Sri Chinmoy Ten-, Six- and Three-Day Races 2026

THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION

Sri Chinmoy strongly felt that the ‘self-transcendence’ aspect was particularly important in ultrarunning. There comes a point in a race when one's physical prowess has reached its limit. To continue on, the runner must rely on his or her own inner determination, and tap into the infinite spiritual power that is within us all, which Sri Chinmoy called the soul, the representative of the ultimate Divine Being.

Having said that, no particular beliefs are required to apply for the race, but applicants should feel comfortable blending into a spiritual environment where many of their fellow runners and helpers are spiritual seekers.

RACE SCHEDULE

April 18, 9AM:  Ten-Day and Three-Day runners may begin setting up their tents and dugout spaces.

April 19, 12 Noon:  Start of Ten-Day and Three-Day Races

April 22
12 Noon Three-Day Race finishes
1PM   Awards ceremony for Three-Day Race.
4PM   Deadline for Three-Day runners to vacate tents and dugouts, Six-Day runners may begin setting up tents / dugout spaces

April 23, 12 Noon:  Start of the Six-Day Race

April 29
12 Noon:  Ten-Day and Six-Day Races finish
1PM Awards Ceremony for Ten-Day and Six-Day Races
4PM Deadline for all tents to be packed and dugouts vacated

THE COURSE

A 100% paved, flat and fast USATF certified 0.747979 mile / 1.203577 km loop at the North end of Meadow Lake.  The race course passes through the middle of the Race Camp.   View course map >>

REGISTRATION AND FEES

Ten-Day Race:  $700 through Jan. 1, $750 through Mar. 1, $800 through Apr. 10
Six-Day Race:  $550 through Jan. 1, $600 through Mar. 1, $650 through Apr. 10
Three-Day Race (72 HR):  $300 through Jan. 1, $325 through Mar. 1, $350 through Apr. 10

Entries must be received no later than April 10.  Download entry form >>

RACE CAMP

Where most of the year lie empty grass fields, annually they are transformed into the Race Camp, a tiny village complete with kitchens, showers, running hot and cold water, a camping area, dugouts, lap counting trailer, electrical generator, and toilets, all enclosed with 4 ft. high fencing.  Please continue reading below for further details

LAP COUNTING

Lap counting forms the heart of the race.  Sri Chinmoy strongly felt the live personal communication from lap counters to runners adds significantly to the energy of the race and the overall runner experience.  As such, the lap counting station is staffed by volunteer counters and an announcer 24-hours a day during the entire race.  Each runner will hear his or her name and lap total announced each time he or she passes the lap counting station.

Accuracy is of utmost importance.  We utilize two counting systems in order to minimize errors:  1) Lap times are entered by hand on paper lap sheets for each runner, and 2) a separate semi-automated backup system wherein all runners’ laps are entered into a computerized lap counting system.

Please adhere to the following:

• Your race number must be visible and worn on your stomach or torso at all times (not your side, leg or back).  Use of a bib belt is recommended, $10-12 on Amazon >>
• Any anticipated time off the course, (medical, rest stop, food) which may last longer than four minutes should be reported to the lap counters beforehand, as these are recorded and must be part of the official record keeping.
• Absolutely no pacing beyond 200 meters of the counting station by anyone.
• Cutting the course at any point results in immediate disqualification.
• Minimum requirement of completing 27 miles / day to stay in the race.
• Any issues should be directed to the on-duty race director or lap counting captain for resolution.

SCOREBOARDS

There is a large analog scoreboard adjacent to the lap counting station displaying each runner with total mileage accumulated.  For the most part, the physical scoreboard is regularly updated (less frequently at night), but please note the scoreboard is not official, the lap counters maintain the official records.

There are digital scoreboards in the camp kitchen (along course) displaying all runners’ current total laps, mileage, and kilometers.

KITCHENS & FOOD:

There are two separate kitchens: 

Runners Kitchen

Every day, three healthy, tasty vegetarian meals (including some vegan options) are provided self-serve buffet-style, for runners only, in the Runners Kitchen at these approximate times:  6:30 am, 12 noon, 7:00 pm.  Additionally, soup, hot drinks, various snacks, and Skratch Hydration electrolyte drink are available continuously.

Note: The rear kitchen area of the Runners Kitchen is for use by race cooks only and is off-limits to runners and helpers.

Meals for runners’ helpers are not included in the entry fee, but may be purchased on a per-day ($35) or per-meal ($12) basis. Please pre-arrange with the race director.

