Category: Ultra Races

News #114: New Year’s Day Half-Marathon 2026 in NY

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners starting the New Year's Day Half-Marathon 2026 in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, capturing the excitement of the New Year kickoff.

The New Year’s Day Half-Marathon 2026 took place on January 1, 2026, at 9 AM in historic Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, New York. The runners enjoyed a scenic, flat, and fast loop course. Moreover, conditions were sunny but blustery. As a result, it drew enthusiastic participants ready to begin 2026 with new promises and joy.

Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, the race emphasized self-transcendence, peace, and personal bests. Additionally, it featured chip timing for accurate results. Overall, the event highlighted community support, volunteers, and the spirit of starting fresh through running.

Top Performances and Race Winners

Daniel Granton from Glastonbury, CT, claimed first place in the men’s division with a chip time of 1:17:51 (pace 5:56/mile). Next, Tom Garvey from New York, NY, finished second in 1:19:28 (6:03/mile). Then, Ryan Lewis from Waukee, IA, took third in 1:24:25 (6:26/mile).

In age categories, strong showings included Alan Yorke (1st M50-59, 1:36:25), Rafael Guzman (1st M60-69, 1:39:38), and Le-An Dai (1st M70+, 2:21:57). For women, Nikki Salenetri led under F50 with 1:40:58. Jeanhie Hahn won F50-59 (1:46:22), and Kim Hooper-Stanley topped F60-69 (2:09:16).

These results reflect dedication across ages. For instance, many runners achieved solid times despite the wind.

Full detailed results: Results Page.

Course and Atmosphere in Flushing Meadows

The course offered a flat loop in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. First, it provided scenic views. Then, it allowed for fast pacing. Moreover, the park’s historic setting added charm. Runners appreciated the smooth paths and supportive atmosphere.

Volunteers and spectators cheered throughout. Consequently, participants felt encouraged from start to finish. The event promoted harmony and inner peace through outer effort.

Significance of Starting the Year with Sri Chinmoy Races

Events like the New Year’s Day Half-Marathon 2026 inspire runners worldwide. First, they blend physical challenge with spiritual values. Then, they build community. Moreover, they encourage self-improvement. As a result, participants carry motivation into the year.

This race continues a tradition. For example, it follows strong past editions with records like Thomas Garvey’s 1:14:31 (2024 men’s) and Lauren Longfield’s 1:25:14 (2021 women’s). It sets the stage for the upcoming 2026 Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events, including multi-day ultras and other road races.

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News #113: Auckland Race Series Concludes in Stunning Finale

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners crossing the starting line at Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series 2025 event in War Memorial Park, capturing the joy of completion.

The Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series 2025 came to an exciting close on December 7, 2025, at War Memorial Park in Mt Roskill, Auckland. First, this annual series delivered nine races across the year. Then, participants enjoyed serene park routes in Auckland Domain and War Memorial Park. Moreover, the events welcomed runners of all ages. 

Organized by Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events in New Zealand, the series included distances like half-marathons (21.1 km), 20 km, quarter-marathons (10.55 km), 10 km, 6 km, 5 km, 4.5 km, and children’s races (1.5 km or 2.5 km). Additionally, highlights featured family triumphs, veteran achievements, and youth record-breakers. For instance, young athletes set new marks in shorter distances. 

Highlights from the Final Race: December 7, 2025

The concluding event offered 20 km, 10 km, 5 km, and Children’s 2.5 km races on a warm, blue-sky day. First, Finn Campbell claimed victory in the 20 km men’s race with 1:37:17. Next, Jason Gerritz finished second (1:39:25), followed by Malcolm Chamberlin (1:52:02).

In the 10 km, Joseph Sweeney won the men’s division in 40:05. Mark Andrew took second (41:44), while impressive 65-year-old Tony King placed third (42:42). Melanie James dominated the women’s 10 km in 48:43, ahead of Larissa Wildsmith (54:11) and Fiona Muirhead-Smith (58:31).

Christopher Rawles led the 5 km men in 22:13, with Tama Pasene (27:53) and Tommy Tjahjadi (28:25) following. Loren Peart won the women’s 5 km (26:14), followed by Lisa Harris (27:14) and Hazel Winwood (31:39).

For the children’s 2.5 km, Harriet Maslin topped the girls (12:50), while Theo Maslin won the boys (14:06). 

Standout Performances and Records Throughout 2025

The series featured many inspiring moments. For example, on August 10, Maia Cavanagh set a women’s 4.5 km record (18:25). Meanwhile, young Wolfgang Brunt broke the boys’ 1.5 km record (5:36), and Riley McKay set the girls’ mark (5:42). Abigail Bethell smashed the women’s quarter-marathon record on September 14 (43:58 by over 3 minutes).

Veterans shone too. Susan Marshall, a Self-Transcendence 3100-mile finisher, won the half-marathon women’s division on November 23 (1:53:02). Families like the Rawles and Maslin clans achieved multiple podiums and trifectas.

Half-marathon highlights included strong wins like Zebedee Stone (1:16:45 on July 13) and Kate Macdonald (1:28:58 on August 10). These performances built on the series’ tradition of self-transcendence.

Scenic Venues and Inclusive Atmosphere

Races alternated between Auckland Domain’s lush grounds and War Memorial Park’s peaceful paths. Conditions varied from crisp sunny winters to breezy summers and mild springs. However, the consistent theme was harmony and encouragement for all.

The series promotes inner peace through outer action. Consequently, it attracts locals and visitors seeking personal bests in supportive environments.

Why the Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series Matters

In a busy world, these events remind us of simple joys—running together, surpassing limits, and celebrating every finisher. From elite times to first-timers and kids, the series builds community and inspires ongoing growth.

With 2025 complete, participants look forward to future editions. The emphasis on peace and self-improvement continues to resonate.

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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.

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.

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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