2019 Ten and Six Day List of Runners

About the author:

Rupantar has been the race director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1985, having been asked by Sri Chinmoy to serve in that capacity. As well as working on the big races the US Marathon Team organise each year - the 3100 Mile Race and the Six and 10 Day Race - he also spends a considerable amount of time archiving the Marathon Team's 40 year history on this website.

Sri Chinmoy Ten Day Race 2019

April 22-May 2

Men	Budjargal Byambaa	36	Mongolia
	Takasumi Senoo	36	Japan
	Wei Ming Lo	55	TaiwanROC
	Andrea Marcato	37	Italy
	Ales Pliva	41	Czech Rep
	Milan Javornicky	45	Czech Rep
	Upakaraka Tolstopyatenko	51	Russia
	Mahasatya Janczak	44	Poland
	Predrag Knezevic	58	Serbia
	Karteek Clarke	52	UK
	Kalpa Lazarev	47	Russia
	Andrei Somov	39	Russia
	Aleksei Riabikov	41	Russia
	Herve Leconte	59	USA
	Jiri Jurica	65	Czech Rep
	Georgs Jermolajevs	76	Latvia
	Arun Bhardwaj	50	India
	Fernando Fernandes	57	Portugal
	Denis Krokhmolyov	27	Israel
	Odgiiv Jadambaa	69	Mongolia
	Fred Davis III	71	USA
	Vladislav Likhavhev	30	Russia
	Patanga Cordeiro	35	Brazil
	Adrian Papuc	50	Romania

Women	Vinati Docziova	41	Slovakia
	Giribhu Muhs	48	SUI (GER)
	Suparna Pustogowa	55	Germany
	Petra Kasperova	29	Czech Rep
	Makula Samarina	44	Ukraine
	Vera Kalishmanova	63	Russia
	Sara Schmidt	39	Netherlands
	Gudrun Freier	48	SUI (Ger)
	Anna Khimchinskaia	41	Russia
	Laila Faerman	36	USA
	Vasuprada Funk	38	Iceland(Sui)
	Gundega Gaille	43	Latvia
	Avanayaha Tsendee	56	Mongolia

	Sri Chinmoy Six Day April 26 - May 2, 2019
Men	Joseph Fejes	53	USA
	Katsuhiro Tanaka	47	Japan
	John Geesler	60	USA
	Mark McCaslin	49	USA
	Priyavadin Reisecker	49	Austria
	Roger Martel	63	Canada
	Pranjal Milovnik	46	Slovakia
	Konstantin Rybin	45	Russia
	Don Winkley	81	USA
	Michel Gouin	58	Canada
	Todd McAuley	50	USA
	Pranab Vladovic	43	Slovakia
	Padyatra Komak	44	Slovakia
	Maximilian Zandl	26	Austria
	Joe Cleary	79	Canada
	Vlada Lepic	43	Czech Rep
	Nikolaus Drekonja	26	USA
	Christian Mainix	80	France
	Marius Lacasse	59	Canada
	Batsukh Sharav	66	Mongolia
	Enkhbaatar Jambaldevee	47	Mongolia
	Aleksandr Nikiforov	48	Russia

Women	Annabel Hepworth	46	Australia
	Susan Marshall	35	NZealand
	Nayaja Perugini	49	Italy
	Ashadeep Volkhardt	41	Australia
	Huang Lan Yang	40	TaiwROC
	Alla Kravchenko	59	Russia
	Pratishruti Khisamoutdinova	75	Russia
	Saranyu Pearson	55	Australia
	Shirley Kolakovich	48	USA
	Samviraja Gori	46	Italy
	Irina Mandebura	52	Russia
	Durba Lee	60	New Zealand
	Luiza Cruz	62	Brazil

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

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About the author:

Nirbhasa is from Ireland. 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.

This video was shot by one of our photographers during the 2013 race. The music is by Parichayaka Hammerl; the first track is his own composition and the subsequent tracks are his arrangements of Sri Chinmoy's melodies

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About the author:

Willis, Christopher. "On My Bookshelf: Running Around the Block." Ultrarunning, May/June 2013.

BEYOND THE MARATHON; INSIGHTS INTO THE LONGEST FOOT RACE IN THE WORLD. By Grahak Cunningham. Available for $5.99 from www.grahakcunningham.com.

The Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race was founded in 1997 by running guru Sri Chinmoy to exemplify the endless possibilities of the human spirit. It is held on a concrete footpath around an883 metre (roughly half-mile) block in Queens, New York. To complete the distance, runners are given 18 hours a day, from 6:00 am to midnight, for 51 days, to run a minimum of 60 miles a day. This involves circumnavigating the block 55,649 times. Over the duration of the race, many runners wear out 15 pairs of shoes, and their feet swell an extra two sizes. In a New York summer, temperatures reach 100 degrees with 85 percent humidity. Competitors must contend with the usual pitfalls of ultra’s - boredom, fatigue, torrential deluges, extreme pain, injuries and sleep deprivation - but because the 3100 lasts for days on end, the runners mainly have to deal with themselves.

While there is a documentary – Spirit of a Runner, by talented filmmaker Jessie Beers-Altman - on the 3100 Mile race’s most seasoned performer, 13-time finisher American Suprabha Bjeckford (Beers-Altman has kindly made the documentary freely available at 3100.srichinmoyraces.org) and the odd smattering of articles in New York newspapers, not much has been written about the race. In fact not many people have heard about it. Perhaps this is because of the small field that author/runner Grahak Cunningham talks about, or that no prize money is involved, or the fact that race directors don’t accept commercial sponsorship, or the entire massive effort of counting laps and cooking for the runners is conducted only by volunteers.

Grahak is a friend whom I have seen grow from an everyday fun runner to a four-time finisher of the world’s longest race. He first did the race when he was just 30 years old and his book is the first real account by any runner to explain their reasons and inspirations for doing it.

In the first few chapters, Grahak takes us through his rookie race, training for it, thinking about it, being consumed by it. And why not? He made the massive jump from a handful of marathons and a couple of 50-milers to a terrifying 3,100 miles on a cement path, all with a bit of determination and the faith that he deserved to be out there. Without any multi-day experience, however, he paid the price for not going through the usual rites of passage from 24-hour to six- and ten-day events and predictably gets into some serious physical difficulties.

‘All I could do was run five laps at a stretch then collapse in the medical van. Crying and feeling hopeless,’ he shares, with 47 days remaining. ‘I would catch my breath and cool off. Then I would get up and repeat the process… I wasn’t last but I was heading that way.’ But Grahak carries on happily anyway closer and closer toward the finish.

Why do any of us run ultras? It can be painful, expensive, uncomfortable and cause injuries. Grahak has the same doubts, ‘You’re probably wondering why I would choose to run 3,100 miles around a city block on a surface of solid cement that’s six inches thick. Believe me, I have the same thought every time I compete, yet something keeps drawing me back.’

The book explores the qualities that it takes to push yourself way beyond marathons. Grahak says he does it to make progress and overcome the perceived limits we have on life. Ultimately, it is a spiritual journey and the book explores the connection between running and meditation the ultimately drew him to the race founder Chinmoy who inspired him to use sport as a vehicle for self-change.

Chinmoy was an ultrarunnner himself and loved the sport. ‘Spiritual people often like running because it reminds them of their inner journey,’ he said. ‘The outer running reminds them that a higher, deeper, more illuming and more fulfilling goal is ahead of them in the inner world, and for that reason running gives them real joy.’

It’s one of many quotes from the race founder dispensed throughout the book and most would be pretty handy pick-me-ups to read in any running event where we are battling out our inner demons. ‘The success-road is paved with patience and perseverance,’ is a good example.

Also dispensed through the book are Grahak’s training and nutrition tips and, although they occasionally interrupt a good yarn or anecdote, most runners can learn something new – I didn’t’ know cabbage leaves were a good treatment for shin splints for instance, or that licorice cold help a stirred-up stomach.

The 2012 winner, Grahak, finally stops. Photo: Maral.

Grahak somehow finishes his first race in 50 days, just hours before the cut-off time and comes in sixth. Fine, you would think, he can tick that one off the to-do list and relax. Wrong. He goes back another three times and each time gets faster and stronger, the rest of the book touches on the 2008 and 2009 races, where he finished second and third respectively. He then goes into his victories 2012 race in more detail and some of he characters that are intrepid enough to travel this immense distance year in and year out.

Grahak ended up wining in 2012, becoming the third-fastest runner in the event’s 15-year history, averaging over 71 miles a day for 43 days. Overall, if you are looking for a unique book on a unique event that touches on the spiritual dimension of our chosen sport, you will enjoy this book.

