Honouring the Sri Chinmoy First Marathon
On 28 February 2026, runners and friends gathered at Jamaica High School in New York to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Sri Chinmoy First Marathon, commemorating Sri Chinmoy’s historic debut marathon on 3 March 1979 in Chico, California.
Sri Chinmoy ran his first marathon at the Bidwell Classic Marathon, an event he later fondly referred to as the “Chico Marathon.” From that moment onward, running became an important outer expression of his philosophy of self-transcendence.
To honour this milestone, members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team organized a special running event. Throughout the day, participants completed laps around the Jamaica High School.
Race Format and Distances
To celebrate the anniversary, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team offered several distances, allowing runners of different abilities to take part comfortably.
Full Marathon
- 30.5 laps around the Jamaica High School block
- Total distance: 42.195 km (26.2 miles)
Half Marathon
- 15 laps
- Total distance: 20.74 km (12.89 miles)
Each lap around the Jamaica High School block measured approximately 1.383 km (0.859 miles). As a result, runners could easily track their progress while contributing laps to their chosen teams. Meanwhile, organizers recorded official finishing times for those participating in the marathon and half-marathon distances.
Marathon Results
The full marathon required 30.5 laps around the course, which tested both endurance and concentration. Nevertheless, the participants embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
Top Marathon Finishers
- Boijayanti – 4:44:20
- Gesiane – 5:04:30
- Palash – 6:12:13
Half-Marathon Results
The half-marathon distance included 15 laps around the Jamaica High School block. Although shorter than the full marathon, the race still required strong focus and steady pacing.
Half-Marathon Finishers
- Keertivati – 2:11:20
- Harita – 3:15:15
Overall, the runners approached the distance with enthusiasm and a joyful spirit, contributing to the uplifting atmosphere of the anniversary celebration.
Team Results – Laps and Distance
One of the highlights of the event was the team lap competition. Participants could dedicate their completed laps to a specific team, creating a sense of shared purpose and friendly rivalry throughout the day.
With each lap measuring 1.383 km (0.859 miles), the combined effort of the teams covered an impressive total distance.
|
Team |
Laps |
Distance (km) |
Distance (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Annam Brahma |
94 |
130.04 km |
80.80 mi |
|
Divine Robe Supreme |
67 |
92.69 km |
57.59 mi |
|
Panorama |
36 |
49.80 km |
30.95 mi |
|
Oneness-Heart Centre |
21 |
29.05 km |
18.05 mi |
|
Smile of the Beyond |
13 |
17.98 km |
11.17 mi |
|
Guru Health Foods |
11 |
15.22 km |
9.46 mi |
|
Guru Stationery |
4 |
5.53 km |
3.44 mi |
Total Distance Completed
Participants collectively completed 246 laps, covering a remarkable total of 340.33 km (211.46 miles)
These laps included marathon runners, half-marathon participants, and runners from the weekly Saturday 2-mile race. In addition, many visitors came in the morning simply to offer several laps in celebration of Sri Chinmoy’s first marathon.
Therefore, the combined effort reflected a beautiful spirit of unity and shared inspiration.
A Remarkable Running Achievement
Sri Chinmoy’s running journey developed with surprising speed after his first marathon.
Only three weeks later, on 25 March 1979, he ran his second marathon — the Heart-Watchers Marathon in Toledo, Ohio. Even more remarkably, he improved his performance dramatically.
Sri Chinmoy reduced his marathon time by 36 minutes, thereby breaking the four-hour barrier at the age of 47.
During 1979 alone, he completed seven marathons in nine months. Consequently, his running became a powerful demonstration of his philosophy of self-transcendence — the idea that human beings can continually surpass their previous limits.
Explore More
For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.