Category: Running

News #122: Exciting Sri Chinmoy Marathon in Amsterdam 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

International runners competing in the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam 2026

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam Delivers Challenging 8th Edition

On Saturday, 31 January 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam completed its 8th edition in the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos. Runners and spectators enjoyed windless but cool conditions after morning rain left the course quite muddy. Due to maintenance work on the Bosbaan, the event once again used the familiar loop around the hill in the Amsterdam Forest, turning it into a proper trail marathon that tested every participant’s determination and resilience.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam continues to attract both local Dutch runners and international athletes who appreciate its unique combination of natural beauty and spiritual inspiration. This year’s edition once again highlighted the joy of self-transcendence through endurance running.

Half-Marathon Results

Three very fast runners from Morocco flew in especially for the half-marathon. From the start, they set a blistering pace under 3:30 per kilometre. One dropped out after the first lap, but the other two continued strongly.

Othman Ettahiri claimed a convincing victory with an excellent time of 1:14:56. His friend Hamid Oukhenssa finished second in 1:16:44. British runner Daniel Lockyer took third place with 1:25:20.

In the women’s half-marathon, Lynn Sier won in 1:41:51. Edith van Beers secured second place in 1:45:32, followed by Myrthe Keustermans in 1:55:22.

Full Marathon Results

The men’s marathon belonged to Egyptian runner Mostafa Danash, who crossed the finish line comfortably in 3:18:35. Jeroen Renes finished strongly in second place with 3:31:28. Marathon debutant Wouter van Zeijl earned third place in 3:34:40. Wouter received special recognition for having the most enthusiastic group of supporters, who cheered loudly for him lap after lap until their voices grew hoarse.

In the women’s marathon, experienced Norwegian-Lithuanian runner Ugne Mirauskaite dominated the race despite having completed 100 race kilometres just one week earlier in Amersfoort. Lenie Dierx (sister of fellow runner Wilma) took second place in 4:19:24, while Conny Terwal finished third in 4:28:25.

Tough Trail Conditions Create Memorable Challenge

Morning rain made the paths in the Amsterdamse Bos quite muddy, adding an extra layer of difficulty to this trail-style marathon. Runners had to navigate slippery sections and uneven terrain, which made the event even more demanding than a standard road marathon. Despite the challenging conditions, the weather stayed dry during the actual race, allowing athletes to focus on their efforts.

The loop around the hill provided a scenic but testing course. Many participants described it as a true trail marathon experience. The natural setting of the Amsterdam Forest created a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly matches the spirit of Sri Chinmoy’s running events.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy Marathon events are not only about finishing times. They emphasise inner growth, perseverance, and the joy of going beyond one’s previous limits. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam offers runners a supportive environment where personal bests and cheerful participation are equally celebrated.

The presence of international athletes from Morocco, Egypt, Britain, Norway, and Lithuania added a wonderful multicultural flavour to the day. Their participation shows how Sri Chinmoy’s vision of using sport for self-transcendence reaches people from many different countries.

Results and Photos

Looking Forward to Future Events

The organising team already announced the next challenge in the Amsterdamse Bos: the 50 km and 100 km races scheduled for 30 May 2026. These longer ultra-distance events will once again offer dedicated runners the opportunity to push their limits in the peaceful forest setting.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam forms an important part of the wider European calendar of Sri Chinmoy running events. Each race contributes to a growing community of athletes who value both physical fitness and inner aspiration.

Why Runners Keep Coming Back

Many participants return year after year because of the friendly atmosphere, professional organisation, and the unique trail experience in the Amsterdam Forest. The combination of challenging terrain, supportive volunteers, and the inspiring philosophy behind the events creates a special race day that goes beyond ordinary competitions.

Whether running a half-marathon, full marathon, or preparing for longer ultras, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Amsterdam provides an excellent opportunity to test endurance while enjoying the beauty of nature.

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 #121: Opening Race of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners on the Lovelock Track during Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Race 1 at War Memorial Park

On Sunday, 11 January 2026, runners and walkers enjoyed a warm to hot, blue-sky mid-summer’s day for the first race of the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series. The event took place at the peaceful, newly-refurbished Lovelock Track in War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill. This popular Auckland venue offered excellent conditions for athletes of all ages and abilities.

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series is a much-loved annual calendar of family-friendly races that combine physical challenge with inner joy and self-transcendence. Race 1 featured four distances: the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5.6 km, and the fun Kids 2.5 km race. 

Half-Marathon Results

Neil Cheetham claimed a comfortable victory in the men’s Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon with a strong time of 1:48:51. James Carson followed in second place (2:06:31), and Michael Guffler finished third (2:13:24).

In the women’s category, Gayleen Carson took first place with an impressive 2:04:19. Millie Manning secured second with 2:19:36. These athletes demonstrated excellent endurance and determination on the scenic course.

10 km Race Highlights

Mark Andrew delivered a fine performance to win the men’s 10 km race in 42:15. Finn Campbell finished closely behind in 42:35, while the evergreen 61-year-old Rexhep Ajvazaj showed remarkable consistency with 42:59 for third place.

