Tag: self-transcendence

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

Posted on by Yatkara

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.

 

News #93: Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra – A Day of Endurance, Teamwork and Inspiration

Posted on by Yatkara

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon took place across Canberra on Sunday, 9 November 2025. The event brought together solo athletes and relay teams for one of Australia’s most inspiring endurance races. Now in its 28th year, the Triple-Tri once again turned Canberra’s lakes, hills, and trails into a joyful celebration of fitness, friendship, and self-transcendence.

Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025 – A Day of Endless Challenges and Triumphs

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon combines three complete triathlons into one continuous course. Competitors swim, cycle, and run around Canberra’s natural landscapes – Lake Ginninderra, Lake Burley Griffin, and Lake Tuggeranong. Together, these stages cover more than 200 kilometres. The event demands strength, focus, and resilience. However, it also offers an experience of oneness, as solo athletes and relay teams encourage one another throughout the day.

Conditions were ideal. Cool air and calm water made for fast times. Moreover, volunteers and spectators filled each transition zone, cheering athletes onward and creating an uplifting atmosphere from start to finish.

About Sri Chinmoy

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon is inspired by Sri Chinmoy, a spiritual leader and athlete who promoted self-transcendence through running, meditation, and sports. He believed that physical endurance and inner growth go hand in hand, encouraging athletes to push beyond perceived limits while cultivating joy, focus, and perseverance. Learn more about his life and philosophy here.

The real voyage is not to the finish line, but to the deeper self you discover along the way.

– Sri Chinmoy

Solo Athletes: A Close Finish and Historic Performances

The solo division produced one of the most dramatic finishes in Triple-Tri history. Jonathan Grady built an early lead after the second swim and held it to the end, winning in 12 hours 51 minutes 36 seconds.

Behind him, an intense contest unfolded. David Baldwin, returning after several years away, surged through the final run to claim second overall in 12 hours 52 minutes 21 seconds, only a minute behind Grady. Just seconds later, Blake Fretwell crossed the line in 12 hours 52 minutes 52 seconds, taking third place overall and second in the Male Under 50 category. Three finishers within two minutes offered a remarkable display of endurance and determination.

Meanwhile, multiple champion Julie Quinn returned to her favourite course. She set a new F50+ record of 12 hours 54 minutes 48 seconds, reaffirming her title as the “Queen of the Triple-Tri.” Her calm focus and smooth consistency inspired everyone who watched.

Team Divisions: Strength in Unity

The team divisions highlighted the joy of collaboration. In the All-Female Teams of Three, the veteran “Spring Chickens” – Sam Reinhardt, Cristy Henderson, and Susie Kluth – completed the course in 12 hours 27 minutes 09 seconds, setting a new record for their category.

The Open Teams of Three saw “Stuffed Puffs” – Ben Buchler, David Osmond, and Adrian Sheppard – retain their crown with 10 hours 18 minutes 26 seconds. Furthermore, “Geriathletes” finished next in 10 hours 40 minutes 24 seconds, followed by “The Diggers” in 11 hours 05 minutes 46 seconds.

Among the Teams of Four to Nine, “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost” claimed line honours with 9 hours 38 minutes 08 seconds, winning by a wide margin. “Triple Threat” took second in 10 hours 30 minutes 27 seconds, and “Bilby Baggins” secured third in 10 hours 36 minutes 01 second.

In addition, the All-Female Team of Nine, “Giant Wollongong,” finished strongly in 11 hours 58 minutes 44 seconds. Two youth-dominated teams, “Majura Machines” and “We Don’t Want Cramps,” impressed everyone with their energy and teamwork, showing promise for the future of endurance sport in Canberra.

Community, Volunteers, and Spirit

Every athlete’s success was supported by a large team of volunteers. They staffed checkpoints, prepared food, and guided participants across the trails. Their cheerfulness and care created the welcoming atmosphere that defines the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon. Therefore, this event is not only about competition – it also celebrates cooperation, gratitude, and joy.

The organisers expressed heartfelt thanks to the Canberra community for its hospitality and support. As a result, the race continues to grow in spirit and reputation, remaining a highlight of the Australian endurance calendar.

Results & Event Info – Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025

Full Results:

Additional Resources:

Reflection

The Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon 2025 once again celebrated endurance, teamwork, and the human spirit. It reminded all participants that perseverance is built through inner faith and steady progress.

When you challenge your limits, you discover that your only real limit is your lack of faith in yourself.

– Sri Chinmoy

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

 

News #92: Inspiring Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race in San Diego 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Two runners holding awards and medals in front of a results board at the Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race in San Diego 2025

The San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race returned to Lake Miramar on November 9, 2025, bringing together 52 runners and walkers, ranging in age from 16 to 89, for a truly inspiring day of determination, joy, and self-transcendence. Under the bright and warming morning sun, participants embraced the six-hour challenge with unwavering energy and camaraderie, fully embodying the spirit of Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events. This year’s race was not only a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of personal growth, friendship, and the joy of running.

Race Overview

Participants completed multiple 5-mile loops around the scenic Lake Miramar course. Extra mileage was earned by visiting one of three outpost aid stations, each staffed by enthusiastic volunteers providing water, fruit, and encouragement. In addition to tracking distance, the stations encouraged runners to pause, refocus, and push past mental limits. Each lap became more than a physical challenge—it became a journey of self-discovery and inner strength.

