Category: News

News #99: Sri Chinmoy Thanksgiving Day Runs 2025 – Largest Ever 5K & 10K Celebration

Posted on by Yatkara

Joyful start of the Thanksgiving Day Runs 2025 in New York

The Thanksgiving Day 5K & 10K 2025 set a beautiful new record at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. On Thursday, 27 November, 841 runners – 555 in the 5K and 286 in the 10K – gathered in this historic urban oasis to celebrate the holiday with joyful running and heartfelt gratitude. Cloudy skies couldn’t dim the festive spirit. Instead, they added a soft, reflective glow to the morning. The flat, scenic loops around the Unisphere and 1964 World’s Fair landmarks amplified the festive spirit. Runners, families and friends gathered early, turning ordinary streets into lanes of gratitude and movement. Volunteers, ever the heartbeat of these events, set up aid stations with smiles and encouragement. Organisers thanked every participant and volunteer for making it the largest turnout in the event’s 15-year history.

The Heart of Thanksgiving Day Runs: Gratitude in Motion

First, these runs honor the holiday’s core: giving thanks through action. Second, they welcome all paces and ages. Third, they emphasize harmony over competition. Together, these elements create an atmosphere unlike any other. For instance, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park—the historic site of the 1964 World’s Fair—runners looped flat, scenic paths under the Unisphere. Even with scattered clouds, the air buzzed with positivity. This year, the turnout swelled, proving the runs’ timeless appeal. Participants felt the same gentle pull: run not just for fitness, but for the quiet peace that follows.

5K Highlights: Festive Starts and Swift Finishes

The 5K races ignited the day with pure energy. Fast starters clocked sub-18-minute times in the men’s under-50 group, weaving through autumn leaves with determination. Women led with graceful sub-21-minute efforts, blending speed and poise. Age-group heroes shone too. For example, masters runners in their 50s and 60s posted consistent, inspiring splits. Veterans over 70 brought wisdom to every step, often finishing to roaring applause. With over 100 finishers per site, the 5K embodied inclusivity. Families ran side by side, turning the distance into a shared adventure. Kids’ races added whimsy—tiny legs pumping to the finish, medals dangling like treasures. Despite the clouds, the mood stayed light. Volunteers handed out water and high-fives, reminding all that every lap counted as gratitude. In Queens, the loop around the park’s meadows felt especially symbolic—a circle of thanks in the heart of the city.

10K: Extended Joy and Reflective Strides

Doubling the challenge, the 10K invited deeper immersion. Leaders in the men’s open category pushed sub-36-minute paces, navigating longer loops with focused grace. Masters groups excelled, with 50+ athletes maintaining steady rhythms that belied their years. Over-60 finishers, in particular, drew cheers for their unyielding spirit.  As a result, fatigue gave way to fulfilment. Finish lines became gatherings, where strangers became friends over shared stories of the morning’s gifts.

Building a Legacy: Sri Chinmoy’s Vision Lives On

Since Sri Chinmoy founded the Marathon Team in 1977, these events have grown from small New York loops to global phenomena. The Thanksgiving Day Runs capture his essence perfectly: sport as a path to inner harmony. What began as a handful of joggers now draws thousands annually. Sri Chinmoy himself ran marathons into his later years, teaching that “run and become, become and run.” Today, that mantra echoes in every finisher’s glow.

Since Sri Chinmoy’s students began this event 15 years ago, the Thanksgiving Day 5K & 10K has become a beloved Queens holiday ritual. As part of the annual tradition, a portion of proceeds supports Flushing Meadows Corona Park – like last year’s generous $3,000 donation announced here, turning every run into ripples of good for the community.

Previous Events of 2025 You May Enjoy

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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 #98: Auckland Half-Marathon Series Race 8 – Pure Joy!