Melanie James dominated the women’s 10 km event, winning in 47:38. Anne-Marie Mujica placed second (54:31), and Rachel Rawles completed the podium in 58:51.

5.6 km and Kids 2.5 km Races

The shorter 5.6 km race brought family spirit to the forefront. Christopher Rawles won in 26:26, followed by his father Stephan Rawles (28:24) and Mauro Refosco (28:59). Emmy Hurcum took the women’s title in 29:09, with Loren Peart second (31:53) and Sarah Lockyer third (36:48).

In the joyful Sri Chinmoy Kids 2.5 km race, young Harvey Watson crossed the line first in 13:59. Riley Cunningham finished second with 16:15. The children’s race always adds special energy and smiles to the morning.

A Perfect Venue and Community Atmosphere

The newly-refurbished Lovelock Track provided an ideal setting for the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series opening race. Located in the peaceful War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, the all-weather synthetic track and surrounding green spaces created a calm yet energising environment. Runners appreciated the flat, well-maintained course under clear blue skies.

The series welcomes runners, walkers, families, and beginners alike. It promotes self-transcendence — the joyful effort to go beyond one’s previous limits without competing against others.

The warm summer weather enhanced the positive mood. Families gathered, friends cheered, and athletes of all ages enjoyed a sense of community and shared achievement. Events like this show how sport can bring people together in a spirit of goodwill and encouragement.

Results and Photos

Looking Ahead in the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series

Race 1 marked an excellent start to the 2026 series. The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series continues with multiple events throughout the year, offering regular opportunities for runners and walkers to stay active and inspired. More races are planned at War Memorial Park and Auckland Domain.

These events form part of the wider global Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team calendar, which organises hundreds of races worldwide each year. From short fun runs to ultra-distance challenges, the focus remains the same: personal growth, inner peace, and the joy of participation.

Why These Races Inspire Participants

Sri Chinmoy believed that physical activity and spiritual aspiration support each other. Regular running or walking helps develop qualities such as perseverance, focus, and gratitude. The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series creates a welcoming space where beginners feel comfortable and experienced athletes can test their limits in a friendly atmosphere.

Parents appreciate the kids’ races that encourage healthy activity from a young age. Many families return race after race because of the positive, non-competitive spirit. 

The combination of perfect weather, excellent organisation, and enthusiastic participants made it a memorable morning for everyone involved.

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 #119: Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile Celebrates 40 Years in London

Posted on by Yatkara

On 15 March 1986, Sri Chinmoy personally inaugurated the world’s first Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile

Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile Celebrates 40 Years

On Sunday, 15 March, several students from the London Sri Chinmoy Centre gathered in Battersea Park to meditate and walk the Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile, marking its 40th anniversary.

Exactly 40 years earlier, on 15 March 1986, Sri Chinmoy personally inaugurated the world’s first Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile in the same park and walked its path that day. 

The weather on this anniversary was glorious — bright and uplifting. The group followed in Sri Chinmoy’s footsteps, walking the measured one-mile loop with a sense of gratitude and quiet joy.

From Quiet Beginnings to a Vibrant Running Spot

In 1986, recreational running was still in its infancy among the general public. Today, Battersea Park was teeming with runners of all levels. It was wonderful to see how the park has become a popular place for fitness and outdoor activity.

Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile Celebrates 40 Years in London

This transformation is due in no small part to Sri Chinmoy’s inspiration. He encouraged people to combine physical exercise with inner peace and aspiration. The Battersea Park Peace Mile continues to serve as a dedicated space where runners and walkers can enjoy a measured mile while connecting with the ideal of peace.

The path runs through beautiful surroundings near the River Thames and close to the Buddhist Peace Pagoda, creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

The Inspirational Message

Run and become.
Become and run.
Run to succeed in the outer world.
Become to proceed in the inner world.

– Sri Chinmoy, Run and become, become and run, part 2, Agni Press, New York, 1979

This powerful message beautifully captures the spirit of the Peace Mile — balancing outer achievement with inner growth.

Lasting Legacy of the Peace Mile

The Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile was created as a blessingful gift and a place where people could run or walk while remembering the ideals of peace. Forty years later, thousands of Londoners have used this loop for exercise and reflection.

This anniversary walk reminded everyone of Sri Chinmoy’s vision: offering simple, accessible spaces that support both physical fitness and inner aspiration.

The celebration was simple yet meaningful — a quiet but powerful way to honour four decades of inspiration in the heart of London.

Related Links:

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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 #118: Vienna Celebrates Sri Chinmoy’s First Chico Marathon

Posted on by Yatkara

Participants meditate before the special run honoring Sri Chinmoy’s first Chico Marathon

On 8 March, a wonderful atmosphere filled the air as 32 enthusiastic runners and walkers gathered in Vienna, Austria, to celebrate the 47th anniversary of Sri Chinmoy’s Chico Marathon. The event took place on the scenic Sri Chinmoy Peace-Kilometer course, bringing together a dedicated community in a spirit of joy, fitness, and inspiration.