Christopher Willis is an Australian web designer and ultrarunnner currently recovering from foot injury. When he starts running again, he is not planning on ever entering the 3100 Mile Race.

Reprinted with permission of the publisher.

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About the author:

Grahak Cunningham, the 2012 champion, has just released an e-book "Beyond the Marathon: Insights Into the Longest Foot Race in the World." It is the story of his four times competing in the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, including 2012. This year Grahak won the event and also broke an Australian 1,000 mile record (to be ratified).

Loaded with training tips, anecdotes and race stories, join four-time finisher Grahak Cunningham as he takes you on the journey from his first race in 2007 as a multiday novice to his ultimate victory in 2012, and discover what he learnt along the way.

About the 3,100 Mile Race: Running 18 hours a day, from 6:00am to midnight, for 51 days, runners must average a minimum of 60 miles a day (96.6km) to complete the distance. This involves circumnavigating the block 5649 times. Over the duration of the race, runners wear out fifteen pairs of shoes, and their feet swell an extra two sizes. In a typical New York summer, temperatures can reach 40 degrees centigrade with 85% humidity. Competitors must contend with boredom, fatigue, torrential deluges, extreme pain, injuries and sleep deprivation—but most of all, they have to deal with themselves. Outwardly for their efforts they will receive a plastic trophy and a t-shirt; inwardly, they make a lifetime of progress.

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About the author:

Taiwan, December 9, 2012: Martin Fryer of Australia, in his first race as a member of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, set a new Men's over 50 World Record for a 24-hour track race (pending ratification by the IAU) at the 10th running of the Soochow International Ultra-Marathon 24-Hour Track Invitational. Martin was second overall and his distance of 247.59 km saw him just eclipse the old mark of 247.21 km set by Dave Cooper of Great Britain in Chevilly-Larue, France back in 1985.

(Photo by Prabhakar of Martin Fryer in the 2011 Self-Transcendence Six Day Race in Flushing, New York, where he won the men's division with a distance of 487 miles).

The following report is from Prachar Stegemann:

"Martin described the conditions as the worst he has ever run in - 23 hours of rain out of the 24, with really strong winds and one inch of water covering the track for most of the race. Nevertheless he says he had one of his best ever races, with his consciousness always focused and clear.

Martin actually didn't realize he had broken the World Record until 90 minutes after the race when we (Prachar) contacted him from Australia. He had thought the World Record was 248 km and he had just missed out!

Martin is looking forward to a good rest now."

(Prachar Stegemann is the main Race Director of the Australian branch of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and whose blogs can be found in CoolRunnning Australia)

For complete race results...

The following excerpt is from the Bald Runner Website which contains a report and photos of the race:

"After the gun has been fired to warn that the 24th hour had elapsed, only the “best among the bests” stood standing. The top runners were offered chairs on the very spot where they stopped their runs."

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About the author:

Toulouse, France, October 29: Samunnati Nataliya Lehonkova of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team won the female open division of the Toulouse International Marathon in France on October 29th. Amidst extreme weather conditions including a temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, she set a new personal best in a time of 2.38:22. In a race of over 3,000 runners, she was 16th overall.

Samunnati hails from Ukraine and is the fastest female runner in the international Sri Chinmoy Centres. Earlier this year she won the marathon in Edinburgh, Scotland. When running she tries to invoke spiritual energy to help her in the race. Samunnati says she is inspired by Sri Chinmoy’s deep love of running.

The above article was taken from

More information on the marathon including results...

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About the author:

For several years now Sri Chinmoy’s birthday in August has been an inspiration for Ashrita and others from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team to create something extraordinary in honor of their late Spiritual teacher.

Last year Ashrita organized the world’s largest floral garland which extended around Flushing Meadow. This year he decided that building a 50 foot long tennis racket, “was as big as we could do.”

When asked whether or not the Guinness record people ever get amazed at these ideas for new records he says no. “They have seen it ALLL. They are serious about it. They just want to see that it has been done properly. They gave us permission to use a wooden racket as the model. That was the conditions. It has to be made completely to scale, and of the same exact materials.”

For the complete story visit Perfection-Journey...

