ottawa, Canada
Just go with it and jump!
Gabriele Settimi San Diego, United States
Spiritual Friends
Preetidutta Thorpe Auckland, New Zealand
Breaking the world record for the longest game of hopscotch
Pipasa Glass & Jamini Young Seattle, United States
'Always say things in such a way as to inspire people, not discourage them'
Pradhan Balter Chicago, United States
Running for Peace
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New ZealandSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students
Growing up on Sri Chinmoy's path
Aruna Pohland Augsburg, Germany
My daily spiritual practises
Muslim Badami Auckland, New Zealand
Running a Six-Day Race
Ratuja Zub Minsk, Belarus
A childhood meeting with Sri Chinmoy
Devashishu Torpy London, United Kingdom
From religion to spirituality
Muslim Badami Auckland, New Zealand
A direct line to God
Vajra Henderson New York, United States