Category: Ultra Races

News #90: Discover Sri Chinmoy and the Legendary 3,100-Mile Race

Posted on by Yatkara

A recent feature article in Marathon Runner magazine, Russia’s leading publication for running enthusiasts with a readership of 40,000, delves into the life and philosophy of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT), and the inspiration behind the world’s longest certified footrace – the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race.

⸻

English Translation:

Sri Chinmoy: The Story and Philosophy of the Founder of the 3,100-Mile Race

By Irina Kebo – 10/31/2025

The name of Sri Chinmoy, the 20th-century philosopher and humanist, has appeared often in Marathoner magazine. Many of his students call him “Teacher” and proudly belong to the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team.

Nikolai Duzhiy runs the astonishing Self-Transcendence Race in New York every year – a nearly 5,000 km (3,100 miles) race over 51 days. He has won it three times (2013, 2017, 2018) and is a consistent finisher.

Svetlana Khisamutdinova ran her first marathon at age 50. Now over 80, she amazes thousands with her energy and ability to run not just tens, but hundreds of kilometers. Her track record includes countless marathons, ultramarathons, and multi-day races.

These athletes are students of Sri Chinmoy, but who was their mentor? Let’s get to know him and his philosophy – not just about running, but about life itself.

Who is Sri Chinmoy?

Born on August 27, 1931, in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), he was the youngest of seven children and named Chinmoy Kumar Ghose. “Sri” is an honorific, showing respect to a spiritual teacher.

Chinmoy lost his parents as a teenager. From an early age, he showed talent in sports and creativity, which later flourished in many areas:

• Music: He composed over 23,000 songs in languages including Sanskrit, Bengali, English, and French. Some are short mantras; others honor countries, landmarks, and individuals who contributed to humanity. He mastered dozens of instruments, including piano, organ, flute, cello, and the Indian bowed esraj, and gave hundreds of free concerts worldwide –sometimes playing 15 to 20 instruments in a single performance. His largest audience was over 19,000 in Montreal, 2000.

• Painting: Chinmoy created millions of drawings and paintings, often abstract, vibrant, and harmonious. He called his style Jharna Kala (“Fountain of Art”). Birds often appear in his work, symbolizing peace, freedom, and the soul’s aspirations. His artwork has been exhibited globally, from JFK Airport to the UN Secretariat and the Museum of Contemporary History in Russia.

• Literature: A prolific writer, Chinmoy wrote poems, essays, short stories, plays, and commentaries on Plato, Mozart, and Dostoevsky. Over 1,600 works have been published. His main themes include self-knowledge, harmony, and human values. He lectured at universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard, and Moscow State University. He received awards such as the UN Society of Writers’ Award for Excellence and the Gandhi Peace Prize.

Despite his artistic and literary achievements, Chinmoy is best remembered as a humanist, philosopher, and advocate for peace and unity, admired by figures like Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Princess Diana. He passed away in October 2007, leaving behind a rich legacy in art, music, literature, and human inspiration.

Sri Chinmoy’s Philosophy

Sri Chinmoy taught that everyone has the right to life, freedom, happiness, and the development of spiritual and physical potential. His works express love for the world and for each individual.

Don’t try to change the world. You will fail. Try to love the world. And look! The world has changed forever.
– Sri Chinmoy

He encouraged overcoming the ego, cultivating compassion, and seeking harmony within oneself. True happiness comes from love and inner balance, which exists in everyone, though not all find it.

Athletic Achievements

Chinmoy led an active life: he was a competitive athlete, weightlifter, tennis enthusiast, and long-distance runner. He completed 22 marathons and 5 ultramarathons. He also organized the Harmony Run, a global torch relay symbolizing unity and peace. Since 1987, participants have covered over 650,000 km across 155 countries. The torch has even reached space, the North Pole, and Mount Elbrus.

The Self-Transcendence Race

Known as the “Everest of ultramarathons,” this race is 3,100 miles (4,988 km) long. Participants run an 883-meter loop in Queens, New York, daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, with 51 days to finish. Daily distances range from 70 to 100 km, supported with food, massages, and medical care.

The race tests mental resilience as much as physical stamina. In 2025, Andrea Marcato of Italy won in 46 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes, and 8 seconds, while Nikolai Duzhiy, at age 59, finished second in 48 days, 4 hours, 57 minutes, 52 seconds – his 13th participation. Only a few runners have ever finished; the race embodies the human spirit’s limitless potential.