Camp Kitchen

This is a separate structure where runners and helpers can prepare their own food at any time, 24/7, and includes:  refrigerators, tables, stove, pots, pans, kitchen utensils, paper plates and plastic untensils, toaster, microwave, blender, sink with hot and cold running water, and a hot water urn.

Please:

• Label any items you place in the fridge with your name.
• Be considerate and clean up after yourself when finished – wash dishes, pots, pans etc., wipe tables, dispose of trash.
• Meat is allowed for non-vegetarian runners, but must be self-provided and cooked in the Camp Kitchen.
• Alcohol, Marijuana and drugs are expressly forbidden both by our race regulations and those of the New York City Parks Department.

In addition, there are many snack foods available continuously in the Camp Kitchen for all authorized helpers and race volunteers.

SHOWERS

There are two showers in the shower trailer available to runners 24/7, with hot and cold water.  Please keep shower length reasonable.  There is a utility sink with hot and cold water on the side of the shower trailer

DUGOUTS

Affectionately referred to as the ‘Dugouts’ (it’s an American baseball thing…) these long covered areas with open fronts directly alongside the course provide each runner with their own small table space and a chair, for quick and easy access to a selection of their gear, and for short breaks.  However, as dugout space is limited, kindly observe the following guidelines:

• Two runners per 6 ft. table. (approx. 24” x 36” space per runner)
• All food and gear which does not fit on your half of the table must be stored in your personal tent.
• One chair per runner.  Plastic folding chairs are provided, bring your own chair cushion. Helpers must use their runner's chair if they sit in the dugout.
• No beds or reclining chairs are permitted in dugouts.
• Electrical outlets are provided for charging phones, electronic devices, etc.

MEDICAL SERVICES

• A medical tent is provided for limited medical treatment. It is supported entirely by volunteers so 24-hour coverage is not possible. 
• Between the hours of 7am and 7pm at least one MD is always present. Hours of coverage may be increased on a day-to-day basis depending on staffing availability.  Hours are posted daily.
• Massage is possible only when one of our very experienced volunteers is available. 
• The medical tent is divided into an area for men and an area for women. In order to assure privacy we request everyone use the appropriate designated area. 
• The medical area is dedicated to medical services and is not a rest area. Please rest in your tent. Generally, no more than 15 minutes is allowed per runner per medical break, and no more than 2 medical breaks per runner per day is a good guideline.

CAMPING AREA

Sleeping quarters for this race are camping tents.  Please use the designated area of the Race Camp for this purpose.  We have a limited number of tents available to runners, we are grateful to those who can bring their own tent.  When registering, please indicate whether or not you need a tent.  Also see the tent guidelines section below for tent selection, and proper set-up.

RVs, camper vehicles, trailers etc. are not allowed in the park.

TENT GUIDELINES

Race staff are unable to repair or rebuild tents during the race, so please adhere to the following guidelines for selecting and setting up your tent:

Tent size:   Tent height should not exceed 4 ft. / 1.5 m.  The most suitable tents are the smaller 1–2-person kind; the larger 6–8-person stand-up tents simply can’t handle the winds often experienced in Flushing Meadows in April, and sway heavily, dislodging stakes and covers.  In the past, some of these monsters have been flattened, torn and in a couple of instances, even blown into the nearby lake!

Waterproof plastic fly:  For a tent to remain dry during the seemingly inevitable rain storms it must have a plastic tarp as a waterproof fly.  This fly is NOT the one that comes with the tent; it is a separate additional waterproof plastic tarp that must cover the tent and go all the way to the ground around the perimeter of the tent, to prevent rain and wind from entering. A fly that does not cover all the way to the ground will leak water and flood the tent floor.

Waterproof plastic ground tarp:  Each tent requires a plastic ground tarp under it to prevent flooding. The plastic tarp must remain completely out of sight under the tent floor. (i.e. the edges of the tarp should not be visible). Ground tarps that extend beyond the tent footprint funnel water under the tent and flood the tent floor.

We have a limited number of plastic tarps available for use as flys and ground tarps

There is no electricity in the camping area.

COTS AND BLANKETS

Folding army-style cots and a limited number of wool blankets are also available for runner use, max 2 blankets per runner.  Blankets should not be used for chair cushions or foot rests.

VOLUNTEERS

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team is renowned over the decades for offering a high standard of service to runners and fostering a highly supportive atmosphere.  Volunteers are there for the general support of all runners, as well as for the administration of the race. As such, they cannot serve as individual helpers to any runner.  Runners are encouraged to have dedicated helpers during the race, who can service their specific needs.