Posted on by Yatkara

Auckland Half-Marathon Series

Another beautiful chapter of the Auckland Half-Marathon Series unfolded on Sunday, 23 November 2025. Runners gathered at the peaceful War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill under a soft, cloudy sky. A warm late-spring breeze greeted everyone. Even with a 10-minute late start, smiles never faded. The beloved trio of half-marathon, 12 km and 6 km distances welcomed every kind of participant – from speedy racers chasing personal bests to happy families and giggling children enjoying their first event.

Why the Auckland Half-Marathon Series Feels So Special

First, the park offers flat, shaded loops on the famous Lovelock Track – perfect for relaxed running or fast racing. Second, volunteers cheer with genuine warmth and quiet encouragement. Finally, the atmosphere stays calm and meditative from start to finish. All of this blends into the perfect recipe for joyful running. Many regulars smile and say they come not just for the run, but for the quiet peace they always carry home.

Half-Marathon – Strong Performances

Mark Andrew powered to a clear victory in 1:32:54, followed by Vince Sesto (1:36:45) and Thomas Milliken (1:40:21). In the women’s race, ultra-legend Susan Marshall – who once finished the incredible 3,100-mile Self-Transcendence Race – showed her timeless strength with a winning 1:53:02. Melissa Kjestrup (1:58:24) and Kirsty Sesto (2:00:15) completed a happy podium. Runners spoke afterwards about how the peaceful park setting helped them find a smooth, flowing rhythm.

12 km & 6 km – Speed, Smiles and Family Moments

Melanie James flew to an impressive outright victory in the 12 km with 59:42, while TK Higuchi led the men in 1:03:06. The 6 km brought pure delight: Christopher Rawles sprinted to first place in 29:06, proudly followed by his dad Stephen (36:21). Larissa Wildsmith topped the women in 31:36, with Liz Hardley (36:15) and Melissa Stewart (42:11) enjoying every step. The shorter distances are always full of children, grandparents and first-timers discovering the simple happiness of moving together outdoors.

A Global Family of Peaceful Races

Since Sri Chinmoy founded the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in 1977, members of the SCMT have lovingly organised more than 500 events worldwide every year. The Auckland monthly series, now in its 22nd season (since 2004), is one of the longest-running regular community race series in New Zealand and among the most enduring monthly programmes in the entire global SCMT family.  Whether you race the half-marathon or take the 6 km at your own pace, the same warm, open-hearted feeling is there for everyone. Race 8 at War Memorial Park reminded everyone why they keep coming back: beautiful places, kind people and the gentle feeling that, for a couple of hours, the world is exactly as it should be.

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.

News #97: Sydney’s Royal National Park Trail Magic 2025 – New Records!

Posted on by Yatkara

Royal National Park Trail 2025 – joyful run under Sydney sunshine

The Royal National Park delivered its famous magic once again on Sunday, 16 November 2025. Just 32 km south of Sydney, Australia’s oldest national park welcomed runners for the classic Sri Chinmoy marathon, half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km trail races. Perfect spring weather, friendly volunteers and breathtaking scenery created the special feeling that makes this event so loved.

5 km – Young Stars Steal the Show

Xavier Brown (U17) flew to a new course record of 18:47. Twelve-year-old Emma Felsman smashed a 9-year-old record with 22:35 and finished 3rd overall – beating her father Marcus by 43 seconds!

Half-Marathon & 10 km Highlights

Greta Truscott dominated the women’s half-marathon in 1:31:28, while Matthew Geleta led the men in 1:20:40. Veteran runner Qiang Richard Zhang set a stunning new M60-69 record of 1:39:11.

Marathon – Running Together, Finishing Together

Luke Jeffery led the men in 3:03:46, and Alexandra Dunn-Delvaen took the women’s title in 3:42:49. The day’s most touching moment came when Nadene Sermon and her son Jared crossed the line together in 5:12:57.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team – 50 Years of Self-Transcendence Around the World

These races are organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT), founded in 1977 by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy himself. What began as a handful of runners in New York has grown into one of the world’s largest independent race organisations, staging over 500 events each year across more than 30 countries.

From the iconic Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race in New York (the world’s longest certified footrace) to peaceful park runs in London, Tokyo, Zurich, Bali and Auckland, the SCMT offers distances from 2 miles to multi-day ultras. Every event is run completely by volunteers and carries Sri Chinmoy’s simple message: “Run and become; become and run.” There are no sponsors, no commercial pressure – just the joy of going beyond yesterday’s self.

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) was not only a spiritual master but also an enthusiastic athlete. He encouraged his students to discover inner peace through outer movement, and he himself completed several marathons and ultra-distance events in his later years. Today, thousands of runners worldwide continue his vision of sport as a path to harmony and happiness.

Whether you prefer peaceful forest trails, friendly city-park runs, or the challenge of a 3100-mile ultra, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has a race for you – and every single one carries the same open-hearted, meditative spirit you felt at Royal National Park.

Download Full Results: Every Finish, Every Triumph

Relive the excitement of the Royal National Park Trail Runs with these detailed PDF results! Organized by age and gender categories, they capture every runner’s journey—from the speedy young champions in the 5km to the enduring marathon heroes. Perfect for checking your time, celebrating friends, or planning next year. All files are from the official Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team archives.

Race Photos: Capture the Joy & Scenery

See the smiles, sweat, and stunning bushland through the lens! This gallery from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team photographers showcases runners conquering trails, families cheering at the finish, and the timeless beauty of Royal National Park under Sydney’s spring sun. Scroll for action shots, podium moments, and that unbeatable post-race glow.

  • View Full Race Photo Gallery – Hundreds of high-res images from all distances. Download favorites or tag yourself for memories that last.

These resources let you dive deeper into the Royal National Park Trail magic—congrats to all who ran, volunteered, or cheered! Ready for more? Check upcoming events on the Sri Chinmoy site.

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News #96: Sri Chinmoy Centre at Gracie Mansion Diwali 2025, New York

Posted on by Yatkara

Sri Chinmoy Centre Joins Diwali Celebration at Historic Gracie Mansion

A Night of Light, Music, and Unity

The Sri Chinmoy Centre joined a radiant Diwali celebration at Gracie Mansion on October 18, 2025. The evening brought together community leaders, artists, and cultural organizations for a night full of light, music, and shared joy. With glowing lamps, festive décor, and the warm energy of attendees, the mansion became a true stage for celebration.

Among the highlights was a performance by renowned sarangi musician Ustad Kamal Sabri. His music added soul and depth to the evening, inspiring everyone present. Guests also shared Diwali greetings and spoke about peace, unity, and community connection. The Sri Chinmoy Centre took part in the evening, joining others in the celebration of light, music, and community.

Media coverage by ITV Gold ensured that the event reached a wider audience. Interviews captured the atmosphere and allowed members of the Centre to express warm wishes for the festival. The celebration was more than entertainment — it demonstrated the beauty of harmony across cultures, faiths, and generations.

The occasion was covered by ITV Gold

Who Was Sri Chinmoy — In Short

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) was a spiritual teacher, poet, artist, and musicianSri Chinmoy (1931–2007) was a spiritual teacher, poet, artist, and musician. After moving to New York in 1964, he devoted his life to guiding people toward inner peace, self-transcendence, and universal oneness. Over his lifetime, he created nearly 1,600 books, including poetry, essays, lectures, stories, and plays, and produced a vast collection of spiritual art and meditations.

Through his works, Sri Chinmoy encouraged seekers to look beyond surface-level differences and recognize the shared divine essence in all beings. His vision was global: he believed that inner peace leads to outer harmony and that every gesture — no matter how small — can contribute to universal love. The Centre’s Diwali celebration embodied this vision by sharing light, music, and goodwill in a civic space, bringing spiritual ideals into everyday life.

