A Spirit of Self-Transcendence in Paris Woods

The Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra – 50 km & 100 km event on July 19, 2025, was a remarkable celebration of endurance, harmony, and inner strength in the beautiful Bois de Vincennes. At 8:00 AM, 47 ultrarunners began the 100 km race, looping through a 1,589 m circuit of shaded woodland and paved paths. Later in the morning, 69 athletes set out for the 50 km, and by the end, 60 runners crossed the finish line, a testament to both physical stamina and spiritual resilience. 

This year’s edition brought fresh changes: the race village was relocated, and the loop was extended by approximately 280 meters, introducing a new turnaround that challenged participants to adapt with grace.  Though weather forecasts hinted at both heat and storms, nature remained calm for most of the day. A gentle evening rain greeted runners at the end — quietly poetic, almost like a blessing for their efforts. 

The Heart of the Race: More Than Distance

Watching the slideshow, you’ll feel more than just the rhythm of feet on pavement — you’ll sense a shared journey. There are scenes of runners rounding the loop, strong but humble, faces marked by effort and inner calm. Aid stations offer water, energy drinks, and fresh fruit, while volunteers cheer, encouraging each lap with warmth. 

What makes this event so special is the mix of experience: elite ultrarunners standing alongside veteran runners in their 60s and even 70s, all united by a deeper drive than speed alone. This isn’t just a competition — it’s a community of self-transcendence, a place where the personal challenge becomes a spiritual practice.

Reflections & Meaning

If we run, we see our capacities becoming fully manifested. … But when we run, we bring to the fore our hidden capacities and are able to do something and become something

— Sri Chinmoy, The outer running and the inner running

This race, and this video, embody that truth. Every step, every loop, every quiet moment in the woods feels like an offering — not just to the finish line, but to something greater within.

For those who want to dive deeper into the event, check out News #53 (posted  August 11, 2025).

Why This Video Matters

This video isn’t just a recap — it’s a meditation in motion. It invites you into a space where every lap becomes a moment of reflection, and every runner’s effort is a silent prayer. If you’ve followed Sri Chinmoy’s races before, or are discovering them for the first time, this is a powerful reminder of what true endurance looks like — not just in miles, but in spirit.

Photos, Results, and Event Highlights

• Event Details & Course Overview — full description of the format, support, and logistics
• Complete Final Results — rankings and finish times (PDF)
• Race-Day Photo Gallery — visual highlights from the event

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

• Explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races and results: www.srichinmoyraces.org
• Learn about Sri Chinmoy’s life and teachings: www.srichinmoy.org

The post Video #329: Epic Spirit – Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra 50 km & 100 km appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.

On July 19, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team brought together ultrarunners for the 50 km and 100 km races at the scenic Bois de Vincennes in Paris. The race village was relocated this year, and the course was extended by approximately 280 m to include a turnaround, presenting new challenges handled with resilience and determination.

At 8:00 AM, 47 athletes set off for the 100 km, navigating a flat, partially shaded 1.589 m loop amid woodland paths. The 50 km saw a remarkable 69 starters and an impressive 60 finishers. Despite changing weather forecasts—from heat to potential storms – the skies largely held until a light evening rain added intrigue at the finish.

Outstanding performances included fast-paced wins in both distances and inspiring results across several age categories, including veterans and septuagenarians. The strong turnout and personal triumphs made the event truly memorable.

Quick Access Links:

• Event Details & Course Overview — full description of the format, support, and logistics
• Complete Final Results — rankings and finish times (PDF)
• Race-Day Photo Gallery — visual highlights from the event

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

The post News #53: Sri Chinmoy 50 km & 100 km – Paris, Bois de Vincennes – July 19, 2025 appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.

A weekend of endurance, heart, and quiet determination unfolded at Rockland Lake State Park, as runners from across the region gathered for the Sri Chinmoy 12‑Hour, 24‑Hour, and Midnight Marathon.

Set on a peaceful 2.95-mile loop near New York City, this year’s race saw its largest turnout yet. Rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the participants or the devotion of the volunteers who kept the course flowing smoothly through the night and into the next day.