The morning offered perfect conditions for participants of all levels. Four participants completed the full marathon distance, while thirteen runners tackled the half-marathon and fifteen finished the 10 km race. Everyone who took part contributed to a beautiful collective celebration of endurance, inner strength, and the enduring legacy of Sri Chinmoy’s pioneering marathon run in Chico, California, back in 1979.

Marathon Finishers (42.195 km)

  • Tobias — 3:35:00
  • Shamita — 4:05:01
  • Mirjam — 5:19:13
  • Dohai — 5:49:49

Heartiest congratulations to these four determined finishers who showed remarkable perseverance over the full distance!

Half-Marathon Finishers (21.097 km)

Ekagra, Sushloka, Rupasena, Nico, Martin, Joachim, Reza, Deveshu, Tünde, Surasa, Nabhanya, Nidhruvi, Vishvarupani

A big round of applause to all thirteen half-marathon runners for their strong and consistent effort!

10 km Finishers

Ralf, Soham, Horst, Kapritha, Smarana, Niklas, Christian, Pratul, Urdhagati, Dagmar, Ana, Jalabala, Elisabeth, Rakshini, Julia

Fifteen dedicated participants completed the 10 km distance, adding energy and smiles to the celebration. Well done to every runner and walker who joined!

The Sri Chinmoy Peace-Kilometer in Vienna proved to be an ideal setting for this special anniversary event. This beautifully measured one-kilometer loop created a peaceful and motivating environment for all distances.

Events like this highlight the joy of combining physical challenge with inner aspiration. Whether running a full marathon, half-marathon, or 10 km, every step on the Peace-Kilometer carried the message of self-transcendence and peace — values that Sri Chinmoy emphasised throughout his life.

Related News & 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 #117: The Surprising Story of Kouros & Sri Chinmoy

Posted on by Yatkara

Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy

The world of ultrarunning is often a mirror for our inner journey. Recently, the prominent Russian magazine Marathoner (reaching 40,000 subscribers) published a major feature on the legendary Greek runner Yiannis Kouros. The article beautifully highlights the historic bond between Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s vision of Self-Transcendence, showing how the outer world of sports can perfectly reflect the inner world of the spirit.

A Life of Self-Transcendence: Who is Yiannis Kouros?

Yiannis Kouros is widely regarded as the most prolific ultradistance runner in history. With over 150 world records, his achievements are a testament to what a human being can do when they move beyond the limitations of the physical mind. He competed in distances ranging from 100 km to a staggering 1,000 miles (1,609 km).

For Kouros, running was never just about the body. He was famous for entering a deep, meditative state that allowed him to continue long after his physical strength should have been exhausted. He proved that when we reach deep within ourselves, we find a reservoir of energy that the mind cannot explain.

Finding Harmony: Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s Philosophy

The Marathoner feature explores why Kouros was drawn to the races organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT). The connection between Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s races was built on a shared understanding that running is a form of spiritual practice.

Sri Chinmoy, who ran many marathons and ultramarathons himself, saw the track as a place to manifest the soul’s potential.

This philosophy became the foundation for hundreds of races worldwide, including the iconic 3100-Mile Race. For Kouros, these events weren’t just competitions; they were opportunities to manifest the power of the inner will.

The 24-Hour World Record in New York

In 1984, Kouros returned to New York to participate in the Sri Chinmoy 24-Hour Race. It remains one of the most historic performances in the history of the sport:

  • World Record: 284 km in 24 hours.
  • Inner Focus: During the race, he also broke the records for 100 miles and 200 km.
  • The Witness: Observers described his running as “breathtaking,” noting how he moved with incredible speed while appearing completely absorbed in a state of inner peace.

The “Hurricane Race”: Inner Strength Against the Storm

One of the most remarkable stories in the history of Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s races took place during Hurricane Gloria. While most of New York was shut down due to 40 mph winds and torrential rain, the SCMT 24-hour race continued.

Sri Chinmoy himself was there to give the start. Despite the extreme weather, Kouros ran 286.463 km, setting yet another world record. It was a vivid demonstration that the peace and determination we find within can overcome any outer obstacle.

Legendary Achievements and the Spartathlon

Kouros first gained international attention at the Spartathlon (246 km from Athens to Sparta).

  • 1983 Breakthrough: He finished in 21h 53m, a time so fast that many found it hard to believe.
  • The Record: He eventually improved his time to 20h 25m, a record that stood for 39 years.

His multi-day feats are equally extraordinary:

  • 6-Day Race (New York): 1,022 km world record.
  • Sydney to Melbourne (~960 km): He won by a full day’s margin.
  • 1,000-Mile Race (New York): 10 days, 10 hours, and 30 minutes.

A Mind-Over-Matter Approach

Kouros’s training was very different from most modern athletes. He often ran only about 12 km a day, believing that the real secret to endurance was mental and spiritual strength rather than high mileage. He famously believed that after 100 km, everyone suffers the same; the difference lies in the ability to control the mind and let the inner spirit guide the feet.

A Lasting Legacy

It is deeply inspiring to see mainstream media like Marathoner recognize the connection between Yiannis Kouros and Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy. It reminds us all that we are not just physical beings, but spiritual seekers on a journey of constant self-transcendence.

Link to original article (Russian): Marathoner Magazine Feature

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.