Galleries and Video from 3100 Mile Race

Photo Galleries	Video
Finish Galleries: Asprihanal, Michael, Smarana, Madhupran, Arpan
Day 37 - July 19	Asprihanal final 24 hr
Day 22 - July 4	Oleg Chat with Matt
Day 18 - June 30	Sri Chinmoy meditates
Day 10 - June 23	Stefan Abichal
Day 2 - June 14	Smarana and Michael Music video
Day 1 - June 13	Matt July 3
Abakash's photos from the start	Arpan Video of the Start
	Virendra Abichal Matt

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team articles - more articles

THREE MILES
1.   5 June 1979
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   Santa Barbara, CA
   Time:   23:08
   Pace:   7:43

2.   6 June 1979
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   Scottsdale, Arizona
   Time:   22:21
   Pace:   7:27
   (Note: This remains Sri Chinmoy's personal best time for three miles.)

3.    28 December 1980
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   Tobago, West Indies
   Time:   24:21
   Pace:   8:07

4.   1 August 1981
   Sri Chinmoy Grand Prix
   Flushing Meadow Park
   Time:   23:00
   Pace:   7:40

5.   4 August 1981
   Sri Chinmoy Grand Prix
   Flushing Meadow Park
   Time:   22:47
   Pace:   7:35

6.   13 August 1981
   Sri Chinmoy Grand Prix
   Flushing Meadow Park
   Time:   24:26
   Pace:   8:08

7.   20 August 1981
   Sri Chinmoy Grand Prix
   Flushing Meadow Park
   Time:   24:10
   Pace:   8:03

8.   13 November 1982
   Staten Island, New York
   Time:   24:20
   Pace:   8:06

9.   5 June 1983
   Queens Day, Flushing Meadow Park
   Time:   22:33
   Pace:   7:31
   Bodyweight: 138 pounds

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Sri Chinmoy continues his 2-miles races for a brief period in 1982.

23.   20 February 1982
   Age Group Race
   Alley Pond Park, NY
   Time:   15:50
   Pace:   7:55
   Place:   1st (50 years and over)
           14th overall/31 starters
   Bodyweight: 145 pounds

24.   27 February 1982
   Age Group Race
   Cunningham Park, NY
   Time:   14:23
   Pace:   7:11
   Place:   22nd overall/32 starters
   Bodyweight: 140 pounds

25.   20 June 1982
   Queens Day Race
   Flushing Meadow Park, NY
   Time:   15:09
   Pace:   7:34
   Bodyweight: 138 pounds

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The following list of races is arranged by distance. Because Sri Chinmoy chose to race the longer distances, such as 7 miles and 10 miles, when he first started, it is worth noting that some of his split times in those races are faster than the times he later posted in shorter races.

1500 metres

1.   20 July 1981
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   San Juan, Puerto Rico
   Time:   6:25

2.   21 July 1981
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   San Juan, Puerto Rico
   Time:   6:15

3.   22 July 1981
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   Santurce, Puerto Rico
   Time:   9:54   (racewalking)

4.   27 June 1982
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   Jamaica High School Track
   Time:   6:30

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6.2 MILES(10 KILOMETRES)

1.   13 April 1980
   NY Walkers' Day Walk
   Central Park, NY
   Time:   1:07:57 (racewalking)
   Pace:   10:57

2.   10 October 1981
   Foliage Run
   Ringwood, NJ
   Time:   54:45
   Pace:   8:48
   Place:   236th/300 runners

3.   date unknown
   Sri Chinmoy Race
   Flushing Meadow Park
   Time:   1:18:23 (racewalking)
   Pace:   12:36

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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.

Russian TV, channel Russia2, in depth documentary of the 2012 Self Transcendence Six Day Racecovers the multi day race in New York and studies what happens to runners during such extreme runs. Scientists think this is beyond human abilities and that for the body this is a tremendous stress..26 minutes and in Russian.

Screen Shot 2012-12-17 at 10.55.51 PM.png

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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.

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:

From our archives: Local news channel NY1 takes a video look at the 2012 Self-Transcendence 6 and 10-Day Races, held at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens New York, April 17 - April 27, 2013.

