Category: Ultra Races

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!

Explore More

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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Video #330: Sri Chinmoy “News Report” – with a Smile

Posted on by Yatkara

This playful “News Report” takes you through some remarkable moments with the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT) – celebrating extraordinary endurance, global heart, and good-humoured community spirit.

Triathlon in Canberra: Not Your Average Swim

At 5:30 AM, athletes in Canberra, Australia, dove into the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, a 150 km off-road extravaganza. Picture this: three full triathlons back-to-back, swimming in three different lakes, biking up and down ten peaks, and running all over the city. Solo competitors and teams competed, all sharing one goal – pushing their boundaries, then doing it again. The “Stuffed Puffs” won top honors, while the “Diggers” came in second – and yes, they joked that Australia’s dangerous wildlife couldn’t catch them.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra, Australia

Vasanti Niemz and the Iconic Manhattan Swim

Meanwhile, Vasanti Niemz of Germany took on the legendary 20 Bridges Challenge – a 48.5 km swim around Manhattan Island. She navigated three tidal rivers – the East, Harlem, and Hudson – in conditions that most would call “completely crazy.” Despite it all, she completed the swim in 9 hours 34 minutes. She cheerfully suggested that 27 bridges would be more meaningful than 20, and even pressed New York’s mayor to build a few more.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Vasanti Niemz 48.5 km swim around Manhattan Island - 9 hours 34 minutes

Shamita Runs Across Europe, London Goes 24-Hour

On the running side, Shamita Achenbach-König, a musician from Vienna, ran 2,000 km from Vienna to Oslo, crossing several countries for friendship and harmony. Back in the UK, SCMT’s 24-hour race in London brought runners together for a full weekend – laps, laughter, and the shared joy of endurance.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Shamita runs across Europe 2000 km, Vienna - Oslo

And in other cities – Munich, Salzburg, San Diego – 6-hour races added to the global mix. In San Diego, the race got a surprise visitor: a large rattlesnake allegedly finished (at 5.2 mi) and helped itself to 80% of the race snacks. (Yes, that part’s playful.)

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race - Amstelveen, Netherlands

Why This Report Connects with Everyone

This “News Report” works because it makes extraordinary feats feel familiar. By pairing real SCMT achievements with playful commentary, it invites a wide audience — not just ultrarunners – to marvel at what people can do when they combine heart, discipline, and a little humour.

Whether you’re inspired by long-distance triathlons, open-water swims, or cross-continental runs, this video shows that the Sri Chinmoy community is about more than athleticism. It’s about connection, self-transcendence, and uplifting one another – values that resonate far beyond any finish line.

Learn More About These Incredible Stories

If you’re curious to explore more about the events mentioned:

Featured News

  • News #61: Vasanti Niemz Completes 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan – Read more
  • News #66: The 18th Annual Self-Transcendence 4/21 km Race – Erdenet, Mongolia, September 13, 2025 – Read more
  • News #67: The 12th Annual Sri Chinmoy Peace-Mile 6-Hour Race – Munich, Germany, September 13, 2025 – Read more
  • News #71: Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Race – London, United Kingdom – Read more
  • News #73: Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race – Amstelveen, Netherlands – Read more
  • News #92: Inspiring Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race in San Diego 2025 – Read more
  • News #93: Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra – A Day of Endurance, Teamwork and Inspiration – Read more

Featured Videos

  • Video #314: Shamita Achenbach-König’s Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo – A cross-continental journey for harmony – Watch video
  • Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record – An aquatic odyssey around New York City – Watch video

More Information

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org.

 

Video #329: Epic Spirit – Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra 50 km & 100 km

Posted on by Yatkara

A Spirit of Self-Transcendence in Paris Woods

The Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra – 50 km & 100 km event on July 19, 2025, was a remarkable celebration of endurance, harmony, and inner strength in the beautiful Bois de Vincennes. At 8:00 AM, 47 ultrarunners began the 100 km race, looping through a 1,589 m circuit of shaded woodland and paved paths. Later in the morning, 69 athletes set out for the 50 km, and by the end, 60 runners crossed the finish line, a testament to both physical stamina and spiritual resilience. 

This year’s edition brought fresh changes: the race village was relocated, and the loop was extended by approximately 280 meters, introducing a new turnaround that challenged participants to adapt with grace.  Though weather forecasts hinted at both heat and storms, nature remained calm for most of the day. A gentle evening rain greeted runners at the end — quietly poetic, almost like a blessing for their efforts. 

