News #127: Sri Chinmoy Acton 10km & 4km Fun Runs

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The Sri Chinmoy Acton Run in Acton Park, Canberra

Sri Chinmoy Acton 10km & 4km Fun Runs in Perfect Running Weather

On Sunday, 1 March 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Acton 10km and 4km Fun Runs were held in Acton Park, Canberra. After weeks of hot weather, runners were relieved to have a cool, overcast day with a high of just 20 degrees. Best of all, the rain stayed away, creating ideal conditions for both the 10km and the shorter 4km fun run.

This was the first time in a long while that the Sri Chinmoy Acton event was held on a Sunday and with an early 8:30 a.m. start. It was also the first time in quite a while that the start area was free from construction fences, as the Acton Park development nears completion.

A Welcome Change in Conditions

The cooler weather made a noticeable difference. Runners could push themselves without battling extreme heat, and the overcast sky helped keep temperatures comfortable throughout the morning. The course in Acton Park offered a good mix of open spaces and gentle hills, providing a fair but challenging test for all participants.

Outstanding Performances in the 4km Fun Run

In the 4km race, Ellie Barrett was the fastest runner overall with an impressive time of 17:30. Among the males, young Calvin Whitehead (Under 13 category) recorded the fastest time of 21:04. Special mention goes to Liam White, who achieved the fastest time with a stroller on this hilly course — an excellent 22:14.

The 4km distance continues to be a popular choice for families, beginners, and those who enjoy a shorter and fun challenge.

Strong Results in the 10km Race

The 10km race saw some excellent performances. Greg Taylor took the overall victory with a very strong time of 34:43. Simona Martorana was the fastest woman, finishing in 41:15. In the 70+ category, the ever-young Clare Wall delivered another inspiring run, completing the distance in 53:55.

These results highlight the quality of athletes who regularly take part in Sri Chinmoy events, as well as the encouraging atmosphere that welcomes runners of all ages and abilities.

Course and Organisation Highlights

The Sri Chinmoy Acton events are known for their friendly and well-organised setup. The course winds through Acton Park, offering a pleasant mix of open parkland and gentle undulations. 

Participants appreciated the early start time, which allowed many to enjoy the rest of their Sunday. Refreshments were available, and the overall organisation ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The Spirit Behind Sri Chinmoy Runs

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events focus on self-transcendence — the joyful effort to go beyond one’s previous limits. The Sri Chinmoy Acton 10km and 4km Fun Runs perfectly reflect this spirit. Whether runners were chasing personal bests, running with family, or simply enjoying a morning of movement, the emphasis remained on personal progress and inner joy rather than competition.

The cooler weather this year made it easier for participants to stay focused and cheerful throughout their runs. 

Results and Photos

Looking Ahead to the Sri Chinmoy Trail Series

Organisers congratulated all participants and invited them to join the upcoming Sri Chinmoy Trail Series, which offers runners a different and more adventurous challenge in the beautiful Canberra region.

Events like the Sri Chinmoy Acton Fun Runs play an important role in the local running community. They provide regular, accessible opportunities for people of all ages and fitness levels to stay active while enjoying the supportive and positive atmosphere that Sri Chinmoy races are known for.

Why These Events Matter

The Sri Chinmoy Acton races combine several appealing elements: a convenient location, well-marked courses, friendly volunteers, and a focus on personal achievement rather than competition. This makes them especially suitable for families, beginners, and experienced runners alike.

The cooler weather on 1 March 2026 helped create one of the most enjoyable editions in recent memory. Many participants left with smiles, good times, and the motivation to keep training for future events.

Related Events:

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For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #126: Inspiring Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon in Zlín

Posted on by Yatkara

Start of the Zlín Half Marathon in Příluky

Zlín Half Marathon Continues to Delight Runners Across the Czech Republic

The Zlín Half Marathon remains one of the most appreciated races in the Czech running calendar. Held in the peaceful Příluky area of Zlín, it offers a fast, flat course and a genuinely friendly atmosphere that keeps runners returning year after year.

Now in its 16th edition, the 2026 event took place on 1 March. Organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, the race combines reliable conditions with the uplifting spirit of self-transcendence. For many participants, however, it feels like much more than just a half-marathon — it provides a chance to test personal limits while enjoying a calm and positive morning of running.

A Well-Established Tradition in Zlín

Over the years, the Zlín Half Marathon has grown into a meaningful local tradition. Runners particularly value the smooth, flat course and the positive energy that fills the entire day.

