Category: Running

Video #341: Epic 841-Finisher Thanksgiving Runs 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

On a cloudy but warm Thanksgiving morning in 2025, Flushing Meadows Corona Park became the stage for the largest Thanksgiving Runs in the event’s 15-year history.

841 runners took part — 555 in the 5K and 286 in the 6-mile / 10K — creating an atmosphere of shared gratitude, movement and quiet celebration that perfectly captured Sri Chinmoy’s teaching: run to express inner joy and give thanks through action.

Thanksgiving Day Runs – Record Participation & Unity

Hundreds of families, solo runners, multi-generational groups and first-timers filled the flat, scenic loops around the Unisphere and the historic 1964 World’s Fair site. Despite the overcast sky, the mood remained bright: smiles at every aid station, children racing with pure delight, masters athletes earning loud cheers, and finish-line hugs that turned strangers into friends for a moment.

Volunteers were everywhere — handing out water, ringing cowbells, calling names, offering encouragement — making sure no one felt alone on the course. Their energy turned the morning into much more than a race: it became a collective expression of thanks.

Why These Runs Feel Different

  • There is no aggressive competition clock in the background.
  • There is no pressure to beat anyone else.
  • The only goal is to move forward — at your pace — and let the act of running become an offering of gratitude.
  • That simple shift creates a very rare atmosphere: people of every age and ability finish feeling uplifted rather than drained.

Thanksgiving Runs. 841 runners took part — 555 in the 5K and 286 in the 6-mile / 10K

A Small Tradition That Keeps Growing

Sri Chinmoy students have quietly organised this Queens Thanksgiving morning run for 15 years. What started as a modest gathering has become one of the most loved holiday traditions in the borough. A portion of every entry fee supports the park itself — continuing the cycle of giving thanks by giving back.

Full Results & Photos

Read the detailed event report

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 #108: Sri Chinmoy Centre Russia 2025 – Epic Media Breakthrough

Posted on by Yatkara

Nearly 100 Media Features on Harmony Run, Ultrarunning, Sri Chinmoy Teachings, and More

In 2025, Sri Chinmoy Centres in Russia received extensive media attention for Sri Chinmoy’s Path initiatives, with nearly one hundred articles, videos, and audio reports across Russian outlets. The Harmony Run dominated coverage, spanning over 7,000 kilometers through Russia. In small towns and villages, it became a major community event, earning eager local press. Many reports are archived on the official site: www.harmonyrun.ru.

Harmony Run 2025 – 7,000+ km Inspiring Communities Across Russia

The run launched in Smolensk with greetings from Governor Vasily Anokhin, covered widely in regional media. Olympic champion Nadezhda Talanova ran ~20 km with the torch alongside elite athletes like Elena Sidorenkova (world 24-hour record holder), Anna Korolko (winter swimming champion), and Vasily Larkin (100 km champion). The torch passed to Belarusian runners at the border after visits to towns like Pochinok, Yelnya, Roslavl, Desnogorsk, Shumyachi, and Khislavichi. Veteran Svetlana Khisamutdinova (81) ran daily segments, embodying Sri Chinmoy’s inspiring words:

Age is in the mind and not in the heart …

– Sri chinmoy. The Body’s Fitness-Gong. The Soul’s Fulness-Song

On the Zyuratkul Ridge, the run joined an eco-festival “Earth – Our Home of Unity” at Zyuratkul Nature Reserve. Participants climbed to the 1,175 m summit amid a week-long vegetarian experiment for all. Yuri Moskalyov and Nikolai Duzhy led efforts.

In Transbaikalia (Chita), Minister of Sports Andrey Seryodkin met participants on August 6, praising their promotion of health and unity. The torch arrived on August 5 from diverse cities, with the youngest runner aged 12.

In Bikino (Primorsky Krai), the relay included a route from “Bikin” stele to Glory Memorial, flower-laying ceremony, rest at Lokomotiv Stadium, and continuation to Orenburgskoye village with bread-salt welcome, concert, and run. It proceeded to Luchegorsk, Ussuriysk, and Vladivostok.

A 2025 Harmony Run photo slideshow captures the journey’s spirit.

Ultra running Spotlight – First Russian 6-Day Run

The inaugural Russian 6-day “Self-Transcendence” run (August 8–14, 2025, Voronovo, New Moscow) drew 28 participants from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. Men’s winner Sergei Verbitsky (Tula) covered 708 km; women’s Larisa Psuykalova (Chelyabinsk, 60+) ran 510 km. Interviews revealed strategies like minimal sleep, on-the-move eating, and a positive mindset.

Haborovsk’s Andrey Komyagin earned silver (630 km).

Stories of Sri Chinmoy and Followers – Personal Triumphs and Philosophy

Music, Film, and Anniversaries – Cultural Echoes of the Sri Chinmoy’s Path

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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 #104: Sri Chinmoy Christmas Dash – Christchurch, NZ

Posted on by Yatkara

Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Christmas Dash 2025 – 10km and Kids 3.2km

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Christmas Dash – 10 km & Kids 3.2 km brought runners, families, and supporters to South Hagley Park in Christchurch on 30 November 2025. This festive event blended athletic challenge with community joy, encouraging participants to embrace self-improvement through movement and shared celebration.

Throughout the morning, athletes enjoyed a flat three-lap 10 km route while younger runners completed a single 3.2 km loop. Early arrivals warmed up near Deans Ave and Riccarton Ave before making their way to the start line. Thanks to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, newcomers and experienced runners alike felt welcomed and supported.