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A Moment's Peace

Saturday 28 July, 6pm • University College, London

Celebrating the Vision of the Great Peace Dreamers of Our Time

The Unveiling of the World Peace Dreamer Statue

On 28 July three great Olympians, nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, Kenyan marathon champion and peace advocate Tegla Loroupe and Russian Olympic gold medalist Tatyana Lebedeva donated a statue entitled World Peace Dreamer to our nation’s capital (London, England).

The life-sized statue depicts the founder of the World Harmony Run, Sri Chinmoy, holding aloft the Peace Torch that runners have been carrying around the globe for the past 25 years, through over 100 nations, on a mission of peace and harmony.

“It is our hope that amidst all the excitement and fast pace of Olympic competition, this statue will remind us of the highest ideals of the Olympic Games : peace and friendship between all nations. Sri Chinmoy was my mentor for more than thirty years – and the most peaceful person I have ever known”. Carl Lewis

For more information on the event, please go to http://www.amomentspeace2012.com/

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About the author:

Mark Dorion, a great friend of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team throughout the years, gives his take on the upcoming 2012 edition of the race.

There is an unconfirmed rumor that a well-known international celebrity ultrarunner will be a last-minute addition to the starting field of the 16th annual New York Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile (5000Km). I will post more info. as I receive it! As you can imagine, it can be a real trick getting time off work/ from family/ etc. to participate in a race that lasts up to 53 days!

Meanwhile, three fast, world-class multiday runners are entered, and figure to set a quick pace from the start. It has not been uncommon for any of these three to throw in a mile or two at <10:00 minute pace in the midst of a long, hot day on the 890 meter loop. These guys are all capable of averaging 70-75 miles PER DAY, day in-day out, for the full 3100 miles:

1) Grahak Cunningham, 35, Australia (previous finish time of 44 Days+ 09:08:58)

2) Sarvagata Ukrainskyy, 39, Ukraine (" " " 44 Days + 13:38:52/ also 2011 winner)

3) Atmavir Petr Spacil, 34, Czech Rep. (" " " 45 Days + 03:44:21)

Well-known U.S ultrarunner Arpan S. DeAngelo, Esq., will also be on the line at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning (Father's Day), as will "Pops" Stutisheel Ledbeyev, whose daughter Alakanandra (a critically-acclaimed photographer from Chicago) will be helping him off and on.

One of many "life lessons" that I have learned at these super-long ultras is that runners or helpers who may at first appear "stand-offish" could end up becoming your good friends and favorite conversationalists. Many, many years ago I was trying, during a multiday, to chat with a wiry, very youthful and speedy runner from Slovakia, Ananda-Lahari Robert Zuscin. To me at that moment, he seemed a tad grumpy and distant.

Flash forward to 2011-2012, and he is one of my VERY favorite people with whom to chat. I have tremendous respect for him in running and in life. There is a GREAT action photo (see website) of the two of us in full stride talking away and laughing during the 2011 New York 10 Day (he cruised through 610 miles, I staggered to 544). I know that I and other runners sometimes forget that even a world class, friendly runner may have a bad day or rough patch, and this rough time may be a real aberation, and not indicative of who they are at all. Lord knows I have had as many "bad days" or down times as anyone! It was my friend Ananda-L who taught me the multiday mantra "WHO is to say who the winner is" in any super-long race. One could be in last place and shuffling along, YET be the "winner" in SO many ways (if not in actual finish time).

For UPDATES on this year's 3100 MILE, please go to:

http://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/

http://perfectionjourney.org

On course race phone: (347)824-9805 (for updates 6 a.m. to midnight daily)

Best wishes to all the 2012 3100 Mile Racers, and to all ultrarunners around the globe,

Mark D

El Paso, TX, USA

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About the author:

yeter family.jpg

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team wishes to share the following e-mail we received from Karen Cahit Yeter in reference to the tribute posted here on the passing of her father, ultra legend Cahit Yeter:

"Dear Friends,

I was deeply touched when I saw the tribute about my father on your website. I remember my father participating in all your races and events. As a child, there wouldn't be much for my sister and I to do all those hours waiting for our dad to finish that ultra and the Sri Chinmoy family would somehow entertain and take care of us. Sri Chinmoy and all of his disciples were such a huge part of our lives. Not only did my dad treasure his friendship with Sri Chinmoy but also with Sri Chinmoy's disciples. I just wanted to let you all know how important Sri Chinmoy and all of you were to my father.

Please pass this on to anyone who knew my dad.