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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:

Arpan De Angelo - Short Running History and Bio:

As a youth I loved neighborhood sports and ran around quite a bit. I played lots of baseball, basketball and football and loved to run fast enough to get away from the older kids who always seemed to get joy in chasing us youngsters.

As a gymnast in High School I knew what it took to get into fitness shape, but I never could relate to running around in circles just for the fun of it. It was not until my second year of University that I was urged by some friends to take up running on a regular basis, mostly for spiritual reasons. I struggled through my first one mile run which seemed to take forever, in 1972. And now, 40 years later, here is a brief description of some of my running and racing experiences.

My first official race was a three mile open race on our University of Connecticut campus in 1973. I am not sure of my time which was well over 20 minutes, but I do remember pushing at the end so as not to be in last place. I started running one mile races and shorter sprinting races with the Sri Chinmoy Centre later in 1973. The next year we were doing 2 mile races and the mileage kept increasing year after year. By 1976 I ran in the Madal Marathon, which was actually a 13 mile race around the Lake at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, NYC. In 1977 I ran my first full marathon,(26.2 miles or 42 Km), in the New York City Marathon in 3 hours, 12 minutes. I was so sore the next day I said that I would never run another marathon again.

Since then I have run over 300 marathons or longer, which includes races and training runs of at least 26.2 miles, (42 Km). The longest of these races was a multi-day race called ‘The Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race’. In 2004, at age 52, (having been born in ’52), I finished on the 52nd day, averaging 60 miles per day. I consider this my greatest achievement so far, but I give all the credit and gratitude to Sri Chinmoy who inspired me to run it and encouraged me to stay in the race even when I wanted to quit. In 2012, at the age of 60, I attempted the race again, achieving over 2800 miles within the 52 day cutoff.

Most of my standard length marathon races have been run under 3 hours 30 minutes, with 45 of them faster than 3 hours. My fastest marathon was 2 hours 43 minutes in the Long Island Marathon in 1985. I have run in quite a few ultra-marathons including 25 forty-seven mile races, placing 2nd or 3rd eleven times. I have run in many 6-hour and 12-hour races and about ten 24-hour races, my best mileage being 131 miles in 23 hours. I have run a number of multi day races including some 6 day races, 700 mile race, 1000 mile race and the 3100 mile race.

God only knows where this will lead and when it will end, but I am trying to enjoy this ongoing running journey. I feel that is has offered me fulfillment in various ways, but to me the most important fulfillment is the spiritual fulfillment which comes with the conscious efforts of trying to fulfill the Will of the Supreme in His Own Way.

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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:

I wish to thank those associated with UltraRuning Magazine, particularly the Publisher, John Medinger, for granting the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team permission to post copies of past articles on our web site. UltraRunning has been a pioneer in supporting ultra running and remains so today. Those of us who put on ultra races own much gratitude for their support . And everyone should do what I just did, renew their subscription.

Rupantar LaRusso, Race Director, Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

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About the author:

Photo: Marty Sprengelmeyer (l), Ray Krolewicz (c)and Tom Grace (r) enjoy a few minutes rest in the Sri Chinmoy 1,300 Mile Race

The race was run in three divisions - 700 miles, 1,000 miles and 1,300 miles - and entrants selected a division in which to participate and receive awards. The race itself holds the record as the longest annually held certified race in the world.

Overall mileage winners were Marty Sprengelmeyer of Davenport, Iowa, with 1,250 miles in the 1,300 mile division; and Pippa Davis, a British citizen living in Westford, Massachusetts, with 832 miles in the 1,000 mile division. Both now hold the record for the most mileage ever run in history in a certified race - Sprengelmeyer overall and Davis for women. Tom Grace of Richmond Hills finished as the first man in the 1,000 mile race with 567 miles and Sulochana Kallai of Jamaica, NY set the world record for the most mileage ever run by a woman over 50 - 655 miles in 13 days. She finished fourth overall in the 700 mile division.