Light is the Creator yet to be fulfilled.
Light is the Creation yet to be realised.
Light is the Voice of Silence in the inner world.
Light is the fruit of action in the outer world.

– Sri Chinmoy, My Ivy League Leaves

Why This Evening Mattered

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. These themes are universal. The event naturally highlighted the values of Diwali, and the Sri Chinmoy Centre joined the celebration warmly, simply enjoying the evening alongside other honored guests. 

The event showed that spirituality, culture, and community are not separate; they are intertwined in our shared human experience. Music, tradition, and fellowship created a space where compassion and unity were tangible. Attendees left with a sense of belonging and hope, reminded that light — both inner and outer — brings people together.

Ultimately, the evening carried a quiet sense of Sri Chinmoy’s teachings, felt more than spoken. It reminded participants that spiritual ideals are alive in every sincere smile, greeting, and act of kindness. By fostering connection across boundaries, the Diwali celebration became a celebration not only of light but also of human unity and shared purpose.

Learn More

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

News #95: ‘Listen to Nature’ at Miami Book Fair – A Quiet Call for Earth and Spirit

Posted on by Yatkara

Listen the Nature booth at Miami Book Fair 2025

From November 16 to 23, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Centre of Miami set up a gentle Listen to Nature booth at the Miami Book Fair. This is one of the largest literary gatherings in the United States.

Listen to Nature: A Place to Pause

The fair is always full of energy. Thousands of visitors move between hundreds of booths and talks. Yet, in the middle of it all, the Listen to Nature space offered stillness. Many people stopped by simply because it felt peaceful.

The Sri Chinmoy Centre of Miami joined the fair to share a few of Sri Chinmoy’s books. Over eight days, visitors from different countries quietly browsed. Some asked questions. Others stayed longer to read.

Listen to Nature — A Book Rooted in Love for the Earth

Listen to Nature: Living in Harmony with the Earth appeared in 2021. It gathers Sri Chinmoy’s poems, answers, meditations, and reflections from decades of talks and earlier writings. Everything is arranged by theme. As a result, the book flows gently and invites meditation on our bond with nature.

The volume includes:

  • poems from earlier collections,
  • short aphorisms and prose passages,
  • spiritual thoughts on environmental care,
  • answers to questions from seekers, scholars, and UN officials,
  • simple exercises to meditate on trees, rivers, silence, and the Earth.

Jane Goodall wrote the foreword. Professor Kusumita Pedersen wrote the introduction. Together, they create an accessible bridge between spirituality and today’s ecological concerns.

At the booth, visitors also found other Sri Chinmoy titles on meditation, poetry, and the inner life. This gave a fuller picture of his creative legacy.

Sri Chinmoy — A Voice of Peace and Oneness

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) taught meditation and wrote over 1,600 books. He was also a poet, musician, and artist who dedicated his life to world harmony. Above all, he encouraged inner peace and love for all living beings.

Nature has its own rhythm, its own harmony, its own peace and joy.

– Sri Chinmoy, Meditation: man’s choice and God’s Voice, part 1

A Quiet Corner of the Fair

The Miami Book Fair takes place each year in downtown Miami. It brings together publishers, authors, and tens of thousands of readers. Amid the lively crowds and bright displays, the Listen to Nature booth became a gentle refuge. Here, people could pause, breathe, and feel the link between inner peace and the living Earth.

Some visitors loved the simplicity. Others were touched by its care for the Earth. Many discovered Sri Chinmoy’s lifelong work for peace and service for the first time.

Several people said how refreshing it was to find such a calm corner. A few called it “a breath of fresh air.” Others simply smiled, nodded, and carried the quiet feeling with them.

The Sri Chinmoy Centre of Miami enjoyed the fair very much. Therefore, they hope to join similar events again. After all, the simplest things — a book, a smile, a moment of silence — can touch a heart.

More about Listen to Nature and Sri Chinmoy