Notable Performances

This year, the San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race showcased remarkable performances across all age groups.

  • In the men’s division, Jose Herrera (27) achieved an impressive 45 miles, earning his third consecutive victory since the race’s debut in 2023. His consistency and endurance continue to inspire both new and returning participants.

  • First-time female competitor Fontayne Washington covered 37.5 miles, placing 4th overall. Her performance highlighted the growing diversity and talent in the race, demonstrating that dedication and preparation can overcome any challenge.

  • Veteran runner Piotr Jek (57) completed 41 miles, finishing 2nd overall and first in the Men’s 50–59 category. His achievement shows that age is no barrier to excellence, particularly in an event emphasizing personal growth and perseverance.

Results & Event Info 

  • View the Full Race Results here
  • See Race Photos here
  • Check the Event Page here

Special Moments and Community Spirit

Beyond the impressive distances, the event offered memorable moments that celebrated community and resilience. Winners received giant homemade apple pies from Jyoti-Bihanga Vegetarian Restaurant, along with free meal certificates. Goody baskets were provided for all category winners, ensuring that every participant left with a token of accomplishment.

Meanwhile, a curious and unexpected visitor – a rattlesnake – appeared near the race staging area early in the morning. Safely behind a fence, it stayed for hours, observing the runners with quiet patience. Its presence added a touch of excitement and a reminder of the unpredictability of nature, perfectly complementing the race’s message of persistence and awareness.

Runner Experiences and Reflections

Participants completed the race with determination and perseverance, supporting one another throughout the six-hour challenge. Many shared smiles and encouragement at the aid stations, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and community that defined the San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race. Families, friends, and volunteers played a vital role in cheering the runners, assisting at aid stations, and keeping spirits high throughout the day. The combination of personal effort and community support made the event both meaningful and unforgettable.

Looking Forward to 2026

The San Diego Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race 2025 was a resounding success, and organizers are already looking ahead to the 2026 edition, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026. Whether you are a seasoned ultrarunner or a first-time participant, the race promises another day of endurance, camaraderie, and inspiration.

A day of determination, smiles, and shared achievement reminds us of Sri Chinmoy’s timeless message: “Run and become. Become and run.” This philosophy continues to resonate through every lap, every mile, and every personal victory.

Learn More and Get Involved

 

News #89: Anne Kadet’s 3100 Mile Race Article “Running in Circles for 3100 Miles!”

Posted on by Yatkara

Participants starting the 3100 Mile Race around Thomas A. Edison High School, Queens

Journalist Anne Kadet recently travelled to Queens, New York, to cover the remarkable Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race. She shared her reflections in an insightful Substack article titled “Running in Circles for 3100 Miles!”

🔗 Read the full story

In her account, Kadet captures the quiet yet powerful atmosphere of this unique event. Only ten runners take part. There are no road closures, no crowds—just a few volunteers and local supporters cheering on the edges of a high-school block. Yet, despite its simplicity, the race radiates a deep spiritual energy.

Voices from the track:

  • Alex Ramsey (USA) finds “joy and newness in each lap,” even after circling the same route thousands of times.
  • Arpan D’Angelo, a volunteer, compares the loop to the rhythm of the cosmos: “That route is like the motion of the moon and of atoms. That’s how the universe works.”
  • Rupantar La Russo, the race director, explains: “The mind says, ‘3100 miles? You’re kidding me?’ But when you go beyond the mind and into the heart, nothing is impossible.”
  • Harita Davies, the only New Yorker in the race, adds: “You have to live it one day at a time. The world badly needs inspiration.”

As Kadet observes, the run becomes meditation in motion. Repetition turns into spiritual discipline, and endurance becomes an inner practice. A simple block in Queens transforms into a pathway of insight and self-discovery.

Although Kadet admits she could never run 3100 miles herself, the runners’ determination inspires her belief that “I, too, can accomplish whatever I truly feel inspired to do – even if my mind says it’s impossible.”

Discovering Inner Strength through Outer Pathways

This story is far more than a race report. It reveals how ordinary streets can become sacred ground and how perseverance opens the heart to transformation. Whether you run, meditate, or simply seek inspiration, the 3100 Mile Race shows that what seems impossible may, in truth, mark the beginning of a deeper journey.

More Information & Resources

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

News #88: Unlock Inner Peace at Dublin’s Festival of Meditation – 20–31 October 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Information for Dublin Meditation Festival, 20–31 October 2025

From 20 to 31 October 2025, over 600 participants gathered in Dublin for the annual Festival of Meditation, organised by the Dublin Sri Chinmoy Centre at the Carmelite Community Centre. This two-week festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore inner peace, mindfulness, and spiritual growth.

Two Weeks of Discovery and Calm

Each evening, starting at 18:30, featured guided meditation, masterclasses, mantra music, and workshops. These sessions aimed to bring stillness and reflection into daily life. For example, participants explored Silence in Music & Meditation, Self-Transcendence, Sport & Meditation, and From Ego-Loneliness to Oneness-Happiness. Furthermore, weekends and evenings offered intensive opportunities, including a multi-night course for deeper practice.

Program Highlights

  • Mon 20 Oct: Opening masterclass — Three Ways to Reach the Highest in Meditation – and One Essential Secret You’ll Need to Start!
  • Tue 21 Oct: Silence in Music and Meditation — exploring how sound and stillness meet.
  • Wed 22 Oct: Self-Transcendence, Sport & