Category: Ultra Races

News #75: Sri Chinmoy Spring Half Marathon, 10 km & Kids 2.5 km – Christchurch, NZ – 28 September 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, runners gathered in Christchurch’s Hagley Park for the Sri Chinmoy Spring Half Marathon, 10 km, and Kids 2.5 km Races. The event brought together participants of all ages and abilities for a morning of inspiration, fitness, and community spirit.

Despite typical spring weather concerns, conditions were favorable – dry skies, light wind, and occasional sunshine created an uplifting backdrop for the day’s races. Starting at 9:00 a.m., runners set off through the park’s green landscapes and along Riccarton’s scenic precincts, enjoying a course known for its beauty and gentle challenges.

The Half Marathon featured strong performances across the men’s and women’s divisions, with close finishes and many personal bests recorded. The 10 km and Kids’ 2.5 km races added an extra touch of joy and energy, showcasing the enthusiasm of younger runners and families participating together.

Across all distances, the atmosphere was one of encouragement, harmony, and joy – embodying the event’s deeper spirit of self-transcendence and shared inspiration.

Links for more:

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

News #74: Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race – Salzburg, Austria

Posted on by Yatkara

On September 28, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race took place at the Sportzentrum Salzburg-Mitte, located near the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress. This unique event was held on a 400-meter track in the heart of Salzburg’s university district, offering participants an opportunity to challenge themselves in a scenic and historic setting.

The race attracted a diverse group of runners, all united by a common goal: self-transcendence. Whether aiming to cover the most distance, achieve a personal best, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners, each participant contributed to the event’s positive and supportive atmosphere.

Throughout the six hours, runners circled the track, pushing their limits and demonstrating remarkable endurance. The event was not just a test of physical stamina but also a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges.

More Information:

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

News #73: Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race – Amstelveen, Netherlands

Posted on by Yatkara

The weather finally cooperated for this edition of the Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race on September 27, 2025 – dry conditions, light wind, and occasional autumn sunshine made for perfect running. 23 participants took to the start line, ready to challenge themselves and enjoy one of the friendliest ultramarathons of the year.

Women’s Race:
The women’s race was a thrilling contest. With only four women starting, the fastest three ran closely together throughout the six hours, frequently exchanging the lead. Early on, Ugne Mirauskaite from Lithuania set a strong pace, followed by Germany’s Sabine Andres and Dutch ultra-debutante Marieke Tettero. In the end, Marieke showed the strongest endurance, covering 62.884 km, followed closely by Andres with 62.590 km and Mirauskaite with 62.399 km – all within half a kilometer after six hours of racing!

Men’s Race:
The men’s race was less contested at the top. Jermo in het Veld from Edam led from the start and held the lead throughout, finishing with 71.730 km. Second place went to Elger Bouwman from Zaandam (68.196 km) and third to Jelle Bolte from Bergschenhoek (62.140 km).

Special Mentions:
• Koos Rademaker from Amersfoort, at 80 years old, was the oldest participant ever in this race. He completed the full six hours and set a Dutch record for the 80+ age category with 48.476 km.
• Lars Mijnbergen, celebrating his 16th birthday just three weeks prior, was the youngest participant and impressively ran nearly 53 km.
• Dirk van Schaik of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team completed his first ultra after only a year of dedicated training, covering 55.174 km, and received the audience award for the most enthusiastic support.

More Information:

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

Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record

Posted on by Yatkara

On September 12, 2025, Peace Run team member Vasanti Niemz (68) from Germany completed the iconic 20 Bridges open-water swim around Manhattan Island, dedicating it to Peace, in honour of the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary, the 55th year of Sri Chinmoy’s Peace Meditations at the UN, and the upcoming International Day of Peace.

Vasanti became the oldest woman ever to finish this swim, completing 48.5 km in 9 hours 34 minutes (current-assisted). The Peace Torch was lit at Pier A at both the start and finish, and carried on the escort boat by her crew, Pipasa and Jamini. The event was organized by New York Open Water (NYOW), which provided safety support – pilot, observer, and kayaker.

For Vasanti, the Manhattan swim was a lifelong dream. With separate group starts now by speed and carefully timed with tidal currents, it became possible even for slower swimmers. This year’s swim also marked her 40th anniversary of her first English Channel crossing (Sept. 9, 1985) – a very special combination of personal history and global tribute.

Having now completed two of the three components of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, she plans to attempt the Catalina Channel in August 2026, aiming for another age record.

Because the higher gears on her bike malfunctioned the next day, she wasn’t able to complete her intended Peace Triathlon (swim + 50 km bike + 5 mi run). Instead, after relighting the Peace Torch at Pier A, she did a leisurely 20-mile sightseeing bike loop along the Hudson and East River Greenway, with detours, dead ends, and a visit past the UN Headquarters. It made for a peaceful recovery ride.

More Information:

News #71: Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Race — London, United Kingdom

Posted on by Yatkara

On the weekend of 20–21 September 2025, 52 dedicated runners gathered at Battersea Park’s Millennium Stadium in London for the Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Race. Despite challenging, blustery conditions, participants embraced the physical and mental challenge of covering as many laps as possible within 24 hours.

In his debut at this distance, Julien Cazorla (FRA) led the men’s field with an impressive 242.939 km (150.955 miles). Paula Bedford (GBR) topped the women’s division with 188.605 km (117.193 miles). Notably, seven athletes surpassed the 200 km mark, and 31 runners completed over 100 miles, highlighting the event’s competitive spirit and the athletes’ endurance.

The race, organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in conjunction with Run and Become, is renowned for its superb organization and has been a fixture in the UK ultrarunning calendar since 1989. It serves as a testament to the principles of self-transcendence, perseverance, and community.

More Information:

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