This year, the race started at 10:00 a.m., with registration open in front of the Madal Bal building. The course consists of a flat asphalt loop measuring 2,393 metres in Příluky. Thanks to chip timing, results were accurate and reliable. Additionally, participants could enjoy refreshments, showers, lunch, and convenient parking — small touches that make a real difference on race day.

Why Runners Love the Zlín Half Marathon

One of the biggest attractions of the Zlín Half Marathon is undoubtedly its fast and flat course. As a result, the race appeals to a wide range of runners. Some come chasing a personal best, while others seek an early-season test. Many runners appreciate the supportive environment to complete the distance comfortably. Meanwhile, those who prefer smaller, well-organised local events over large commercial races find exactly what they are looking for here.

Course Records and the Spirit of Self-Transcendence

The current course records highlight what well-prepared athletes can achieve on this flat route:

  • Men: Jiří Petr – 1:11:18 (7 November 2021)
  • Women: Barbora Macurová – 1:23:45 (6 March 2022)

These impressive times show the potential of the course, yet the event stays open and encouraging for everyone. Ultimately, the Zlín Half Marathon places greater emphasis on self-transcendence, creating space for runners of all abilities to feel successful.

Results and Photos from the 2026 Edition

Running for Self-Discovery and Joy

In today’s world of large commercial running events, the Zlín Half Marathon offers something increasingly rare — authenticity. It remains a modest but very well-run race where participants feel like real individuals rather than just numbers.

Although the setting is simple, the experience often turns out to be deeply memorable. Runners typically leave with a strong sense of accomplishment, new friendships, and sometimes a fresh appreciation for the quiet joy of steady, sincere effort.

Looking Ahead

With sixteen successful editions now completed, the Zlín Half Marathon has clearly earned its respected place in the local running community. Moreover, it continues to deliver a wonderful balance between athletic challenge and inner meaning.

Whether you are a competitive runner aiming for fast times, a first-time half-marathoner, or simply someone who loves running in a friendly atmosphere, this race deserves a spot on your calendar.

You may also enjoy reading about other recent Sri Chinmoy races, including events in Hungary, Auckland, Amsterdam, Canberra, and Nish.

Related Links

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For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #125: 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish, Serbia

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Runners on the 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon in Cair Park, Nish, Serbia

The 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon Celebrates Milestone in Nish, Serbia

On Sunday, 1 March 2026, the 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon took place in Cair Park, Nish, Serbia. This milestone edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Marathon brought together dedicated runners and walkers for a day filled with endurance, community spirit, and inner growth.

The Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish has become a beloved annual winter tradition in Serbia. For 30 years, it has inspired athletes to go beyond themselves with joy and determination, embodying Sri Chinmoy’s vision of running as a path of self-transcendence.

Race Format and Schedule

The event offered four distances to accommodate runners of all levels:

  • At 11:00h: Full Marathon (42.2 km), Team Relay (21.1 km), and 5K Fun Run started together
  • At 12:00h: Half Marathon (21.1 km) began

The course was a flat, asphalt loop of 1057 metres entirely within the scenic Cair Park in Nish. Marathon runners completed 40 laps, half-marathon runners 20 laps, and 5K participants ran 5 laps.

The Team Relay was contested by teams of 4 runners. Each member ran 5 laps (approximately 5.285 km). When one runner finished their leg, they passed the timing chip to the next team member until the full half-marathon distance was completed together.

Course and Support

The flat, traffic-free loop in Cair Park provided safe and pleasant conditions for long-distance running. An aid station operated throughout the marathon, offering warm drinks and food to help participants maintain their energy levels during the challenge.

All finishers received a finisher’s medal. The top three overall received trophies and medals, and age-group winners in the marathon and half-marathon were also honoured.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy created these races to help people experience the joy of self-transcendence. The 30th Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish beautifully embodied this philosophy. Whether running the full marathon, half marathon, a relay leg, or the fun 5K, every participant had the opportunity to go beyond their personal limits in a supportive and non-competitive environment.

Reaching the 30th edition is a significant milestone. Over three decades, this event has welcomed hundreds of runners from Serbia and beyond, helping many discover the deeper joy of running combined with inner aspiration.

