Category: Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

Inspiring News #134: Epic Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

Epic Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Introduction to the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim

The 38th International Sri Chinmoy Marathon Swim – better known as the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim – took place on Sunday, 19 July 2026 under warm summer conditions. Water temperature was approximately 25°C (77°F). Swimmers covered the classic 26 km route from Rapperswil to Zurich. The event attracted 36 solo swimmers and 26 relay participants representing 17 nations. Congratulations to every athlete who took part in this challenging open-water classic!

Perfect Conditions for a Classic Crossing

Warm water and pleasant summer weather created excellent conditions for the long crossing of Lake Zurich. The course starts at Rapperswil and finishes at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen in Zurich. This scenic route is one of the most respected marathon swims in Europe and ranks among the world’s longest continuously held open-water events. Many participants described the day as both demanding and deeply rewarding.

Standout Performances at the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim

Several remarkable achievements stood out during the 2026 edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim:

  • The Czech disciple relay team of Pataka, Viharin, and Peter completed the 26 km crossing in a strong 10:20.
  • Vasanti (69) successfully finished her 11th solo Lake Zurich swim in 12:08. She received enthusiastic applause at the finish for this outstanding achievement.
  • Andrea (44), a six-time champion of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race, completed his 8th solo crossing in an impressive 8:49.

These performances highlight the spirit of self-transcendence that defines every Sri Chinmoy sporting event.

Vasanti’s Remarkable Consistency

Completing the full 26 km solo for the 11th time is an extraordinary accomplishment. Vasanti’s dedication over many years inspires both newcomers and experienced open-water swimmers. Her steady progress and positive presence at the finish line embodied the values of perseverance and joy that the event seeks to promote.

Andrea’s Impressive Eighth Crossing

Andrea’s time of 8:49 for his eighth solo swim demonstrates both speed and experience. As a multiple 3100 Mile Race champion, he brings the same mental strength and endurance from ultra-running into the water. His consistent success in the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim continues to motivate other athletes.

Meeting an Open-Water Influencer

During the event, Vasanti met well-known open-water swimming influencer Peter Plavec. He has more than 108,000 Instagram followers and is the 1,000-metre winter swimming world champion. Remarkably, he only began swimming five years earlier. Their meeting added a special personal highlight to the day and connected the traditional marathon swim community with the growing online open-water scene.

The 38th Lake Zurich Marathon Swim

The Spirit of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organised this event since 1987. The race is known for its friendly atmosphere, careful organisation, and emphasis on personal achievement rather than pure competition. Swimmers of many nationalities come together each year to test their limits on the beautiful waters of Lake Zurich. The combination of athletic challenge and supportive community makes the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim unique.

Why the Lake Zurich Course Is Special

The 26 km route offers both physical and mental challenges. Swimmers must manage pacing, navigation, and changing conditions over many hours. The scenic Swiss landscape and the historic cities of Rapperswil and Zurich provide a memorable backdrop. Finishing at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen is always a joyful moment for athletes, support crews, and spectators.

International Participation and Community Atmosphere

With athletes from 17 nations, the 2026 edition once again confirmed the international character of the event. Solo and relay categories allow both individual endurance athletes and teams to take part. The presence of experienced veterans alongside first-time participants creates a rich and supportive atmosphere on the water and at the finish.

Official Results and Photos

Full results and race information are available on the official Swiss Sri Chinmoy Races website:

Official Lake Zurich Marathon Swim Page

Previous editions and historical results can be explored via the Sri Chinmoy Races network and open-water swimming resources such as Openwaterpedia and World Open Water Swimming Association archives.

Previous Lake Zurich Marathon Swim Highlights

The race has a long and proud history dating back to 1987. Over the decades, it has attracted many of the world’s top marathon swimmers while remaining accessible to dedicated amateurs. Past editions have seen record performances, multi-year veterans, and inspiring personal stories similar to those of Vasanti and Andrea in 2026.

Training and Preparation Insights

Successful completion of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim requires careful preparation. Athletes typically build long continuous swims, practise feeding and pacing strategies, and train in open water whenever possible. Mental preparation is equally important — staying calm, focused, and positive over many hours is essential for a strong finish.