Thank you so so much! I miss him everyday and it just made me so happy to see that tribute to him!

Yours,

Karen Cahit Yeter"

(Photo: Sri Chinmoy meets the Yeter family during a Marathon Team race in 1980)

ckg cahit.jpg 1980 awards.jpg ckg cahit running.jpg

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About the author:

'Six Day Run' is a short film by Finnish director Mika Taanila about the 2012 Self-Transcendence Six Day Race, focusing on SCMT member Ashprihanal Aalto who is also from Finland.

The film casts a light on one of the most extreme individual endurance sports dating back to to the 1870s. The competitors run with minimal sleep, all the while trying to accumulate as many miles as possible on a one-mile paved loop in a park.

The film was shot during T he Self-Transcendence Six Day Race in Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Queens, New York City between April 22-28, 2012.

Basic Information on the film (www.facebook.com/sixdayrun):

Release Date: premiering at the Rotterdam Film Festival (IFFR) 23.1.-3.2.2013
Genre: short documentary film, 15 minutes
Featuring ASHPRIHANAL PEKKA AALTO
Directed by MIKA TAANILA
Cinematography JUSSI EEROLA
Sound design OLLI HUHTANEN
Music by CIRCLE
Producers LASSE SAARINEN, CILLA WERNING
© Kinotar 2013

CONTACT:

Hanna Aartolahti, Kinotar Ltd,
tel: +358 9 7740040
email: hanna(a)kinotar.com
www.kinotar.com

View the trailer...

Short Profile, Mika Taanila: Producer of audiovisual works Mika Taanila will get a tribute within the short programme at IFFR 2013. His works deal with the alarming issues of human engineering and urban artificial surroundings. Taanila specializes on the futuristic ideas and utopias of contemporary science. Besides his most important earlier films, IFFR presents the world premiere of his latest film Six Day Run in the Tiger Awards Competition for Short Films and his two recent installation works Most Electrified Town in Finland and Stimulus Progression (Rotterdam) at festival location TENT. Nominations and programmes at IFFR.

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About the author:

100 mile finishers.jpg

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team befriended a dynamic runner in the late seventies who not only ran in our races but encouraged Sri Chinmoy and our Team to run well and with purpose. Cahit Yeter was one of New York’s best runners and ultrarunners.

(Photo: Cahit (r) completed 110 miles in the 1987 Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race to finish 7th overall and first in the over 50 years age category).

A prolific racer and marathoner, Cahit once ran 2:14 for the marathon in his native Turkey. Later emigrating to the USA, he began a resurgence in his running after an accident had severely damaged his legs. At age 44 he ran 2:26 at the Boston Marathon. He turned his attention to ultramarathons, running races frequently at distances beyond the marathon. In 1981 he ran 155+ miles in the Sri Chinmoy 24 hour race, setting a North American record. He later set a masters record for 100 miles on the road(13:33) which stood for several years. He also ran 468 miles in the New York Six-Day Race in 1984. He is known citywide as the inspiration behind the running club, Cahit’s Pacers, which lasted for over a decade in the Bronx. Cahit retired from NYC Transit and moved to Arizona in the early nineties. His kindness and infectious smile will always be missed."
Sahishnu Sczeziul, SCMT Associate Director

"On a personal note I would like to share a story Cahit told me about his early days of marathon training in Turkey. The national marathon team would often train for months in the mountains (Spain?), away from everyone. Cahit said that the most important piece of equipment that these athletes had was a hair drier. Yes, a hair drier. Because they were isolated and the training was intense, if they developed a blister the fastest and quickest way to deal with it was to carefully slice the blister and dry it out with the hair drier. He emphasized that extreme care was needed and that only those adept at the technique used it. Of course, this technique is not endorsed by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, nor do we encourage anyone to try it. In "those" days of yore, where modern running aides were not available, the runners had to make do with whatever they had. And they did! Thank you Cahit. You were a real friend to us and Sri Chinmoy."
Rupantar LaRusso, SCMT Director

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About the author:

Vasudha Deming organizes events for the San Diego Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

San Diego Events sponsored by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

FREE 2-mile Race Every Saturday

All ages and paces welcome! Whether you're looking to test your fitness with a time trial or just want a casual jog, join us for these free, informal group runs year-round.

Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. starting at the Sri Chinmoy Peace Garden (Adams Ave. & Arizona St.) in the University Heights neighborhood.