On the Course: 10 km & Kids 3.2 km

South Hagley Park provided an ideal setting for the event. The entire course stayed within the park’s pathways, allowing runners to share the space with walkers, families, and cyclists. Because the area stayed open to the public, the race naturally gained a cheerful, community-focused feel.

Adults and teens raced the main 10 km distance, while children took part in the shorter 3.2 km dash. Parents were allowed to accompany their kids, which made the event even more inclusive. Festive outfits, friendly encouragement, and post-race smiles added warmth to the entire morning. As finishers crossed the line, volunteers and supporters offered applause, creating a joyful closing to the running season.

Results – Full Finish Times

The 2025 edition included personal bests and strong performances from athletes of many age groups. Each finisher contributed to the uplifting spirit that defines the Christmas Dash.

Complete results for all runners are available in the official results file: Results PDF

Photo Gallery – Highlights from the Event

These photos show runners of all ages giving their best, celebrating with family, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Experience the race through our lens: View Gallery

Why the Dash Matters

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Christmas Dash reflects the philosophy of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team: progress through consistent effort and joy. Unlike races focused solely on competition, this event invites everyone — regardless of pace — to participate, improve, and feel uplifted.    

For many runners, it serves as a meaningful end-of-year challenge. For children, it may be the start of a lifelong love for running. And for families, it becomes a shared tradition filled with encouragement and warmth.

Other Sri Chinmoy NZ Events

Throughout 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team held several events across New Zealand. Earlier in the year, Christchurch hosted the Self-Transcendence 100 km & 50 km Ultras, offering a demanding endurance challenge. The Spring Half Marathon & 10 km also drew many runners seeking personal progress. Additional local races supported community participation and fitness throughout the year.

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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 #102: Sri Chinmoy Tan Team Relays, Melbourne

Posted on by Yatkara

Start of the Melbourne Tan Team Relays race with runners taking off

The Melbourne Tan Team Relays took place on 23 November 2025 at the iconic Tan Track around the Botanic Gardens. The event welcomed both solo runners and relay teams, under the banner of the global Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT).

Race formats & distances

Runners could choose from the following options:

  • Solo — 1 lap: 4 km
  • Solo — 3 laps: 12 km
  • Solo Marathon — 11 laps: 42.1 km
  • Team Relay Marathon — 4-person teams running a total of 42.1 km, passing a baton each lap

This setup allowed newcomers and experienced runners alike to join — whether for a short run, a 12 km challenge, or a full marathon or relay effort.

Results & photos

About Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team — vision & legacy

SCMT began in 1977, founded by Sri Chinmoy. Its mission is to unite physical fitness with inner growth. Over decades, SCMT has grown into a global network hosting hundreds of events — from short runs to the world-famous 3100-mile race, the longest certified footrace on the planet. Through its races, SCMT promotes not just endurance, but unity, personal growth, and the joy of self-transcendence.

Why the 2025 Tan Team Relays matter

The 2025 Tan Team Relays show that SCMT’s spirit lives on. The mix of solo runs and team relay, short and long distances, made the event inclusive. It welcomed competitive runners and community participants with equal warmth. The race captured the SCMT ethos: pushing physical limits while embracing unity and inner peace.

Whether someone ran 4 km, 12 km, a full marathon, or joined a relay — every finish counts. Events like this renew SCMT’s global tradition, connecting runners in Melbourne with a worldwide community of endurance, friendship, and growth.

We look forward to seeing more runners, new teams, and continuing this journey of growth, strength, and joy in 2026 and beyond.

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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 #334: Sri Chinmoy Peace Run Brazil 2025 – 1,000 km of Harmony

Posted on by Yatkara

Peace Run Brazil 2025 has just completed one of its most inspiring and heart-warming journeys ever. In October, an international team of runners carried the flaming Peace Torch more than 1,000 kilometres across the country, spreading Sri Chinmoy’s universal message of oneness and harmony in every city they visited.

Peace Run Brazil – The Full Route

The Peace Run Brazil adventure began in Curitiba (Paraná) at the statue of Sri Chinmoy. From there, the torch travelled through Cerro Azul (Paraná), Eldorado and São Paulo (São Paulo), Santos (São Paulo), Ilhabela, Paraty, Angra dos Reis, Niterói (all in Rio de Janeiro state), and finally reached Rio de Janeiro itself. In total, more than ten cities opened their hearts to the Peace Torch.

Peace Run Brazil Visits Schools and Communities

Everywhere the team arrived, children rushed forward to light their own candles from the Peace Torch. Young people, teachers, athletes and local authorities held the torch and shared their personal dreams for a more peaceful world. These simple, sincere moments created memories that will last a lifetime.

Meeting Olympic and Paralympic Legends

In beautiful Ilhabela, the runners had the honour of meeting Robert Scheidt – Brazil’s most decorated Olympic sailor with five Olympic podiums up to Tokyo 2020. He warmly accepted the Sri Chinmoy Torch Bearer Award and spoke about the importance of inner peace for true success.

In São Paulo, the team joined a joyful race that started and finished at the iconic Ibirapuera Park. There they met Paralympic marathon bronze medallist Edneusa Dorta (Rio 2016), who held the torch with a radiant smile and shared her inspiring story of perseverance.

Peace Run Brazil – One Torch, One Dream

Since Sri Chinmoy founded the Peace Run in 1987, millions of people in over 150 countries have carried the torch with the same silent wish: peace begins in the human heart. Peace Run Brazil 2025 once again proved that one small flame can light thousands of hearts and bring people together across all differences.

Thank you, Brazil, for your open hearts!

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Official Peace Run Website: www.peacerun.org.
Learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org.