Suprabha Beckjord (b. 1956, Washington D.C. US) one of the most prolific multi-day distance runners in the world. Between 1997 and 2009, Suprabha completed 13 consecutive editions of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race. In 1998 she set her fastest time for the distance of 49 days 14:30:54.
Suprabha only began running in the mid 1980s. In 1986, she completed her first multi-day event - a 200 mile race, where she finished as first woman. She then progressed to longer multi-day events, including five day races, seven day races and then the Sri Chinmoy 700, 1000 and 1300 mile races. She finished the 1300 mile race four times (1991-94)
In 1996, Suprabha was one of six people who entered the Sri Chinmoy 2700 Mile Race, setting new records from 1300 miles to 2700 miles. In 1997, she was one of five people who entered the inaugural 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race. Suprabha was 2nd in a time of 50 days + 02:09:56.
Between 1997 and 2009, she completed 13 consecutive editions of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race. A total distance of 40,300 miles in 13 years. (The circumference of the earth is 24,901 miles)
Suprabha Beckjord at finish of 2009 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race
Suprabha owns a gift shop "Transcendence-Perfection-Bliss of the Beyond" in Washington, DC. and has been a disciple of Sri Chinmoy for many years.
Spirit of a Runner
A documentary video about Suprabha's efforts to finish the 2008 edition of the race. View bottom of home page for 3100 Mile Race
Quotes
Question: Is finishing this distance a case of mind over matter?
Suprabha B: Not so much the mind as the heart. The mind is so boggled with just the idea of that distance. The mind says you’re tired. I have to go beyond the mind and run this race with my heart, which is full of eagerness and joy. It’s a pilgrimage. I always go inside and meditate. You have to be aware of your surroundings of course, but for me, and for a lot of people, running is a way to quiet your mind a bit, and to feel happy just to be outside. To be outside all summer like that, from 6 a.m. to midnight sometimes, is a special thing.
''I know I can't do this race on my outer strength alone, so I have to draw on my inner strength.'' (Running on Inner Strength at NY Times)
""I get a thrill from being out here, It's a [dream] to be able to achieve a very long distance. It's something we can only accomplish with determination and willpower," (NY Daily News)
Further links
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