Other Races in the San Diego area

After 30+ years the Sri Chinmoy La Jolla Swim & Run is now on a hiatus. We're hoping to organize an ultra-marathon in the Fall.

For info on SCMT events in San Diego, call 619-251-6321.

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About the author:

After participating in the "Run the Farm" 5 mile trail race on Sunday, October 23, at Muscoot Farm in Katonah, New York, two members of the SCMT "ran" into Former President Bill Clinton in nearby Chappaqua, New York while grabbing something to eat after the race! The former president took an interest in their t-shirts and still attached race numbers and was kind enough to pose for a photo!

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About the author:

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_18.JPG Opening remarks by Rupantar La Russo, Race Director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (all photos by Bhashwar):

I would like to offer a very warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you who has come here today to share in today's Sri Chinmoy Heart-Garden Race. Welcome to all our good friends from the community, specially our city Councilman Jimmy Gennaro; to several renowned Olympians who are here today and to the hundreds of runners from throughout the world.

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_346.JPG And of course, we would wish to offer our deepest gratitude and thanks to Estelle Cooper, Assistant Commissioner for Queens Parks/Flushing Meadows Corona Park Administrator. Without her assistance this event would not be possible.

This race is dedicated to the inspiration and living legacy of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of our Marathon Team, who is a true friend of humanity and servant of peace. A prolific writer, artist, musician and great athlete, Sri Chinmoy led by the Peace Meditation at the United Nations for 37 years.

Five years ago, on October 11th, Sri Chinmoy was right here. He was profoundly moved and extremely grateful when the park authorities inaugurated this street as the first Sri Chinmoy Street in the world and this garden as the world's first Sri Chinmoy Heart-Garden. It took place here in this beautiful Flushing Meadows Corona Park which Sri Chinmoy has always loved and where we have held our Self-Transcendence 6 and 10 Day Races for many years.

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_121.JPG Exactly one year later, Sri Chinmoy left his body at the age of 76, after giving each and every breath of his to make the world a happier and more peaceful home for us all. Today we honour and celebrate his living legacy in a way that always gave him immense joy - by running.

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_24.JPG Before I introduce to you each of our special guests and ask each of you to come up and hold our Peace Torch, let me please introduce to you Salil Wilson, Executive Director of our World Harmony Run - Peace Run, to share with you a little bit about the Peace Torch and our global run.

After Salil Wilson's brief remarks, Rupantar introduced the special guests. Included are excerpts from their soulful comments.

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_304a.jpg New York City Councilman Jimmy Gennaro: " 'Everything that is beautiful, inspiring and aspiring can easily be found inside our heart-garden.' These are Sri Chinmoy's own words. What a joy, privilege and blessing to be able to be in the inner heart-garden for decades which we have done thanks to Sri Chinmoy."

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_357.JPG Rose Voisk who competed in gymnastics in London in the 1948 Olympics: "Every one of you projects peace and harmony. I can tell that you always strive to do your very best, just like Olympians strive to do. This is the message that Sri Chinmoy has shared with millions of people all over the world."

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_376.JPG Nikos Spanakos who competed in boxing at the Rome Olympics in 1960, plus won several Golden Glove championships: "What I see is that you all have come here and uplifted yourselves through your running and through your approach to life - thanks to yourselves and to spiritual guide Sri Chinmoy, whom I have deeply admired for many, many years."

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_385.JPG Michael Voudouris who competed in the 2004 Salt Lake City men's skeleton races and also covered several of Sri Chinmoy's activities as a professional photographer: "I remember coming to the 24-hour races in the 1980's here in the park which the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team organized. Throughout the years I had the chance to meet with Sri Chinmoy, and he always had that spiritual glow around him. This allowed me to get back into sports myself. I learned from him that perfection is trying to attain perfection and to always go beyond it. That is what I see in all of your faces."

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_371.JPG Taraje Williams-Murray who is a two time Olympian in Judo in 2004 and 2008, plus bronze medalist in the Pan Am Championship Games.

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_356.JPG Nancy Barthold, Assistant Commissioner for Recreation New York City Parks: "I have been so happy to help get thousands of our New York City children from the five boroughs to take part in your World Harmony Run which Sri Chinmoy founded. All these children got involved in the whole fitness of running and in a spiritual approach which embraces everyone."

And the race...