Top Finishers:
• 24‑Hour (Men’s): François Decelles (Canada) – 114.99 miles
• 24‑Hour (Women’s): Gesiane Nascimento (NY) – 101.41 miles
• 12‑Hour (Men’s): Adrian Fernandez (NY/NJ) – 76.06 miles
• 12‑Hour (Women’s): Taylor Lippolis (NY) – 57.18 miles
• Midnight Marathon (Men’s): Yoseph Levin (NY) – 2:55:16 (new course record)
• Midnight Marathon (Women’s): Meghann Chyla (NY) – 4:56:48

Explore more info below:
• Race Info & Event Overview
• Official Race Results
• Free photo gallery with bib-tagged images

A heartfelt thank-you to all runners and volunteers for making this weekend an inspiring celebration of endurance, unity, and heartfelt achievement. We can’t wait to gather again under the stars at Rockland Lake!

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

The post Video #294: Sri Chinmoy 12‑Hour, 24‑Hour & Midnight Marathon – Rockland Lake, NY, June 7–8, 2025 appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.

The second race of the Oxford Self-Transcendence Summer Series took place on Monday, 19 May 2025, at the scenic Cutteslowe Park. It was a beautiful spring evening that welcomed a strong turnout of 168 runners—113 men and 55 women—eager to challenge themselves and enjoy the spirit of friendly competition.

In the men’s race, Matthew Lock of Witney Road Runners claimed first place with an impressive time of 15:15, just ahead of his teammate and the previous race winner, Max Cunningham, who clocked in at 15:52. On the women’s side, Jamie Garry of Oxford City AC led the field with a strong 20:09 finish, while Harriet Howard, also from Witney Road Runners, followed closely in 20:33.

The event was the second in a three-part Grand Prix series. With some runners tied on points, the final race on 2 June promises to be a thrilling conclusion. Tiebreakers will be based on the number of races completed and the fastest times in the upcoming race, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.

For full results and more details, visit the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team UK website:
Race details | Results

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

The post News #27: Sri Chinmoy 3-Mile Race – Oxford appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.

Since 1985, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has been humbly offering the 10-Day and 6-Day Races at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York, inspired by the blessingful encouragement of Sri Chinmoy. These ultra-distance races are more than athletic feats—they are powerful journeys of self-transcendence, where the soul leads and the body joyfully follows.

Run and become.
Become and run.
Run to succeed in the outer world.
Become to proceed in the inner world.”
— Sri Chinmoy

This year’s races drew participants from an inspiring total of 23 countries, uniting hearts from around the globe in the spirit of oneness and inner progress:

🌎 3-Day Race: 14 participants from 7 countries
🇷🇺 Russia · 🇨🇿 Czech Republic · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · 🇺🇦 Ukraine

🌍 6-Day Race: 8 participants from 8 countries
🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇲🇰 Macedonia · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · 🇳🇴 Norway · 🇵🇱 Poland · 🇲🇳 Mongolia · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇫🇷 France

🌏 10-Day Race: 29 participants from 16 countries
🇵🇱 Poland · 🇨🇳 China · 🇨🇿 Czech Republic · 🇲🇳 Mongolia · 🇮🇳 India · 🇳🇴 Norway · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇭🇺 Hungary · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇮🇹 Italy · 🇸🇰 Slovakia · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇷🇴 Romania · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇸🇬 Singapore

Together, these 51 runners represented a vibrant mosaic of 23 nations, each soul running with purpose, peace, and determination.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers whose cheerful dedication and tireless service helped create such a peaceful, uplifting atmosphere. The spirit of harmony and aspiration could truly be felt in every moment—early morning silence, evening cheer, and every step in between.

With deepest appreciation to all who made this soulful experience possible.

• Click here for full Race details
• Browse the inspiring Race Photos
• Learn more about 3/6/10 Day Race

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

The post Video #281: Completion of the 2025 Sri Chinmoy 3/6/10-Day Races – New York appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.

On March 9, nearly 300 runners gathered in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, to take on the 5K & 7-Mile races. Despite the chilly weather, the sun was shining, and the energy was high as participants pushed through the course with determination and enthusiasm.

The event brought together runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to those looking to challenge themselves in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere. The scenic route through the park made for a memorable race, and the cheers from spectators added to the excitement.

Here are the links into

• Results: See here
• Photos: View gallery
• More info: Learn more

A big congratulations to all the runners who braved the cold and gave their best effort! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next race.

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

The post News #14: Sri Chinmoy 5K & 7-Mile Race – Prospect Park, Brooklyn appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.

To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

The post Video #156: Sri Chinmoy Races 2018 & 2019 – Albufeira, Portugal appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.

To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

The post Video #155: Sri Chinmoy Swim & Run Race (January 2, 2019 – Albufeira, Portugal) appeared first on Sri Chinmoy Inspiration-Heart-World.