One especially rewarding aspect of this race was the large number of trained women participants - 10 in all, none of whom dropped out (two men dropped out, for health or other reasons). Less than ten years ago a main topic of sports discussion was whether women were physically and emotionally capable of running a marathon (26.2 miles). It was not until 1984 that the Olympics permitted women to run the marathon in international competition. In the 1,300 mile race, national women's records were broken or established for the USA, Canada, Britain, France and Japan, as well as world records. Perhaps more importantly, the women stood high in competition against the men. Their top mileage finishers hold positions 5 through 10 in the over all results, against highly accomplished men ultrarunners. The popular theory that at ultradistances the competitive differences between men and women diminish is given factual support in this event. Women took first place in overall standings in both the 1,000 mile (Pippa Davis) and 700 mile (Antana Locs of Canada with 691 miles) divisions. Seven of these women are from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team itself. Team founder Sri Chinmoy has, from the Team's beginnings, been a strong supporter of equality in training and opportunity for men and women.

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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:

half marathon 1980.jpg

Runners pass the Unisphere during the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 1980.

This is not meant to be a definitive history of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, but just the start. Hopefully, as this project proceeds, friends and participants of our past races will fill in the details, offer their inspiring comments and bring these athletes and events to life.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has not been the only club involved in the development of running, particularly ultra running - distances beyond the marathon, in the New York area. Larger clubs then ours, such as the New York Road Runners Club, and smaller ones, like the Broadway Ultra Society under the indefatigable Rich Innamerato, have also played an important part. But the history of running outside of our club is far beyond the scope of this project.

Sri Chinmoy, who passed away in 2007, founded the club upon the ideal of serving the community thourgh our races. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team is non-profit and all of our members are volunteers; no one is salaried, and in the New York area, we accept no sponsorship. We donate our time because we feel that we are serving the community through these races. We keep our fees low and try to put on the best races we can. Since the late 1970s and through today, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team is noted worldwide for the quality of its races. This is amply reflected below by the many national and world records set in our ultra races.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has enjoyed a special relationship with Flushing Meadows Corona Park since the 1970s, and we continue to do so today with our 5k fundraiser for the NYC Parks and our internationally acclaimed 6-Day and 10-Day Races.

Much of the source material for the archives comes from newspaper clippings, press releases, original photos with captions, various running periodicals, newsletters and magazines, and, of course, Ultrarunning Magazine, which has been a pioneer in chronicling ultra races since the 1970s. The depth of coverage for each event is based on the material on hand. Any omissions, or errors are purely unintentional.

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team: 1976- 1979

proclamation liberty torch.jpg Photo: The Liberty Torch Relay (1976) received an official proclamation from the Office of the Mayor, City of New York.

Partial Race Schedule - 1976

Liberty Torch: A Bicentennial Offering. A Non-stop, round-the-clock, relay run through all 50 states. June - August.

Partial Race Schedule- 1977

Partial Race Schedule- 1978

Partial Race Schedule- 1979

Over 400 runners crowd the start of the Sri Chinmoy 13-Mile Race at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on December 9, 1979.

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1980

Photo: Marcy Schwam en route to three world records in the Sri Chinmoy 24-Hour Run.

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1981

Sue Medaglia sets a new world record in her first 24 hour race. Photo: Bhashwar

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1982

Three of the world's top ultra marathoners - Cahit Yeter (r) , Sue Medaglia and Stu Mittleman (l) posing with ultra legend Ted Corbitt (second from r) before the start of the Sri Chinmoy 24-Hour Run, Francis Lewis High School, Queens, New York.

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1983

Photo: RI Congresswoman Claudine Schneider (middle), voted one of the ten most fit members of Congress, took part in Washington, DC ceremonies honoring the RI Sri Chinmoy Triathlon.

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1984

Competitors prepare for the start of the Sri Chinmoy Triathlon at Misquamicut Beach, RI, East Coast's first and longest running triathlon. (Bhashwar)

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1985

Photo: Sri Chinmoy with the 1985 24 Hour Champion Yiannis Kouros

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1986

Newly crowned 1,000 mile world record holder Stu Mittleman (l) receives congratulations from Sri Chinmoy (r).