Should any issues arise that you are unable to resolve on your own, please approach the on-duty race director for assistance

Race Director schedule:

• Bipin Larkin: 8 am - 6 pm
• Sahishnu Szczesiul: 8 am - 6 pm
• Medur Wilson: 6 pm - 1am
• Rupantar LaRusso: 1 am - 8am

SECURITY AND PARK RULES

• The course is lit at night.
• We provide as many guards as possible to watch the course at night. However, all runners should be vigilant and anything suspicious should be immediately reported to the on-duty Race Director.
• Under no circumstances should you leave valuables unattended in your car.  We are not responsible for the security of your vehicle or personal belongings
• Please remember that we are being hosted by the NYC Parks Department to whom we are very grateful. Their rules are enforced.
• Parking is only in the designated lot as described in the parking section.
• RVs, camper vehicles, trailers etc. are NOT allowed in the park.
• No hanging of laundry in public to dry.
• No alcohol, marijuana or drugs permitted.

WEATHER

Although the average high is only 65°F (18°C), and average low only 49°F (10°C) this time of year, we've had temperatures as low as 32°F/0°C and as high as 80°F/25°C.   Usually we experience at least one big rainstorm.  It is consistently breezy in the park, occasionally very windy.  In other words, prepare for all extremes; light and heavy coats, rain gear, windbreaker, hat, sunblock, a sleeping bag rated down to at least 32°F / 0°C, and a sleeping pad.

RACE SHIRTS

Race shirts are provided for all runners registered at least 3 weeks before the race.  Sizes are Unisex X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL

AWARDS

Trophy distribution is in proportion to the number of runners in each age group.

Medals and framed certificates for all finishers.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Runners must be 18 or older to compete

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

IMPORTANT:  DO NOT use navigation apps other than Google maps (such as Waze or Apple maps), as most of them do not recognize some of the roads inside the park and can take you to the wrong part of the park on the wrong side of the expressway.  (Flushing Meadows park is HUGE, larger than Central Park).

The Race Camp is located just southwest of the Van Wyck Expressway / Long Island Expressway interchange.  The easiest option for navigation is to use this Google map link which will take you close to the Race Camp entrance (for loading /unloading only!), or enter Meadow Lake Promenade & Meadow Cir, Queens, NY.   Coordinates: 40°44'28.8"N 73°50'19.5"W

Please obey 10MPH speed limit once inside park

Alternatively, you can use these written directions from the northbound or southbound Van Wyck Expressway:

FROM NORTHBOUND VAN WYCK EXPRESSWAY:

Take exit 12A toward College Pt Blvd/I-495 E/Long Is Expwy/Eastern Long Is.

After 0.4 miles, exit left towards Meadow Lake, it’s a small nondescript exit, easy to miss! 

The road will do a U-turn underneath the elevated freeway and leave you traveling on the southbound Van Wyck service road. 

After 0.4 miles, take the exit on the right towards Flushing Meadows Corona Park (brown exit sign)

Continue following directions below, from third bullet point (at stop sign)

FROM SOUTHBOUND VAN WYCK EXPRESSWAY

Take exit 11 toward Flushing Meadows Corona Rd/69 Rd/Jewel Ave

After 0.2 miles take the exit on the right towards Flushing Meadows Corona Park (brown exit sign)

At the stop sign, turn right.  After 50 meters, bear right at the fork.  The road will now parallel the Grand Central service road.

After 0.3 miles (passing a large parking lot on your left), you will go over a very short bridge. 

At the end of the bridge, turn right. Follow road for another 0.2 miles, the race camp will be on your left, entrance is approximately under the first elevated freeway ramp.

PARKING

Free parking is available in the small lot about 100 meters north of the race camp.  Parking lot entrance >>

Please do not leave bags or valuables visible in your car.  Parking is not permitted anywhere except in the parking lot, with the exception of designated race vehicles.

SHOPPING

Four blocks of shops with most everything one might need are located within 1 mile of the race, on 108th St., between 63rd Rd. and 65th Ave.  Map it >>

If walking, follow this route >>

Or follow these written directions:  Take the pedestrian walkway over the Grand Central Parkway, about 0.3 miles west of the race course. On the other side, the walkway will turn right and slope downward along Grand Central service road.  continue along service road until 108th St., turn left, after three blocks, there is all sorts of shopping, from 63rd Rd. to 65th Ave.