The Broader Meaning of Marathon Swimming

Events such as the Lake Zurich crossing go beyond pure sport. They offer participants a chance to experience self-transcendence, inner strength, and the simple joy of moving through water for many hours. The supportive environment created by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team helps athletes of all levels discover new capacities within themselves.

Looking Ahead

The 38th edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim on 19 July 2026 was another successful chapter in this long-running tradition. Warm water, strong performances, and a warm community spirit combined to create a memorable day. Congratulations again to all 36 solo swimmers, 26 relay athletes, and the many volunteers and organisers who made the event possible.

We look forward to the next edition and to more inspiring stories from the waters of Lake Zurich.

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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 #353: Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races – Seattle

Posted on by Yatkara

Introduction to Another Memorable Day

The 14th annual Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races took place on May 23 at Magnuson Park in Seattle. Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, the event enjoyed excellent cool conditions with morning temperatures around 13°C and afternoon temperatures in the low 17°C under overcast skies. These comfortable temperatures helped the field of about 40 runners deliver strong performances on the scenic 1.54-mile mixed-surface loop course.

A big thank you to all the runners and volunteers for making this another great edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 7 & 13-Hour Races! The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team expressed deep gratitude for the successful day and the joyful community spirit.

What Are Sri Chinmoy Races and Their Philosophy

Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races belong to a global series of endurance events based on the principle of self-transcendence — constantly going beyond one’s previous limits in body, mind, and spirit. Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007), a spiritual teacher, prolific athlete, musician, and artist, founded the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in 1977. The organization promotes the idea that running can be a meditative and joyful path toward inner growth and outer achievement.

Unlike traditional competitive races, Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races focus on personal progress in a supportive, cheerful, and meditative atmosphere. Runners receive chip-timed lap counting, well-stocked aid stations, and encouragement that helps them discover new capacities.

Event Overview of the Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races

The Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races are held on a beautiful trail in Seattle’s Magnuson Park, offering stunning views of Lake Washington and peaceful wooded sections. The 1.54-mile loop provides a varied challenge with gentle hills and mixed surfaces, ideal for timed ultra efforts.

In 2026, perfect cool weather (13-17°C) and overcast skies created optimal conditions for sustained running. Volunteers from Chicago, Los Angeles, Minnesota, New York, Vancouver, and Victoria joined the local Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team to create a warm family atmosphere.

Record-Breaking Performance in the Women’s 13-Hour Race

Deanna Kytonen produced a spectacular result in the Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races, smashing the women’s 13-Hour course record by more than two full laps (over 3 miles). Her new record stands at an impressive 72.38 miles. This achievement highlights excellent pacing and mental resilience in the cool conditions.

Margaret Yi, running on her birthday, tied the previous women’s course record, adding an emotional and inspiring highlight to the day.

Men’s 13-Hour Victory and Impressive Debut

James Yoo won the men’s 13-Hour division of the Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races with a remarkable 75.46 miles in his very first ultra-marathon. His outstanding debut performance demonstrated how the supportive environment of Sri Chinmoy events helps newcomers achieve exceptional results.

Standout Stories from the 7-Hour Division

In the 7-Hour race, the mother and son duo Erin and Colin Morris each placed second in their respective divisions. Together they covered more than 60 miles, showcasing the family-friendly and inclusive nature of the Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races. The shorter 7-hour format serves as an excellent stepping stone for runners new to ultra-distances while still offering a meaningful endurance challenge.

The History and Global Reach of Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organized hundreds of races worldwide since 1977. Events range from local 5K runs to the legendary Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race — the longest certified footrace in the world. The Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races in Seattle form a vital part of this calendar, bringing the same spirit of self-transcendence to the Pacific Northwest.

All races maintain a focus on inner qualities such as gratitude, harmony, and joy alongside physical performance.

The Crucial Role of Volunteers and Community Spirit

The success of the Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races relies heavily on the dedicated volunteers of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. They provide precise lap counting, nutritional support, medical assistance, and constant positive encouragement. This selfless service creates a uniquely uplifting atmosphere where every participant feels supported in their personal journey.

