Category: Ultra Races

Inspiring News #140: Beautiful Sri Chinmoy Marathon at Rockland Lake

Posted on by Yatkara

Sri Chinmoy Marathon

Introduction to the Sri Chinmoy Marathon at Rockland Lake

The 24th annual Sri Chinmoy Marathon took place on Monday, August 24, 2026, around the beautiful shores of Rockland Lake in Congers, New York. This popular Boston Qualifier drew runners from many countries to the scenic, pancake-flat course just 45 minutes north of New York City. Marathon photos are now available, along with the complete official results.

A Scenic and Fast Course

The Rockland Lake Marathon is known for its exceptionally flat and fast course. Runners complete a USATF-certified 2.95-mile loop around the lake. The marathon consists of one partial starting lap followed by eight full loops, creating a smooth and enjoyable race experience. The path was repaved in 2020 and remains free of potholes and cracks, making it ideal for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualification.

Photo Galleries & Official Results

Because so many excellent photographs were taken on race day, the organisers created two separate galleries:

These galleries capture the energy of the start, the determination of runners on the course, the joy at the finish line, and the awards ceremony.

Previous Editions and Related Events

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team organises many races at Rockland Lake throughout the year, including the 12-Hour and 24-Hour races, the Midnight Marathon and half-marathons. Previous results and photo galleries from earlier editions of the marathon can be found on the official website:

A Well-Organised Event

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, in cooperation with the New York State Parks System, once again provided excellent race support. Premium aid stations were available every mile, custom medals were awarded to all finishers, and a post-race vegetarian meal was served. Free parking (for early arrivals), full medical support and a friendly atmosphere made the day enjoyable for both runners and volunteers.

International Participation

As in previous years, the race attracted an international field of runners from more than 30 countries. The combination of a fast course, beautiful lakeside scenery and the welcoming spirit of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team continues to make this event a favourite among both local and visiting athletes.

Supporting a Greater Cause

All proceeds from the Rockland Lake Marathon support the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race — the world’s longest certified road race. By participating, runners not only challenge themselves but also help sustain one of the most remarkable ultrarunning events on the planet.

Course Records and History

The men’s course record stands at 2:30:32 (Bahadur Szabo, Hungary, 2005). The women’s course record is 2:37:24 (Annie Heffernan, USA, 2023). Over the years the Rockland Lake Marathon has become a reliable Boston Qualifier and a highlight of the late-summer running calendar in the New York area.

Atmosphere and Community

Runners often comment on the peaceful yet focused atmosphere of the Rockland Lake Marathon. The combination of natural beauty, well-organised support and the underlying philosophy of self-transcendence creates a special experience. Many participants return year after year, drawn by both the fast course and the sense of community.

Final Reflections

The 24th annual Sri Chinmoy Marathon at Rockland Lake once again showed why this race holds a special place in the New York running calendar. Flat, fast, scenic and well-supported, it continues to attract runners seeking both performance and inspiration. We congratulate all the finishers and thank the many volunteers who made the day possible.

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.

Inspiring News #139: Stunning English Channel Crossing Victories

Posted on by Yatkara

Celebrating Outstanding English Channel Crossing Achievements

In the past weeks, members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team have once again demonstrated extraordinary endurance and determination in the waters of the English Channel. Two successful solo crossings and an earlier all-women relay have added inspiring new chapters to the team’s long history of open-water swimming. These achievements highlight the spirit of self-transcendence that defines the team’s approach to sport.

Abhejali’s Historic Breaststroke Crossing

On 28–29 July, Abhejali Bernardová completed her third solo crossing of the English Channel, this time swimming breaststroke. She finished in 17 hours and 38 minutes. Abhejali is only the fifth woman and the 18th person overall to complete a breaststroke crossing of the Channel. Even more remarkably, she is the only person in the world to have swum the English Channel in both freestyle and breaststroke. Supported by a dedicated crew including Dhavala, Shyamala and Nina from the Czech Republic, her achievement stands as a landmark in open-water swimming history.

Jayasalini’s Unique Double Achievement

One week later, on 7 August, Jayasalini Olga Abramovskikh crossed the English Channel in 18 hours and 27 minutes. With this swim, she became the only person in the world to have completed both the “Everest of long-distance running” — the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race (which she finished in 2014) — and the “Everest of open-water swimming,” the English Channel. Her pilot Eddie, who had previously guided Vijaya’s successful swim, knows the team well and provided excellent support.

The Sri Chinmoy Peace Dreamers Relay

Earlier in the season, on 14 June, three accomplished women ultra-athletes from the team — Abhejali Bernardová, Jayasalini Olga Abramovskikh and Vasanti Niemz (age 69) — completed a three-person relay across the English Channel. They named their team the Sri Chinmoy Peace Dreamers and dedicated the swim to peace. The relay took place in water temperatures of around 15°C and was guided by the experienced pilot Simon Ellis and Marilyn Critchlow on the boat High Hopes.

