Tag: NY

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

Posted on by Yatkara

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.

News #24: Sri Chinmoy 5K, Half-Marathon & Relay – Flushing Meadows, NY | May 10, 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

On Saturday, May 10th, Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York, came alive with the spirit of joy, determination, and community as runners of all levels took part in the annual Sri Chinmoy 5K, Half-Marathon & Relay.

Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in collaboration with NYC Parks, the event featured a scenic, USATF-certified course winding through the park’s most iconic landmarks—including the Unisphere and Queens Zoo. The flat, fast loop provided the perfect setting for personal bests and peaceful miles alike.

Participants were treated to thoughtful race-day touches such as custom t-shirts, finisher medals, aid stations every mile, and a post-race pancake breakfast—creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

Congratulations to all the runners and heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who made the day so special!

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

 

News #20: Finish of the 3-Day Race – New York

Posted on by Yatkara

Congratulations to all 14 runners from 7 countries—Russia, Czech Republic, USA, Finland, Canada, Switzerland, and Ukraine – who completed the 3-Day Race at noon on April 22nd at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York City.
A heartfelt bravo to each participant for their dedication and endurance!

For information on other races around the world, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org

Video #265: Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race – Past and Present

Posted on by Yatkara

This video takes you on a journey through the world’s longest certified footrace, the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race. Featuring rare footage from 2006 and 2007, when Sri Chinmoy personally visited the race, as well as highlights from the 2024 edition, it captures the spirit of endurance, perseverance, and self-transcendence.

With interviews, race moments, and inspiring music, this video offers a glimpse into the history and evolution of this extraordinary event.

  • Video Footage by: Tejvan (2024), Utpal (Suprabha interview), Mridanga (2006/2007)
  • Photos by: Pulak, Maral, Dhanu, Piyasi & Sri Chinmoy Centre Galleries
  • Music by: Parichayaka

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.