The Heart of the Race: More Than Distance

Watching the slideshow, you’ll feel more than just the rhythm of feet on pavement — you’ll sense a shared journey. There are scenes of runners rounding the loop, strong but humble, faces marked by effort and inner calm. Aid stations offer water, energy drinks, and fresh fruit, while volunteers cheer, encouraging each lap with warmth. 

What makes this event so special is the mix of experience: elite ultrarunners standing alongside veteran runners in their 60s and even 70s, all united by a deeper drive than speed alone. This isn’t just a competition — it’s a community of self-transcendence, a place where the personal challenge becomes a spiritual practice.

Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra runners on loop course

Reflections & Meaning

If we run, we see our capacities becoming fully manifested. … But when we run, we bring to the fore our hidden capacities and are able to do something and become something

— Sri Chinmoy, The outer running and the inner running

This race, and this video, embody that truth. Every step, every loop, every quiet moment in the woods feels like an offering — not just to the finish line, but to something greater within.

For those who want to dive deeper into the event, check out News #53 (posted  August 11, 2025).

Why This Video Matters

This video isn’t just a recap — it’s a meditation in motion. It invites you into a space where every lap becomes a moment of reflection, and every runner’s effort is a silent prayer. If you’ve followed Sri Chinmoy’s races before, or are discovering them for the first time, this is a powerful reminder of what true endurance looks like — not just in miles, but in spirit.

Photos, Results, and Event Highlights

A Continuing Legacy of Inspiration

Sri Chinmoy’s races continue to inspire runners worldwide. They remind us that endurance is not only about distance but also about discovering inner strength and peace.

Learn More

News #92: Inspiring Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race in San Diego 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Two runners holding awards and medals in front of a results board at the Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race in San Diego 2025

The San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race returned to Lake Miramar on November 9, 2025, bringing together 52 runners and walkers, ranging in age from 16 to 89, for a truly inspiring day of determination, joy, and self-transcendence. Under the bright and warming morning sun, participants embraced the six-hour challenge with unwavering energy and camaraderie, fully embodying the spirit of Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events. This year’s race was not only a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of personal growth, friendship, and the joy of running.

Race Overview

Participants completed multiple 5-mile loops around the scenic Lake Miramar course. Extra mileage was earned by visiting one of three outpost aid stations, each staffed by enthusiastic volunteers providing water, fruit, and encouragement. In addition to tracking distance, the stations encouraged runners to pause, refocus, and push past mental limits. Each lap became more than a physical challenge—it became a journey of self-discovery and inner strength.

Notable Performances

This year, the San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race showcased remarkable performances across all age groups.

  • In the men’s division, Jose Herrera (27) achieved an impressive 45 miles, earning his third consecutive victory since the race’s debut in 2023. His consistency and endurance continue to inspire both new and returning participants.

  • First-time female competitor Fontayne Washington covered 37.5 miles, placing 4th overall. Her performance highlighted the growing diversity and talent in the race, demonstrating that dedication and preparation can overcome any challenge.

  • Veteran runner Piotr Jek (57) completed 41 miles, finishing 2nd overall and first in the Men’s 50–59 category. His achievement shows that age is no barrier to excellence, particularly in an event emphasizing personal growth and perseverance.

Results & Event Info 

  • View the Full Race Results here
  • See Race Photos here
  • Check the Event Page here

Special Moments and Community Spirit

Beyond the impressive distances, the event offered memorable moments that celebrated community and resilience. Winners received giant homemade apple pies from Jyoti-Bihanga Vegetarian Restaurant, along with free meal certificates. Goody baskets were provided for all category winners, ensuring that every participant left with a token of accomplishment.

Meanwhile, a curious and unexpected visitor – a rattlesnake – appeared near the race staging area early in the morning. Safely behind a fence, it stayed for hours, observing the runners with quiet patience. Its presence added a touch of excitement and a reminder of the unpredictability of nature, perfectly complementing the race’s message of persistence and awareness.

Runner Experiences and Reflections

Participants completed the race with determination and perseverance, supporting one another throughout the six-hour challenge. Many shared smiles and encouragement at the aid stations, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and community that defined the San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race. Families, friends, and volunteers played a vital role in cheering the runners, assisting at aid stations, and keeping spirits high throughout the day. The combination of personal effort and community support made the event both meaningful and unforgettable.

Looking Forward to 2026

The San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race 2025 was a resounding success, and organizers are already looking ahead to the 2026 edition, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026. Whether you are a seasoned ultrarunner or a first-time participant, the race promises another day of endurance, camaraderie, and inspiration.

A day of determination, smiles, and shared achievement reminds us of Sri Chinmoy’s timeless message: “Run and become. Become and run.” This philosophy continues to resonate through every lap, every mile, and every personal victory.

Learn More and Get Involved