The three swimmers rotated hourly, facing the challenge of getting back into cold water after only short rests. Despite some seasickness, they made steady progress, aided by favourable winds and currents. After approximately 13–14 hours, they reached the French shore at La Courte Dune near Cap Gris-Nez. In the dark, with some bioluminescence in the water, they lit a Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run torch on the beach and offered a peace prayer together.

Honouring Gertrude Ederle’s Centenary

The relay was inspired in part by the centenary of Gertrude Ederle’s historic 1926 crossing. One hundred years earlier, on 6 August 1926, the 19-year-old American Olympic champion became the first woman to swim the English Channel solo. Two days after their own successful relay, the three women visited the Gertrude Ederle memorial at Kingsdown and took a short commemorative swim near the site.

A Long Tradition of Channel Swims

For the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, this was the fifth successful English Channel relay and the fourth all-women relay (following relays in 1989, 2009, 2014 and now 2026). Full details and a list of all team swims can be found here:

Channel Swimming Records – Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

The Spirit Behind the Swims

Throughout the relay the swimmers carried a Peace Run torch on board and meditated briefly with it before each rotation. Their motto and theme song came from Sri Chinmoy:

Only the Peace-Dreamers, Peace-Lovers and Peace-Servers can transform the world.

The English Channel has long been called the Everest of open-water swimming. These recent successes by Abhejali, Jayasalini and the Peace Dreamers relay show that with preparation, teamwork, inner determination and a higher purpose, even the most demanding challenges can be met.

Looking Ahead

Both Abhejali and Jayasalini, as well as Vasanti, continue to inspire with their ongoing ultra-distance projects. Abhejali’s breaststroke crossing and Jayasalini’s unique double achievement will surely encourage many others to explore their own limits — in the water, on the road, and in daily life.

Final Reflections

These English Channel crossings are more than athletic accomplishments. They are living expressions of self-transcendence, teamwork and a sincere dedication to peace. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team continues to show that when the heart is strong and the goal is clear, the seemingly impossible becomes possible.

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.

Video #359: Epic Moments from Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

The Lake Zurich Marathon Swim once again took place in the summer of 2026, continuing a long tradition of open-water endurance on one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. This video offers viewers a chance to experience the spirit of this classic event. The 38th International Sri Chinmoy Marathon Swim was held on Sunday, 19 July 2026. Athletes covered the traditional 26 km course from Rapperswil to Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen in Zurich under warm summer conditions with water temperatures around 25 °C.

Overview of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim 2026

Thirty-six solo swimmers and 26 relay participants from 17 nations took part in this year’s edition. The event remains one of the longest continuously held open-water marathon swims in Europe and is widely respected for both its physical challenge and its supportive atmosphere. Organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1987, the race emphasises personal achievement, mutual encouragement and the joy of participation rather than pure competition alone.

Ideal Conditions on the Lake

Warm water and pleasant weather created favourable conditions for the long crossing. The scenic route follows the length of Lake Zurich, offering views of the surrounding landscape, towns and mountains. Swimmers must manage pacing, feeding strategies and navigation over many hours while supported by kayakers and escort boats. The finish at Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen is always a special moment for athletes, crews and spectators.

Notable Performances in 2026

Several strong results stood out in the 2026 edition of the Lake Zurich Marathon Swim. The Czech disciple relay team of Pataka, Viharin and Peter completed the 26 km in 10:20. Vasanti, aged 69, successfully finished her 11th solo crossing in 12:08 and received warm recognition for this outstanding consistency. Andrea, a multiple champion of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race, completed his eighth solo swim in an impressive 8:49. These achievements reflect the spirit of self-transcendence that characterises every Sri Chinmoy sporting event.

The Atmosphere of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has organised this event for nearly four decades. The race is known for its friendly atmosphere, careful organisation and emphasis on inner progress alongside outer achievement. Swimmers of many nationalities come together each year to test their limits on the waters of Lake Zurich. The combination of athletic challenge and supportive community makes the event unique among open-water classics.

Why the Course Remains Special

The 26 km point-to-point route from Rapperswil to Zurich presents both physical and mental demands. Athletes must maintain focus, manage energy and adapt to changing conditions over a long period. The scenic Swiss landscape and the historic start and finish locations provide a memorable setting. Reaching the finish line after many hours in the water is always a rewarding experience for participants of every level.

Official Results and Photos

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

Additional photographs and documentation from recent editions can be found through the Sri Chinmoy Races network. Previous race reports and image galleries help place the 2026 performances within the longer history of the event.

Preparation and the Deeper Side of Marathon Swimming

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. Beyond the physical challenge, events of this kind offer participants an opportunity to experience self-transcendence, inner strength and the simple joy of moving through water for extended periods.