Just as a bird needs two wings to fly, a person needs harmony between body and spirit.
– Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

Although Sri Chinmoy is no longer alive, the team he founded in 1977 continues organizing ultra-distance races worldwide. Team members pursue ambitious goals in running, swimming, mountaineering, and other challenges, striving for progress in both the outer and inner worlds.

Run to achieve success in the outer world. Reach to make progress in the inner world.
– Sri Chinmoy

⸻

For those interested in exploring the profound connection between running and spiritual growth, the full article offers an in-depth perspective. While currently available in Russian, its insights transcend language barriers, resonating with readers worldwide.

Learn More and Explore Resources

To find out more, visit the official website: www.3100.srichinmoyraces.org. 
For more information about races, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #89: Anne Kadet’s 3100 Mile Race Article “Running in Circles for 3100 Miles!”

Posted on by Yatkara

Participants starting the 3100 Mile Race around Thomas A. Edison High School, Queens

Journalist Anne Kadet recently travelled to Queens, New York, to cover the remarkable Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race. She shared her reflections in an insightful Substack article titled “Running in Circles for 3100 Miles!”

🔗 Read the full story

In her account, Kadet captures the quiet yet powerful atmosphere of this unique event. Only ten runners take part. There are no road closures, no crowds—just a few volunteers and local supporters cheering on the edges of a high-school block. Yet, despite its simplicity, the race radiates a deep spiritual energy.

Voices from the track:

  • Alex Ramsey (USA) finds “joy and newness in each lap,” even after circling the same route thousands of times.
  • Arpan D’Angelo, a volunteer, compares the loop to the rhythm of the cosmos: “That route is like the motion of the moon and of atoms. That’s how the universe works.”
  • Rupantar La Russo, the race director, explains: “The mind says, ‘3100 miles? You’re kidding me?’ But when you go beyond the mind and into the heart, nothing is impossible.”
  • Harita Davies, the only New Yorker in the race, adds: “You have to live it one day at a time. The world badly needs inspiration.”

As Kadet observes, the run becomes meditation in motion. Repetition turns into spiritual discipline, and endurance becomes an inner practice. A simple block in Queens transforms into a pathway of insight and self-discovery.

Although Kadet admits she could never run 3100 miles herself, the runners’ determination inspires her belief that “I, too, can accomplish whatever I truly feel inspired to do – even if my mind says it’s impossible.”

Discovering Inner Strength through Outer Pathways

This story is far more than a race report. It reveals how ordinary streets can become sacred ground and how perseverance opens the heart to transformation. Whether you run, meditate, or simply seek inspiration, the 3100 Mile Race shows that what seems impossible may, in truth, mark the beginning of a deeper journey.

More Information & Resources

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

News #87: Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ – 50/100 km Races

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners at the start of the Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ 2025

Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ – A Celebration of Endurance and Spirit

The Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ returned on November 2, 2025, to Hagley Park North in Christchurch, New Zealand. This inspiring event once again united competitive spirit with the deeper philosophy of self-transcendence. It also served as the Athletics New Zealand 100 km National Championships, drawing runners from across the country and abroad. The atmosphere combined the focus of a national title race with the warmth and joy that define Sri Chinmoy’s sporting legacy.

Remarkable 100 km Performances

In the women’s 100 km, Konoka Azumi (Owairaka Athletics, AUK) achieved a new course record of 8:15:12, surpassing the previous mark by only nine seconds. Meanwhile, Ben Taylor (North Canterbury Athletics) won the men’s event in 9:10:18. George Young and George Mills followed close behind, both showing remarkable consistency and endurance.

Exciting 50 km Races

In the 50 km distance, Vajin Armstrong (Christchurch, CAN) led the men’s race, finishing in 3:16:23 and missing the course record by less than a minute. Mat Wiseman (Christchurch, CAN) was an early leader but was overtaken by Vajin in the final kilometers. David Shadbolt (Rolleston, CAN) finished third. In the women’s 50 km, Hannah Oldroyd (Kaiapoi, CAN) triumphed with 3:23:09, improving her own 2023 best, while Siobhan Griffiths (Rotorua, BOP) and Natasha Demster (Christchurch, CAN) completed the top three. These races highlighted both physical endurance and the inner calm that comes from focusing beyond personal limits.