Results and Photos

A Cherished Tradition in Nish, Serbia

For 30 years, The Self-Transcendence Marathon has been a highlight of the running calendar in southern Serbia. Held annually in the beautiful Cair Park, the event has grown into a well-organised and inspiring gathering that attracts both local runners and visitors from other regions.

The combination of a flat, repeatable course, excellent volunteer support, and a positive atmosphere makes this marathon especially appealing. 

Why Runners Keep Returning

Participants value several special features of this event:

  • The safe and scenic park setting in Nish
  • The flat course is ideal for steady pacing and mental focus
  • The relay option makes the half-marathon accessible to teams and beginners
  • The strong emphasis on self-transcendence and joyful participation
  • The warm community spirit and dedicated volunteers

These qualities create a unique racing experience that goes far beyond a standard marathon.

The successful 30th edition of The Self-Transcendence Marathon in Nish, Serbia, once again demonstrated the lasting power of Sri Chinmoy’s vision — using sport as a path to self-discovery and inner growth.

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For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #348: Spiritual Awakening Loneliness | Spirit Matters #37

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Spiritual Awakening Loneliness: A Common Challenge on the Path

Many people going through a spiritual awakening experience spiritual awakening loneliness. As inner growth brings new perspectives, peace, and wisdom, the people around them — colleagues, friends, and family — often remain unchanged. This creates tension, misunderstandings, and a painful sense of isolation. You may feel excited to share your discoveries, only to meet blank stares or raised eyebrows.

In this Episode, hosts Vajin and Abhinabha explore this difficult but common phase. They offer practical fixes to deal with spiritual awakening loneliness while staying grounded and maintaining healthy relationships.

Why Spiritual Awakening Often Feels Lonely

Spiritual awakening changes how you see yourself and the world. Old conversations may feel superficial, and familiar social dynamics can suddenly seem draining. When you begin to shift, the people closest to you may not understand your new priorities or inner experiences. This mismatch frequently leads to spiritual awakening loneliness.

Left unaddressed, this loneliness can damage relationships or push you toward unhealthy isolation. The episode explains that this phase is natural but does not have to become permanent. With the right approach, you can honour your growth while preserving important connections.

Practical Fixes for Spiritual Awakening Loneliness

The hosts share clear, grounded strategies to navigate this challenging time:

1. How to Deal with People Who Don’t Understand Your Growth

Not everyone will celebrate your spiritual changes. Learning to communicate calmly without forcing your views helps reduce conflict. The key is to accept that others are on their own timeline and focus on living your truth quietly rather than trying to convert people.

2. The Necessary Mindshift to Prevent Spiritual Ego

One of the biggest risks during awakening is developing spiritual arrogance. The episode stresses the importance of humility. True growth brings greater compassion, not superiority. Recognising that everyone is on their own journey helps prevent the ego from turning your awakening into separation.

3. Walking the Fine Line Between Boundaries and Isolation

Healthy boundaries are essential, but they must be balanced. The hosts discuss how to protect your energy without cutting yourself off from the world. Learning when to engage and when to step back is a vital skill for integrating spirituality into daily life.

4. Why You Should Not Prematurely Share Spiritual Experiences

Sharing deep inner experiences too early can lead to misunderstanding or ridicule. The episode advises patience and discernment. Sometimes it is wiser to let your changed behaviour speak for itself rather than explaining every insight immediately.

Personal Stories from the Hosts

Vajin and Abhinabha speak openly about their own experiences with spiritual awakening loneliness. Both went through periods where they felt alone, misunderstood, and unsupported by those around them. They describe the “ dark night of the soul” that often follows powerful inner shifts and share how they eventually found balance.

Their honest stories make the advice highly relatable. Listeners will recognise similar feelings and gain hope that it is possible to move through this phase with greater wisdom and peace.

How to Integrate Spirituality Without Losing Relationships

The core message of this episode is encouraging: you are not alone in feeling spiritual awakening loneliness. Many people walk this path and successfully learn to balance inner growth with outer life. The hosts emphasise that true spirituality does not require rejecting the world or the people in it. Instead, it invites you to bring more presence, patience, and compassion into existing relationships.

Practical tips include:

  • Practising silent inner connection during family or work interactions
  • Choosing peaceful responses instead of reactive ones
  • Focusing on small acts of kindness rather than grand spiritual explanations
  • Regularly returning to meditation or quiet time to stay centred

Spirit Matters Podcast – Supporting Your Spiritual Journey

Spirit Matters is a podcast for anyone struggling to integrate spirituality into everyday life. It offers an invitation to stay present, see the divine in everything, and surrender to life as it unfolds.