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, solid performances and a positive community atmosphere combined to create a memorable day. Congratulations to all solo swimmers, relay athletes, volunteers and organisers who made the event possible.

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.

Video #358: Inspiring Opening of the 3100 Mile Race 2026

Posted on by Yatkara

The 3100 Mile Race 2026 has begun, and this video captures the spirit, determination, and quiet intensity of the world’s longest certified road race. Held once again in Jamaica, Queens, New York, the 30th annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race started on 30 August 2026 and will continue until mid-to-late October. Runners must complete 5,649 laps of a 0.5488-mile (883-metre) city block around Thomas Edison High School, averaging nearly 60 miles (96 km) every day for up to 52 days.

What Makes the 3100 Mile Race 2026 Unique

Unlike conventional ultramarathons that take place on trails or closed courses, the 3100 Mile Race 2026 unfolds on ordinary city streets while traffic and daily life continue around the athletes. The course is a simple rectangle bounded by 164th Place, Abigail Adams Avenue, 168th Street and the Grand Central Parkway. Runners move from 6 a.m. until midnight every day, returning to the same short loop thousands of times.

This format tests far more than physical endurance. It demands extraordinary mental focus, emotional resilience and the ability to find meaning in repetition. Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the race, described the challenge as a laboratory of self-transcendence — the continuous effort to go beyond one’s previous limits.

The 2026 Field of Runners

This year’s field includes several experienced multi-day runners and promising first-timers. Returning champion Andrea Marcato of Italy arrives with six consecutive victories (2020–2025). Can he make it seven in a row? Also on the start line is Vasu Duzhiy, a multiple winner and one of the most prolific finishers in race history with 13 completions. Other notable participants include Wei-Ming Lo (Taiwan), Radu Budan (Moldova), Stutisheel Lebedev (Ukraine), Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (Slovakia), and Prashant Pethe (India).

In the women’s field, Annabel Hepworth (Australia), Nina Huang-Lan Yang (Taiwan/Japan), Nayaja Perugini (Italy). The presence of both seasoned veterans and newcomers adds depth and drama to the 3100 Mile Race 2026.

Early Days and the Daily Reality

In the opening days of the 3100 Mile Race 2026, runners have already begun settling into the unique rhythm of the event. Andrea Marcato has set a strong early pace, while others have chosen a more measured approach, knowing that consistency over seven weeks is more important than any single big day. Temperatures, humidity, and the mental challenge of the repetitive loop all play major roles.

Helpers and volunteers support the athletes with food, drink, clothing changes and encouragement. Many runners also receive quiet inspiration from the Sri Chinmoy community, who sing, meditate and offer presence along the course.

Looking Back: Previous Competitions and Results

The history of the race provides powerful context for the current edition.

  • 2025 Results (29th edition):
    1. Andrea Marcato – 46 days + 16:19:10
    2. Vasu Duzhiy – 48 days + 04:57:52
    3. Mahasatya Janczak – 48 days + 14:37:45
      Full results and daily totals: 2025 Results
  • 2024 Results: Andrea Marcato won again in 43 days + 03:04:06, followed by Ashprihanal Aalto and Wei-Ming Lo.
    See the complete list: 2024 Final Results
  • Complete Historical Results (1997–2025): All Previous Results

Photos and daily documentation from past years remain an essential part of the race’s living archive. Excellent galleries can be found at:

These resources show the evolution of the event, the growth of the athletes, and the quiet beauty that surrounds the extreme effort.

The Spiritual Dimension of Self-Transcendence

Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) created the race not merely as a physical contest but as a vehicle for inner progress. He believed that by pushing the body far beyond ordinary limits, the runner could awaken deeper capacities of the heart and soul. The name “Self-Transcendence” is therefore both descriptive and aspirational.

Runners often speak of the race as a form of moving meditation. The endless looping of the same short block becomes a mirror. Many participants report profound personal insights that remain with them long after the final lap.

Why the 3100 Mile Race Continues to Inspire

Only a few dozen people in history have ever finished the full 3,100 miles. The event remains one of the rarest achievements in endurance sport. Media outlets including the New York Times, BBC, Wall Street Journal and Runner’s World have covered it over the years, often describing it as the “Everest of ultramarathons.”

Yet the race is not about fame. It is about the daily decision to continue — one more lap, one more hour, one more day — when every part of the body and mind asks to stop. That quiet heroism is what Video #358 and the entire 3100 Mile Race 2026 seek to share.

How to Follow the Race Live

Official race website with live scoreboard, daily updates and webcams:

3100.srichinmoyraces.org

Daily reports and videos appear regularly on the Perfection Journey site and the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team channels.

Whether you are a long-time follower of multi-day running or discovering the event for the first time, the 3100 Mile Race 2026 offers a powerful reminder of human possibility. The runners circling that ordinary Queens block are demonstrating, day after day, that limits exist largely in the mind — and that the heart can always reach further.

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.

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.

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.