Vajin Armstrong running during the 50 km race, later becoming the winner, at the Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ 2025 in Christchurch

Relay Highlights and Team Spirit

Another highlight of the day was the 100 km 4-person relay. The winning team, Motus Rollston, finished in 7:34:16. They were followed by Four of a Kind and Sports Doctors. The relay brought an atmosphere of excitement and unity, where each runner’s effort contributed to the shared success of the team. Runners shared smiles, teamwork, and steady encouragement throughout the day.

Atmosphere and Reflections

Throughout the event, Hagley Park glowed under clear spring skies. Gentle sunshine, green trees, and cheering supporters created a peaceful yet vibrant setting. Many runners described entering a calm, steady rhythm where every lap became a simple act of mindfulness. As the day ended, athletes, volunteers, and families gathered at the Lotus Heart Indian Vegetarian Restaurant to celebrate achievements and share stories.

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 #85: VIII Self-Transcendence 6-Hour Race – San Vito di Gaggiano, Italy

Posted on by Yatkara

Participants running the Self-Transcendence 6 Hour Race at San Vito di Gaggiano 2025

The Self-Transcendence 6-Hour Race returned on October 19, 2025, to San Vito di Gaggiano, offering athletes a unique endurance challenge along the scenic Bosco dei Cento Passi loop. Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, this annual event draws runners seeking not only to test their physical limits but also to explore the deeper spirit of self-transcendence through movement and mindful perseverance.

Pushing beyond limits, step by step

The race is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of human determination, patience, and inner focus. Participants ranged from seasoned ultra-athletes to first-time entrants pursuing personal milestones. Lap after lap, runners found a rhythm that was both meditative and physically demanding. The quiet forest trail, dotted with golden autumn leaves, offered a serene backdrop, encouraging reflection and a sense of harmony with nature. Each stride became a dialogue between body and mind, fatigue and resolve, effort and awareness.

Remarkable achievements and inspiring moments

While the event emphasizes personal growth, exceptional performances stood out. One female runner covered 67.116 km in six hours, a testament to endurance, pacing, and consistency. Yet, beyond the statistics, the race shone in the small, human moments: a runner encouraging a neighbor to keep going, volunteers offering words of support, and spectators cheering quietly along the trail. These gestures embodied the race’s ethos—self-transcendence is as much about shared experience as it is about individual effort.

A community of support and connection

The looped course created a sense of unity. The shared energy of participants, volunteers, pacers, and spectators transformed the forest into a space of encouragement and reflection. Many runners commented on how the autumn scenery, gentle trails, and collective spirit made each lap both challenging and uplifting. The finish line marked not just physical achievement but a moment of personal insight, gratitude, and joy.

Official results and further information

Video #326: Vienna to Paris 2019 – Shamita Achenbach-König’s 1,200 km Ultra Solo Run

Posted on by Yatkara

Introduction

In early 2019, Shamita Achenbach-König completed an extraordinary 1,200 km solo run from Vienna to Paris over 16 days. A cellist from Vienna and an ultra-runner for over 25 years, Shamita approached this journey as both a physical and spiritual challenge. Inspired by Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy, she embraced long-distance running as a form of meditation, self-reflection, and connection with the heart and soul.

Shamita ran the equivalent of two marathons each day, facing harsh weather, low temperatures, and challenging terrain. Her dedicated support crew from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team helped her stay positive and focused, while minor injuries and obstacles became opportunities to practice patience, perseverance, and mindfulness.

This journey highlights how ultra-distance running can serve as a spiritual path. Shamita’s run from Vienna to Paris exemplifies self-transcendence, inner strength, and harmony between body, mind, and soul.

Reflections and Spiritual Journey

During the 16-day adventure, Shamita combined endurance with meditation, viewing each step as part of a larger inner journey. She demonstrates how aspiration, focus, and persistence can transform physical challenges into profound personal growth. Her experience shows that long-distance running can be a doorway to peace and spiritual insight.

Shamita’s 2025 Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo

Shamita Achenbach-König running during her solo run Vienna to Oslo 2025

Building on her 2019 journey, Shamita’s 2025 solo run from Vienna to Oslo covered 2,000 km over 19 days, running 80–90 km per day for up to 14 hours daily. Along the way, she climbed more than 6,300 meters, traversing hills and small mountains across six countries: Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. This latest adventure demonstrates her continued dedication to long-distance running as a spiritual practice, combining endurance, self-discipline, and meditation.

For more details on Shamita’s 2025 solo journey from Vienna to Oslo: Shamita’s 2025 Solo Run

Explore More

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