Tag: running

Video #329: Epic Spirit – Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra 50 km & 100 km

Posted on by Yatkara

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.

Sri Chinmoy Paris Ultra runners on loop course

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

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 #81: New York Post – 3100 Mile Race 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Alex Ramsey crossing the finish line at the 3100 Mile Race 2025

The 3100 Mile Race 2025 recently received coverage in the New York Post following its completion in Queens, New York. Founded in 1801, the New York Post ranks as the third-largest newspaper in the United States by print circulation. Its article highlighted one of the world’s most challenging and unique endurance events. The race, which requires runners to circle a single city block in Queens for 52 days, demonstrates remarkable physical stamina and spiritual perseverance.

You can read the full article here:
World’s longest 3,100-mile marathon is a hellish 50-day loop around a tiny NYC block: ‘eternity’s road’

Highlights from the Race 2025

Additionally, a video featuring highlights from the 3100 Mile Race 2025 offers a vivid glimpse into the runners’ remarkable journey.

You can watch the highlights here: 
Video #323: Highlights of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race 2025

Global Spotlight on Self-Transcendence

The 3100 Mile Race 2025 attracted elite runners from across the globe, each striving to complete an average of 60 miles per day. Importantly, the New York Post article emphasized not only the physical challenge but also the spiritual dimension of the race. It showcased the participants’ extraordinary mental strength, unwavering discipline, and deep devotion. Furthermore, the story highlighted Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy of self-transcendence—the practice of surpassing personal limitations. Consequently, the race serves as an example of how individuals can achieve incredible feats through focus, endurance, and inner commitment.

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin running past the score board during the 3100 Mile Race 2025

2025 Race Results: Ten Runners Complete the Challenge

In 2025, ten dedicated athletes participated, with eight completing the full 3,100 miles. Notably, five of them achieved this feat for the first time, illustrating both perseverance and determination.

Top Finishers:

  • Andrea Marcato (Italy) – 46 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes, 10 seconds
  • Vasu Duzhiy (Russia) – 48 days, 4 hours, 57 minutes, 52 seconds
  • Mahasatya Janzik (USA) – 48 days, 14 hours, 37 minutes, 45 seconds
  • Alex Ramsey (USA) – 50 days, 9 hours, 53 minutes, 11 seconds
  • Adrian Papuc (Romania) – 50 days, 12 hours, 23 minutes, 23 seconds
  • Milan Javornicky (Czech Republic) – 50 days, 15 hours, 53 minutes, 55 seconds
  • Daniela Bojila (Italy/Romania) – 51 days, 8 hours, 17 minutes, 28 seconds
  • Lucong Geng (China) – 51 days, 16 hours, 26 minutes, 57 seconds
  • Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (USA) – 2,829.2 miles
  • Harita Davies (New Zealand) – 2,790.8 miles

Lucong Geng completing the 3100 Mile Race 2025

A Legacy of Inspiration

Over nearly three decades, the 3100 Mile Race has represented the highest ideal of endurance running. Through perseverance and spiritual aspiration, it continues to inspire thousands across the globe. In addition, the recognition by the New York Post reinforces the race’s universal message: every step taken with sincerity can become a journey toward inner peace and oneness. Consequently, the race stands as both a test of physical limits and a celebration of the human spirit.

Explore More

For more information about upcoming events, visit srichinmoyraces.org
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy’s life and philosophy, visit srichinmoy.org

Video #323: Highlights of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Overview of the Race

The Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race 2025 featured ten remarkable runners. Together, they completed 30,419 miles in 52 days. This highlight video captures their extraordinary journey and showcases endurance, focus, and the philosophy of self-transcendence that defines this unique ultramarathon. Moreover, it provides viewers with an inspiring look at human determination.

The Course and Challenge

Runners navigated the 0.5488-mile loop in Queens, New York. Each lap tested both physical stamina and mental strength. In addition, the video shows small moments of rest, their strategies, and the constant effort required to cover nearly 60 miles per day. Meanwhile, viewers can see how each athlete manages fatigue and maintains pace over long hours.

Finish of Mahasatya in the 2025 Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, completing the course in Queens, New York

The Spirit of Self-Transcendence

This race is more than a test of endurance. It is also a path of personal growth. The video highlights the athletes’ discipline and spiritual focus. For example, runners encourage each other, reflect inwardly, and overcome fatigue. Through perseverance, they demonstrate human potential and inner strength.

Global Community and Inspiration

The Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race 2025 attracts runners from around the world. As a result, the video shows athletes from diverse backgrounds united by a shared goal: surpassing their limits. Additionally, the footage conveys how the event inspires viewers to push beyond their own challenges. It is a celebration of commitment, courage, and the pursuit of higher consciousness.

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.

 

 

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 #69: Sri Chinmoy Yarra Boulevard Half Marathon, 10 km & 5 km – Melbourne, Australia

Posted on by Yatkara

On Sunday, 14 September, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Yarra Boulevard Half Marathon, 10 km, and 5 km races were held in Richmond, Melbourne, Australia, along the scenic Yarra Boulevard. The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team organized the event, offering a fast, flat, traffic-free course, perfect for both seasoned runners and newcomers.

Half-marathon runners started with a 1.1 km loop followed by four laps of the 5 km circuit, while the 10 km and 5 km participants completed two laps and one lap, respectively. The event drew a spirited crowd, united by endurance, community, and the joy of running together.

More Information:

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy’s vision and legacy: www.srichinmoy.org.