Results and Photos

Training Tips for Future Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races

Successful participation in the Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races requires building a strong aerobic base, practicing on looped courses, and refining nutrition, hydration, and pacing strategies. The cool 13-17°C weather often experienced in Seattle is runner-friendly, but mental preparation remains key. Sri Chinmoy events teach that inner determination frequently leads to breakthroughs.

Why Runners Love Sri Chinmoy Races Worldwide

Athletes choose Sri Chinmoy 7 & 13-Hour Races and other events for their welcoming atmosphere, emphasis on personal growth, and meditative quality. Many participants report not only physical achievements but also profound feelings of joy and inner peace..

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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 #351: Sri Chinmoy 10-Day & 6-Day Race 2026 Finish

Posted on by Yatkara

The Sri Chinmoy 10-Day Race and 6-Day Race 2026 reached their thrilling conclusion on April 29 at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York. This iconic multi-day ultra event combined runners from the 10-Day (April 19–29), 6-Day (starting April 23), and 3-Day races on the same flat 0.75-mile loop, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of endurance, community, and self-transcendence.

The Unique Challenge of Multi-Day Races

The Sri Chinmoy 10-Day and 6-Day Race stands as one of the world’s premier ultra-distance events. Athletes run or walk continuously on a certified paved course, supported with 24/7 lap counting, vegetarian meals, medical support, and a strong spiritual atmosphere inspired by Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy of self-transcendence.

In 2026, international participants faced variable weather, physical fatigue, and mental hurdles. The simultaneous finish of the 10-Day and 6-Day races on April 29 created powerful shared moments as runners completed their journeys side by side.

Final Day Highlights

The video beautifully documents the last hours and the official finish. Viewers see exhausted yet joyful runners, including strong performances from veterans like Radu Budan moving into strong positions. Interviews reveal deep insights: one runner discussed finishing despite knee issues, another highlighted how experience allows better pacing and even feeling stronger toward the end.

The 6-Day runners, who started later on April 23, showed remarkable consistency in their shorter but still grueling format. The shared finish line brought everyone together — cheers, hugs, music, and a profound sense of accomplishment filled the park. Runners answered heartfelt questions about happiness, growth, and inner strength gained through the event.

2026 Official Race Results and Photos

10-Day Race Top Men:
    1. Kyohei Yoshizawa – 714.3 miles
    2. Radu Budan – 655.2 miles
    3. Szilard Fodor – 637.2 miles
    4. Sean Gavor – 524.3 miles
    5. Tobias Lavrenz – 473.4 miles

Notable mentions include strong showings further down the field, with many athletes surpassing 300–400 miles through sheer determination.

10-Day Women highlights featured Nayaja Perugini winning with approximately 600.6 miles, averaging around 60 miles per day, showcasing exceptional consistency.

6-Day Race Results:
  • Men: Mark Dorion finished 1st with 312.6 miles.
  • Women: Gesiane Nascimento took 1st with 299.1 miles, followed closely by Mona Majkovska with 294.7 miles.

These 6-Day performances are impressive. Many 6-Day athletes maintained high daily mileage while adapting to the established race camp rhythm.

3-Day Race notes:

Ashprihanal Aalto led the men with 232.6 miles, while Vasuprada Funk topped the women’s category with 151 miles.

Results & Photos

These images beautifully capture tent life, lap counting, emotional finish moments, and the vibrant community at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy emphasized that multi-day races like the Sri Chinmoy 10-Day and 6-Day Race go far beyond physical distance. When the body reaches its limits, inner spiritual power and determination take over. In 2026, runners repeatedly demonstrated this — battling shin splints, knee pain, blisters, and sleep deprivation while maintaining smiles and positive attitudes.

Veterans shared how years of experience help with pacing, nutrition, and mental resilience. Newer participants discovered hidden strengths. The supportive environment — lap counters announcing every lap, helpers providing encouragement, and shared vegetarian meals — creates a unique “village” that fosters personal growth.

