News #54: Sri Chinmoy 3 × 1‑Mile Relay – Edinburgh – July 23, 2025

On the evening of July 23, 2025, along the scenic runway at the Meadows in Edinburgh, teams gathered for the spirited Sri Chinmoy 3 × 1‑Mile Relay. The event brought together enthusiastic runners for a fast-paced, three-leg race, with each team member contributing to a collective effort of speed, determination, and camaraderie.

The relay unfolded smoothly under a light sky, filled with joy and mutual encouragement. Thanks go to all the athletes, volunteers, and supporters whose energy and dedication made the evening truly memorable.

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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 #53: Sri Chinmoy 50 km & 100 km – Paris, Bois de Vincennes – July 19, 2025

https://www.inspirationheartworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/News-53-1-Sri-Chinmoy-50-km-100-km-–-Paris-Bois-de-Vincennes-–-July-19-2025.jpg

On July 19, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team brought together ultrarunners for the 50 km and 100 km races at the scenic Bois de Vincennes in Paris. The race village was relocated this year, and the course was extended by approximately 280 m to include a turnaround, presenting new challenges handled with resilience and determination.

At 8:00 AM, 47 athletes set off for the 100 km, navigating a flat, partially shaded 1.589 m loop amid woodland paths. The 50 km saw a remarkable 69 starters and an impressive 60 finishers. Despite changing weather forecasts—from heat to potential storms – the skies largely held until a light evening rain added intrigue at the finish.

Outstanding performances included fast-paced wins in both distances and inspiring results across several age categories, including veterans and septuagenarians. The strong turnout and personal triumphs made the event truly memorable.

Quick Access Links:

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 #52: 24-Hour & 48‑Hour Ultra Race – Kladno, Czech Republic – July 25–27, 2025

Over the weekend, ultrarunners pushed their limits at the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 24-Hour and 48-Hour Races held in the beautiful Sletiště Park, Kladno. The course – a nearly flat 1 km loop around the athletic stadium with just 1 meter of elevation—provided a scenic, shaded route lined with trees and well-lit for night running. Both events are IAU Bronze Label certified and were conducted under the supervision of official referees and technical committee members to ensure fair competition and adherence to international race standards.

Participants benefited from excellent support, including refreshment stations offering warm and cool food, medical and massage services, showers, restrooms, and access to athletic stadium facilities. Runners could also set up personal camping tables and chairs in designated areas for their belongings and nutrition.

Quick Access Links:

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 #301: Running as a spiritual practice | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Episode 19

In this conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the spiritual dimensions of running, particularly in the context of ultramarathons. They discuss the inherent suffering in life and how running serves as a metaphor for overcoming challenges. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of discipline over motivation, the concept of the future self, and the need to find meaning in the act of running itself. Both share personal experiences from races, highlighting the lessons learned through commitment and presence, ultimately advocating for a deeper understanding of the journey rather than just the outcomes. Vajin and Abhinabha further explore the profound lessons learned through endurance events, particularly running and mountaineering. They discuss the importance of facing real decisions, the value of perseverance, and the concept of Gaman, which emphasizes enduring hardship with dignity. The dialogue delves into self-transcendence, the journey of becoming through running, and the artistry involved in mountaineering. They also highlight the role of competition in personal growth, the significance of embodying character in challenging situations, and the transformative power of acceptance and gratitude in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes finding peace amidst life’s inevitable ups and downs.

Takeaways:

  • Running is a spiritual practice that teaches resilience.
  • Suffering is an inherent part of life, and understanding it is crucial.
  • Discipline is more important than motivation in endurance sports.
  • The future self concept encourages long-term thinking and sacrifice.
  • Finding meaning in running enhances the experience beyond competition.
  • Ultramarathons have gained popularity as a way to challenge oneself.
  • Endurance sports develop qualities like patience and perseverance.
  • Societal expectations can distort personal motivations in sports.
  • New meanings in running can reignite passion for the sport.
  • The journey and experiences in running are more valuable than the outcomes.
  • Endurance events present real decisions and consequences.
  • Perseverance reflects how life will turn out in the long run.
  • Gaman teaches us to endure suffering with dignity.
  • Self-transcendence reveals deeper aspects of our being.
  • Running is a journey of becoming and self-discovery.
  • Artistry in sports transcends mere competition.
  • Competition can bring out the best in us.
  • Embodying character in challenges enhances personal growth.
  • Acceptance transforms suffering into a more bearable experience.
  • Gratitude can shift our perspective during hardships.

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

News #49:  Sri Chinmoy Trail Series 5 – “Gungahlin Gallop” – Canberra, July 20, 2025

Canberra’s trail-running community faced one of its toughest challenges yet with the Gungahlin Gallop, rounding out the Sri Chinmoy Trail Series on Sunday. The demanding 31 km course – including two steep climbs of One Tree Hill – proved to be a true test of endurance and skill, and both the men’s and women’s race records were shattered dramatically.

On the men’s side, debut runner Benjamin Butler blazed through the trail to claim the overall course record of 2:07:14, while Brittany Harriden, driven by consistency throughout the series, set a new women’s mark at 2:31:54 – and secured a stunning third place overall in a highly competitive field  . Ageless endurance shone brightly too, as Clare Wall smashed her own F70+ record in 4:23:21.

On the 10 km course, Sarah King maintained her flawless record with another win, 48:15, while newcomer Patrick Clark narrowly missed the men’s course best with a fast 38:34 . The 2.2 km sprint races saw Felix Botticchio (Boys U13) and Daniela Wilsener (Female 17+) squeeze in record-breaking times of 9:32 and 12:04, respectively.

This finish marked a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Canberra Trail Series, where grit, stamina, and spirit truly shone.

Check out the full results and race-day gallery:

Congratulations to all the runners, especially those pushing limits on this scenic yet grueling course!

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