About the author:

Nirbhasa is originally from Ireland but currently lives in Reykjavik, Iceland. He is an enthusiastic multi-day runner, having completed four times the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - the longest race in the world.

Wall Street Journal: Looong path to enlightenment
"Starting on April 19, they traced the same lobster-claw-shaped route between the Long Island Expressway and Meadow Lake as many times as they could. Race officials tracked the running totals on a giant scoreboard near the finish line. read more »

New York Times profile of Vajra Henderson, medical tent volunteer
"Mr. Henderson claims no medical expertise but boasts decades of hands-on experience treating the extreme athletes who follow Mr. Chinmoy. He said he used the common connection with the guru to help heal his fellow followers. 'I’m the first to admit I have no idea what I’m doing; I’m not a doctor,” he said. “It’s based upon my heart’s oneness with the runner, so it’s a spiritual experience.'" read more »