This episode provides compassionate guidance for one of the most difficult aspects of the spiritual path — the loneliness that can arise when your inner world changes faster than your outer relationships.

Related Episodes:

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For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #124: Sri Chinmoy 100km Challenge in Canberra

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners on the Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race at Lake Burley Griffin

Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race Canberra Delivers Epic Ultra Performances

Over the weekend of 21 and 22 February 2026, the Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race took place in Canberra, Australia. The event combined solo 100km and 50km runs with 100km road relays and also served as the AUTRA Australian National 100km Road Championships. Runners faced a challenging mix of searing daytime heat, a bothersome headwind off the lake, and cooling night conditions on the certified 5km loop around Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin.

Any ultra-distance event tests far more than physical endurance. Runners battle fatigue, soreness, mental doubts, fear, and life stresses while hearing the soul’s whisper: “Go On, Go On!” The Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race beautifully illustrated this inner battle, with many inspiring stories unfolding across the solo and relay categories.

Outstanding Solo 100km Performances

The solo 100km race produced remarkable results that reflect two growing trends in ultra running: the rising strength of women runners and impressive performances by older athletes.

Rhiannon Snipe delivered an outstanding overall victory, winning the race in 8:40:42 — a full 27 minutes ahead of second place. She celebrated her wedding anniversary with her husband crewing for her, staying calm, consistent and focused through heat and night hours. Defending champion Lindsay Hamilton finished second overall in 11:17:21, while Maia Nagy took third in 11:36:35.

Kevin Muller claimed the Australian Men’s 100km Road Championship title (and second place outright) in 9:07:36. The evergreen runner from the 50-59 age group showed great perseverance. James Quaife secured third overall and second in the national championships with 9:34:38.

Special mention goes to Pam Muston and Reesha Sampang for their courage and spirit. Reesha finished just 13 minutes inside the 15-hour cut-off, while Pam inspired many with her graceful effort despite a slower time.

New 50km Solo Race Sets Inaugural Records

The 50km solo race was introduced for the first time in 2026, so every category winner automatically became a course record holder.

Daniel Oehm dominated the men’s race with a strong 3:48:06, finishing 24 minutes ahead of Thomas Allen (4:12:21) and Dan Symonds (4:21:33). John Pearson won the Male 50-59 category, Stephen Graham took the Male 60-69 title, and Peter Badowski set the first Male 70+ record.

In the women’s 50km, Nicola Robertson won in 5:25:00. However, the standout performance came from Clare Wall, whose 5:53:00 placed her third overall and set what many believe will be a long-standing Female 70+ record. Debbie Maher and Elizabeth Smith also claimed strong age-group victories.

Thrilling 100km Road Relays

The relay event featured strong competition across Open, All-Female, and Mixed categories. Teams ranged from 2 to 10 members and ran 20 legs of 5km each.

The standout team was “Bad Guts Good Legs”, an all-female squad that smashed the All-Female course record by over 2.5 hours with an impressive 7:08:49. They also placed third outright among all teams. Zoe Melhuish set a new fastest women’s lap time of 17:41 during their dominant run.

In the Open category, the team “<5:59:20” won convincingly in 6:17:40, breaking the existing record. “Kudos Running Crew Open” took second, while “The Resilient Ones” completed the podium.

“Joyful Runners” claimed victory in the Mixed category with 7:28:22, ahead of “Elevated by Birrigai” and “Sunday Sesh Team 2”.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

The Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race perfectly embodies Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy that ultra running is about inner growth as much as outer distance. Runners confront visible obstacles like heat and wind, and invisible ones like doubt and fatigue. Every lap offers an opportunity to transcend previous limits with a joyful heart.

The event’s success highlights the growing appeal of Sri Chinmoy ultra events in Australia. The combination of solo challenges, team relays, and national championship status creates a rich and supportive environment for athletes of all ages and backgrounds.

Results and Photos

Official Results are available for download (multiple PDFs):

View the complete race photo gallery:

More detail Information about this event:

Why Ultra Events Like This Inspire

Events such as the Sri Chinmoy 100km Road Race offer more than physical challenge. They create space for personal transformation, community connection, and the pure joy of self-transcendence. Seeing women and masters athletes excel, new course records set, and teams pushing together demonstrates the inclusive and uplifting spirit of Sri Chinmoy running events.

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For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.