The simultaneous finish of 10-Day and 6-Day runners amplified this spirit, showing that whether running for 10 days or 6, every mile contributes to the same goal of transcending limitations.

Why These Races Inspire Runners Worldwide

The Sri Chinmoy 10-Day and 6-Day Race appeals to seasoned ultrarunners and those seeking profound personal challenges. The flat, fast course is ideal for setting personal bests in multi-day formats. Facilities include hot showers, cots, dugout spaces for gear, and continuous support that allows focus purely on running.

Many participants return yearly, drawn by the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity for deep inner exploration. The 6-Day option serves as an accessible entry for those not ready for 10 days, yet still offers a serious test of endurance (as proven by the strong 2026 results around 300 miles).

Historical Context and Previous Competitions

This event continues a proud tradition since 1996 for the 10-Day race. Past editions have featured legendary performances and countless stories of transformation. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team organizes similar multi-day events globally, giving runners more opportunities to test their limits. For previous years’ results and reports, explore the official archives on the event website.

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Official Website: us.srichinmoyraces.org/events/6-10-day-race
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 #350: Epic Start of the 10 and 3 Day Races 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

The 10 Day Race & 3 Day Race 2026 Have Begun

The 10 Day Race has officially started. On April 19 at noon, runners began their remarkable journey on the 0.75-mile loop in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York. At the same time, the 3 Day Race is also in full swing. Together, they create a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that you rarely find in other ultras.

In this special video, we take you right into the heart of the event. You’ll see the excitement at the start, the dedication of the runners, and the unique spirit that makes these races so special.

What Makes the 10 Day Race So Extraordinary

There’s something truly special about the 10 Day Race. For ten full days, runners keep moving around the same gentle loop, hour after hour, through day and night. It’s not only about covering distance. It’s about discovering what you’re really made of when fatigue sets in and the mind starts telling you to stop.

Many runners say the real magic often happens around day three or four. That’s when the body settles into its rhythm and a deeper inner journey begins. Suddenly, moments of unexpected joy, clarity, and quiet strength appear. That is the true heart of self-transcendence — going beyond what you thought was possible, one step at a time.

The Supportive Village Atmosphere

One of the things people love most about this event is the strong sense of community. The park quickly turns into a little temporary village. There are tents, a well-stocked kitchen serving hot meals around the clock, medical support, and volunteers who are present 24 hours a day offering encouragement and care.

You’ll see experienced runners who have done this many times before, standing side by side with first-timers who are both excited and a little nervous. Everyone is there for their own personal reason, yet they all share the same quiet determination and mutual respect.

Highlights from the Early Days of 2026

As the race moves forward, runners are steadily finding their rhythm. Some are already smiling through the early laps, while others stay quietly focused on saving energy for the long days ahead. The flat course helps with consistent pacing, and the beautiful surroundings of Flushing Meadows Park make even the nighttime hours feel peaceful.

Meanwhile, the 3 Day Race runners are making strong progress in their shorter but still demanding 72-hour effort. For many of them, this serves as a valuable stepping stone toward attempting the full 10 days in the future.

The Start of 10 and 3 Day Races 2026

Why Runners Keep Coming Back Year After Year

People return to the 10 Day Race for many different reasons. Some come to chase big mileage goals. Others are drawn to the deep inner work that naturally happens when you run for days on end. Almost everyone leaves with a greater sense of patience, resilience, and gratitude — qualities that stay with them long after the race is over.

Daily Updates and Photos

Daily updates, lap counts, and beautiful photos from the 2026 edition are being shared on the Perfection Journey website. You can follow individual runners and see the unique atmosphere that only a multi-day event can create:

An Invitation to Witness Something Special

Whether you’re an ultra runner yourself or simply someone who appreciates stories of human potential, the 10 Day Race and 3 Day Race offer something truly inspiring. In our fast-paced world, these events give runners the rare gift of time — time to go deeper, time to discover new strengths, and time to remember what really matters.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to run for days on end while finding unexpected joy and strength along the way, this video gives you a genuine glimpse into that world.