20111009 SriChinmoy 2-Mile Race_05.JPG

The winners:

Boys

1. Samalya Schaefer, Berlin, German 10:14

2. Pushkar Mullauer, Zurich, Switz. 10:53

3. Ayasya Pernicky, Zlin, Czech Republic 11:04

Girls

1. Agnikana Senkyrova, Zlin, Czech Republic 12;20

2. Keertivati Senkyrova, Zlin, Czech Republic 13:09

3. Zuzana Docziova, Zlin, Czech Republic 13:26

IMG_7991[1].JPG Although not present at this event, Mark Dorian's soulful comments on Sri Chinmoy have been included:

Sent: Mon, Oct 10, 2011 11:37 am
Subject: Oct. 11 Ultra Memories/ Sri Chinmoy/ News

OCTOBER 11 ULTRA MEMORIES/ SRI CHINMOY

     Just four years ago a great force in worldwide ultramarathon and sports event organization, SRI CHINMOY, passed. While current-day U.S. ultrarunners may be unfamiliar with "Guru" Chinmoy's contributions to ultrarunning over the past three decades, suffice it to say he was the energy and idea-man behind various U.S. championship ultras, record-setting venues (Rae Clark's 1990 US record 12:12 100 mile on the Unisphere loop STILL stands), and ground-breaking modern-day long distance events of 6, 7 and 10 days, 1,000 and 1,300 miles, and of course the world's longest certified ultra, the annual Self-Transendence 3100 mile in suburban Jamaica Hills, Queens, New York. Just this past April one of the most impressive North American ultra performances of the year occurred in the 10 day race, where US resident Kaneenika Janakova broke world record holder Dipali Cunningham's race record AND beat back some world class Ukrainian men runners (including Sarvagata Ukrainsky, winner of the 3100 mile in an impressive 44 days+).

     Sri Chinmoy and his worldwide Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT) were known for their well-organized ultras, but also orchestrated triathlons, run-swims, track meets, race walks, shorter 2 to 7 mile races, and the list goes on. Just this past Sunday (Oct 9) a special all-comers 2 mile race was held in historic Flushing Meadows, an enormous park where one drive is actually named for Sri Chinmoy, and a 180 yard-round flower garden circle (well-known to ultrarunners who circumnavigate it in various ultras) was started by him. On Thanksgiving weekend a large 5Km will be held in the vicinity of the famed Unisphere (this is the huge metal globe seen in the movie MEN AND BLACK, during the US Open Tennis, and in various other TV and film segments). And planning is already underway for the 2012 Self-Trans. 6 and 10 day extravaganza-- the USA's MOST international ultra.

     On Tuesday October 11, Mahasamadhi (anniversary of one's passing) services and talks will be held at Aspiration-Ground,   a beautiful, lush meditation and reflection garden designed by Guru in Queens. It will be a sad occasion for me, but I will take some flowers and then go for a run with some friends. Wherever you are on Tuesday, take a moment to reflect not just on Sri Chinmoy, but on all visionaries who have created events and venues for ultrarunners to pursue their dreams.

     "Encouragement is the heart of a new journey."             --Sri Chinmoy

Best wishes to all ultrarunners.

Sincerely,

Mark Dorion

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About the author:

Medur is our go-to person for many of the essential tasks involved in putting on our races: race setup, our lap counting system and our website. An enthusiastic runner himself, he has participated in many editions of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run in Canada and the US.

Utpal wrote this beautiful tribute to Grete Waitz who passed away this week.

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New York Celebrates Sri Chinmoy’s Chico Marathon Anniversary

Oneness Fountain-Heart team.JPG On Saturday morning, March 5, 2011, in Jamaica, Queens, the New York members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team celebrated Sri Chinmoy’s first Marathon (Chico, California, March 3, 1979). About 50 runners participated throughout the morning. Eleven runners ran the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42 Km), four men and seven women. There were many others who joined teams, each team completing at least the whole distance of an official marathon, running or walking.

Although this was not part of the Marathon Team’s official schedule, it has always been an annual celebration of what is for us an important and historical marathon event: Sri Chinmoy's first official marathon race in Chico, California. It allowed individual runners as well as different teams to take part and enjoy the occasion – which they did with tremendous enthusiasm, joy and the feeling of oneness.

