News #104: Sri Chinmoy Christmas Dash – Christchurch, NZ

Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Christmas Dash 2025 – 10km and Kids 3.2km

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Christmas Dash – 10 km & Kids 3.2 km brought runners, families, and supporters to South Hagley Park in Christchurch on 30 November 2025. This festive event blended athletic challenge with community joy, encouraging participants to embrace self-improvement through movement and shared celebration.

Throughout the morning, athletes enjoyed a flat three-lap 10 km route while younger runners completed a single 3.2 km loop. Early arrivals warmed up near Deans Ave and Riccarton Ave before making their way to the start line. Thanks to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, newcomers and experienced runners alike felt welcomed and supported.


On the Course: 10 km & Kids 3.2 km

South Hagley Park provided an ideal setting for the event. The entire course stayed within the park’s pathways, allowing runners to share the space with walkers, families, and cyclists. Because the area stayed open to the public, the race naturally gained a cheerful, community-focused feel.

Adults and teens raced the main 10 km distance, while children took part in the shorter 3.2 km dash. Parents were allowed to accompany their kids, which made the event even more inclusive. Festive outfits, friendly encouragement, and post-race smiles added warmth to the entire morning. As finishers crossed the line, volunteers and supporters offered applause, creating a joyful closing to the running season.


Results – Full Finish Times

The 2025 edition included personal bests and strong performances from athletes of many age groups. Each finisher contributed to the uplifting spirit that defines the Christmas Dash.

Complete results for all runners are available in the official results file: Results PDF


Photo Gallery – Highlights from the Event

These photos show runners of all ages giving their best, celebrating with family, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Experience the race through our lens: View Gallery


Why the Dash Matters

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Christmas Dash reflects the philosophy of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team: progress through consistent effort and joy. Unlike races focused solely on competition, this event invites everyone — regardless of pace — to participate, improve, and feel uplifted.    

For many runners, it serves as a meaningful end-of-year challenge. For children, it may be the start of a lifelong love for running. And for families, it becomes a shared tradition filled with encouragement and warmth.


Other Sri Chinmoy NZ Events

Throughout 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team held several events across New Zealand. Earlier in the year, Christchurch hosted the Self-Transcendence 100 km & 50 km Ultras, offering a demanding endurance challenge. The Spring Half Marathon & 10 km also drew many runners seeking personal progress. Additional local races supported community participation and fitness throughout the year.


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

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.