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 when everything began
Bhagavantee Paul Salzburg, Austria
'Christ has stolen her heart and brought it now to me'
Dodula and Gunthita Zurich, Switzerland
A Quest for Happiness
Abhinabha Tangerman Amsterdam, Netherlands
In the middle of an ocean of love
Bhadra Kleinman New York
My wife's soul comes to visit
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
I see infinitely more than I say
Agraha Levine Seattle, United States
Learning to love songs ever more
Patanga Cordeiro São Paulo, Brazil
Time seemed to freeze
Brahmata Michael Ottawa, Canada
Running and Me
Garga Chamberlain Bristol, United Kingdom
I was just so transported by the atmosphere
Pulak Viscardi New York, United States
It does not matter which spoon you use
Brahmacharini Rebidoux St. John's, Canada
Having a Spiritual Teacher
Preetidutta Thorpe Auckland, New Zealand
Meeting Sri Chinmoy for the first time
Janaka Spence Edinburgh, United KingdomSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students
A childhood meeting with Sri Chinmoy
Devashishu Torpy London, United Kingdom
How I got my spiritual name
Pradeep Hoogakker The Hague, Netherlands
Spirituality - the most fascinating subject on earth
Laila Faerman New York, United States
Selfless Service
Brian David Seattle, United States
From religion to spirituality
Muslim Badami Auckland, New Zealand
My spiritual search from childhood
Hemabha Jang Jeonju, South Korea