Bharat and Daughters

There were seven teams with at least two members on each team: Annam Brahma Restaurant Team, Aspiration Team, Govinda’s Team, Pragati’s Team, Pulak’s Team, Oneness-Fountain-Heart Restaurant Team, and the Oneness-Heart Centre Team.

Our newest meditation Centre, the Oneness-Heart Centre, had 15 runners and walkers, including the youngest and the oldest runners as well. Ankita, a seven year old girl, and her nine year old brother Aninda, did four laps, or 3 ½ miles, each. Snehashila, who is one of the many veteran disciples attending and supporting the Oneness-Heart Centre, completed five laps walking. That’s about four ½ miles, at age 85!!!

Abdul from Oneness-Heart Centre Team.JPG Oneness-Heart Centre Members take a break.JPG Kaneeneeka was second woman.JPG

The results of the individual runners are:

Women: Men:

Dipali- 3:43:27 Arpan- 3:51:15

Kaneenika- 3:58:41 Galya- 3:51:45

Keertivati- 4:04:29 Deepra-3:57:43

Boijayanti- 4:10:40 Dhanu- 4:48:28

Palash- 4:51:57

Antana- 4:55:07

Suprabha- 5:24:14

“The spiritual life is a marathon,
An inner marathon which never ends.
The Supreme is begging
All His seeker-children
To be excellent runners-
To run speedily, like deer-
In this eternal inner journey.”
Sri Chinmoy

(Thanks to Arpan who wrote this story and organized the marathon events.)

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Christchurch runner and Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team race director Vajin Armstrong achived the 1st of his 3 consecutive victories in New Zealand's premier mountain race on 04 Dec 2010.

Running the rugged 60 km mountain course for the first time Vajin recorded a fine 05:03:27.

The Kepler Challenge is described as "the jewel in New Zealand's mountain running calendar" and is organised by a voluntary committee with the support, on race day, of approximately 200 Te Anau residents - giving the event a truly community feeling.

The 60km event plus the sister race, the Luxmore Grunt (27km), are held on the Kepler Track in the Fiordland National Park - part of the South Westland World Heritage Area.

Limited to 400 competitors in the Kepler Challenge and 150 in the Luxmore Grunt, both events fill up very quickly after entries open on the first Saturday in July each year.

The events attract a wide range of competitors in both nationality and age groups. For the majority of participants the nature of the event is, as the name suggests, a personal challenge.

In 2010 Vajin finished 1 minute and 29 seconds ahead of 2009 second place finisher Norman Dunroy, who was first to reach the top of the grueling 15.7km ascent, and 4.42 ahead of Martin Lukes (three time winner & five times runner-up).

The current race record of 04:37:41 was set in 2005 by Kiwi world mountain running champion & 2004 Olympic marathoner Phil Costley.

Vajin returned victorious in 2011 [05:01:54] and again in 2012 - finally fulfilling his 'sub-5' dreams [04:55:24] after a hard fought battle with Aussie Tony Fattorini.

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Ocean Monk, a film by Sanjay Rawal, chronicles the inner and outer search of a group of monks who make their home in New York City. Students of the late Indian teacher, Sri Chinmoy who lived in Queens for over 40 years, this band of friends discovered the beauty and power of the nearby surfing beaches and incorporated their love for the ocean into their search for enlightenment.

Ocean Monk explores the ideals which drive their life as well as the pounding winter surf which sustains them. The film includes appearances by Kelly Slater, Jack Johnson, Titus Kinimaka and Sri Chinmoy, as well as various members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

Music featured in the film is by Sigur Ros, Wixel, Parichayaka Hammerl and Mark Swiderski.

Ocean Monk opened the 2010 New York Surf Film Festival, and has also been selected for the St. Louis International Flim Festival and the Big Apple Film Festival.

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Following is the entire text of New York State Governor Paterson's address at the 9/11 Day of Remembrance:

“Born in India, the American author Sri Chinmoy once penned that:

Hope
Knows no fear.

Hope dares to blossom
Even inside the abysmal abyss.

Hope secretly feeds
And strengthens
Promise.”

The ABC video shows this address at the 3:50 minute mark.

Related

Short Poems about Hope

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About the author:

To commemorate the 31st anniversary of their spiritual teacher's first marathon run, members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team held a marathon and a marathon relay. On a saturday morning, March 6, with almost ideal temperatures, 17 runners started the marathon with 16 finishing. Arpan was the overall winner at 3:42. Several relay teams also joined in the marathon run.