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1987

Photo: Cahit Yeter (no.44) takes an early lead in the 1987 Sri Chinmoy 24 Hour Race

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY on one mile loop, unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1988

Ultra legends Sandy Barwick (right) and Yiannis Kouros (center) compete in the 1988 Sri Chinmoy 1000 Mile IAU (International Association of Ultrarunners) World Championship. Photo by Ranjit.

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on a one mile loop, unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1989

Focused concentration marks the running energy exhibited by ultrarunners Tom Possert and Ann Trason at the 1989 Sri Chinmoy USA/TAC 24 Hour Championship. Photo: Adarini Inkei

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on a one mile loop, unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1990

Essie Garrett (l) and Ronnie Wong circle the Unisphere in the Sri Chinmoy Ulra Trio. Wong went on the win the 1,300 Mile Race race.

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

The History of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team - 1991

Photo: Our 1991 Schedule was full!

(All races held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, on a one mile loop unless otherwise noted)

Partial Race Schedule

Highlights

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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:

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.

NBC Today Show covers the 3100 Mile Race

8/7/2011 NBC TODAY's Natalie Morales reports on the Self Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race, where participants run the distance from Boston to San Francisco around one city block in Queens, New York.

De Telegraff, Dutch National Newspaper, covers 3,100 Mile Race

8/6/2011 NEW YORK, Saturday – Perhaps it is the most striking Dutch sports achievement of the year. Runner Pradeep Hoogakker (33) ran 53 days in a row from 6 a.m. until midnight and covered nearly 5000 kilometres. Thursday night he became the first countryman to complete the 3100 Mile Race, the Mount Everest of ultramarathons.

RTL Nieuws does a story on Pradeep: 5000 kilometer rondjes rennen

RTL Nieuws 8/6/2011 A popular Netherlands news program with a viewership of over 4 milliion features Pradeep in New York...(Please note: the video clip is in Dutch.).

Runners Continue 52-Day Marathon Around Half-Mile Block

NY1 News 7/8/2011 People in Queens are running around in circles as part of the 15th annual self-transcendence race, an ultra marathon created by Indian spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy as an exercise in mental and physical discipline...

3,100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race 2011 Enters 23rd Day In Queens

The Huffington Post: 07/06/11 The world's longest certified footrace is happening right now--on a single city block in Jamaica, Queens. The 15th Annual Self-Transcendence 3,100 mile race entered its 23rd day today. 10 runners, most of whom are disciples of Sri Chinmoy, a deceased Indian spiritual leader, are competing to complete 5649 laps around Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in Jamaica, Queens of a .5488 mile course (883 meters) in a timespan of 52 days,

People in Queens Are Running Around a Single Block for 3,100 Miles

Emily Witt, The New York Observer: 7/6/2011: While you sit in your cubicle, a real battle is going on out in Jamaica, Queens, where the self-punishing disciples of Sri Chinmoy, a deceased Indian spiritual leader, are running around a single block for 3,100 miles ...

View full article »

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.

womens running cover.jpg Running to Xtremes, July 2011
Source: Women's Running (United Kingdon)

Suprabha Beckjord: She's relatively unknown outside ultrarunning circles, yet the 55-year old Washington card-shop owner is the only woman to have completed the world's longest footrace - and she's done it 13 tmes. The Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race is held in the Queens neighbourhood of New York City during July and August. Over a course that's just over half a mile long, runners must complete 5,649 laps, averaging 60 miles a day for up to 52 days straight, to complete the race. Beckjord is the only person to have completed all 13 editions of the race and during that time has clocked up a mind-blowing total of more than 40,000 miles.

Dipali Cunningham: Born in Melbourne, but now based in New York City, Dipali Cunningham is one of the all-time greats of female ultrarunning. During a record-breaking 20-year running career, the 52-year old member of the famous Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has completed 31 multi-day events (races consisting of seven days, six days, 1,000 miles or 700 miles), winning 25 of them, including seven overall victories. She has won every edition of the women's Six-Day Self-Transcendence race in New York and in 2009 set a new women's world road record of 514.82 miles.

Indeed, her running CV is littered with records. In 2001, she ran 700 miles in just nine days, 11 hours, the third-fastest time ever recorded by a woman. She is also the third-fastest woman in history over 1,000 miles, with a time of 13 days, 20 hours.

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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.