News #61: Vasanti Niemz Completes 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan in Honor of UN’s 80th Anniversary

On September 12, 2025, Vasanti Niemz, 68, of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, undertook the legendary 28.5-mile 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan, a remarkable journey celebrating 40 years of the SCMT Channel and Marathon Swimming, the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations and its Culture of Peace Program, and 55 years of Peace Meditation at the UN.

Supported by crew members Jamini and Pipasa, and with the Peace Torch on board, Vasanti set out from Pier A, completing the circumnavigation in a stunning 9 hours, 34 minutes, and 7 seconds — several hours ahead of her projected finish time. Her kayak pilot remarked that in all her years of experience, she had never seen such calm conditions under the George Washington Bridge. Throughout the swim, Vasanti dedicated her effort to peace, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, and the spirit of harmony that unites us all.

The next day, Vasanti biked a 20-mile loop around Lower Manhattan and carried the Peace Torch symbolically from the finish of the 20 Bridges swim at Pier A to the United Nations and back. 

Her inspiring journey also points to the upcoming “7 Minutes of Peace” Meditation on Sunday, September 21, at 9:00 a.m. EST, inviting people worldwide to join in a shared moment of reflection and unity.

This extraordinary swim stands as a testament to Vasanti’s endurance, dedication, and heartfelt commitment to peace. 
See also her longer report on: https://www.peacerun.org/us/news/2025/0912/5606/

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

Video #310: First-Ever 6-Day Self-Transcendence Ultra Marathon in Moscow – August 8–14, 2025

The inaugural 6-Day Self-Transcendence Ultra Marathon, organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, took place in Moscow from August 8 to 14, 2025. Held in the serene Voronovo district, athletes circled a picturesque pond with dancing fountains on a certified track that harmoniously blended nature and endurance. Despite challenging weather conditions – including rain, cold, and heat – participants pushed their physical and mental limits, with the top performer covering an impressive 706 km over the six days.

The event also featured shorter formats, including a 3-Day Race, a 48-Hour Race, and a 24-Hour Race, offering accessible entry points for varying endurance levels. A total of 40 runners from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia embarked on this daring multi-day journey, ranging from veteran ultramarathoners to newcomers exploring the limits of the human spirit.

The next 6-Day Self-Transcendence Race is scheduled to be held in Moscow on July 10, 2026.

For registration and details, please contact: +7 916 518-83-19

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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 #309: 10th Self-Transcendence Triathlon 2025 | Elite Races & Young Champions at Vlasina Lake, Serbia

Experience the 10th Self-Transcendence Triathlon at Vlasina Lake, Serbia, held on July 27, 2025. Elite athletes competed in World Triathlon Development Regional Cup sprint races, followed by five more races for participants of all ages, from kids to Olympic-distance triathletes.

The day began with elite sprint races, part of the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup, showcasing outstanding regional talent. Following them, athletes across all ages took on five additional races – from youth categories to the full Olympic-distance triathlon.

A total of around 200 triathletes participated, among them inspiring children, including a 6-year-old competitor!

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

News #58: Sri Chinmoy Marathon at Rockland Lake, New York – August 22, 2025

On Friday, August 22, 2025, the 23rd annual Sri Chinmoy Marathon gathered runners at the picturesque Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, just 45 minutes north of New York City.

The race unfolded over a USATF-certified, flat 2.95-mile loop – a serene and fast “pancake-flat” course that includes one partial and eight full laps to complete the marathon distance.

A total of 325 finishers crossed the line after a beautiful morning of running. The podium was led by:

  • 1st place: Mike Hagen (Franklin, MA) — 2:35:53 (6:00 per mile pace)
  • 2nd: Chase Smith (Stamford, CT) — 2:37:33
  • 3rd: Viktor Tymoshchuk (Brooklyn, NY) — 2:37:44.

Runners were showered with support and encouragement, making the day as much about community and spirit as it was about endurance.

More Information:

For full results and photos: visit the official event page: 3100.srichinmoyraces.org.
To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy’s vision and legacy: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #305: Start of Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race 2025

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race began on Saturday, 30 August 2025, with 10 intrepid runners taking their places at the starting line. Over the next 52 days, these athletes will test the very limits of human endurance in the world’s longest certified footrace.

The atmosphere at the start was filled with excitement, dedication, and quiet determination, as runners set off cheered on by friends, volunteers, and well-wishers. Each step forward is not just a physical effort, but also a journey of the heart — a celebration of self-transcendence.

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.