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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 #130: Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims in Canberra

Posted on by Yatkara

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims 5km at Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra

Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims Canberra Enjoy Perfect Conditions

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims were held at Yarralumla Bay on Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. After weeks of hot weather, swimmers were delighted with ideal conditions — still, clear water at a comfortable 22 degrees, an overcast sky, and almost no wind. The rain stayed away, creating one of the most enjoyable open-water swimming days in recent memory.

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims offered three distances: the 5km (four laps of the 1.25km triangular course), the 2.5km (two laps), and a fast 500m out-and-back sprint. Swimmers started at five-minute intervals, with the longest distance beginning first. The calm water allowed everyone to focus purely on their swim, and many described it as one of the best conditions they had experienced.

Three Course Records Set

The day saw three new course records fall, one in each distance:

  • In the 5km, Perry Blackmore (M60-69) broke Mark Wieland’s long-standing record with an outstanding time of 1:26:50, finishing second overall.
  • In the 2.5km, Belinda Soszyn set a new F70+ record with 52:46. She returned to the same beach where she and her husband once organised the famous Sri Chinmoy Peace Triathlon Festival in the 1990s.
  • In the 500m, Aron Lombardi set a new Male 17+ record with a powerful 7:53.

These achievements highlighted the high standard of open-water swimming at Sri Chinmoy events and the motivation that perfect conditions can bring.

5km Swim Highlights

David Cook took the overall victory in the 5km with a strong time of 1:25:43. Perry Blackmore’s record-breaking swim earned him second place outright, while Lloyd Dobson (M50-59) finished third in 1:27:16.

Rachel Russell was the fastest woman, finishing fourth overall in an impressive 1:28:20. Peta Bulling and Laura Van Den Honert completed the women’s podium. In the older categories, Janelle Ahern won F50-59, Susan Henderson took F60-69, and Janet Gorst delivered another strong performance in F70+ with 2:00:43.

Rico Fitch, who has completed more Sri Chinmoy lake swims in Canberra than anyone else, won the M70+ category in 2:03:42.

2.5km and 500m Swim Results

Tippi Wieland dominated the women’s 2.5km, winning comfortably in 41:21. Deanne Sanderson took first in F50-59 with 41:36, while Jennifer Horton and Ann Reid excelled in the F60-69 category.

Mitchell Bainbridge was unchallenged in the men’s 2.5km, winning easily in 37:58 ahead of Tomas Krajca and Satya Yogeswaran. The M60-69 category was particularly competitive, with Tony Croft winning in 46:13.

In the 500m sprint, Aron Lombardi’s record-setting 7:53 led the field. Yiannis Eliopoulos placed second, while J’Aime McGuire won the Female 17+ category. Young Henry Cooper was the fastest in the Boys Under 13.

Perfect Conditions and Friendly Atmosphere

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims are known for their relaxed yet well-organised format. The triangular 1.25km loop is easy to follow, and the calm water on 8 March made navigation straightforward. Swimmers appreciated the plentiful parking, no queues at the toilets, and the post-swim pancakes — a much-loved tradition.

The event perfectly captures the Sri Chinmoy spirit: combining physical challenge with inner joy. On a day with almost no external obstacles, the only task was to swim — and many participants did so with smiles and a strong sense of personal achievement.

Results and Photos

Why Swimmers Love These Events

The Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims offer a rare combination: a safe, well-marked open-water course in a beautiful location, friendly organisation, and a focus on personal progress rather than intense competition. The variety of distances makes the event accessible to swimmers of all abilities — from beginners doing their first 500m to experienced open-water athletes tackling the full 5km.

The calm conditions on 8 March 2026 created one of the most enjoyable swims in recent memory, reminding everyone why these lake swims continue to grow in popularity.

Looking Ahead

With another successful edition complete, the Sri Chinmoy Lake Swims in Canberra remain a highlight of the Australian open-water swimming calendar. Many participants are already looking forward to the next event and the chance to improve their times or simply enjoy another beautiful day on the lake.

Congratulations to all who took part — and a special thank you to the volunteers who made the morning run so smoothly.

Related Events & Resources:

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.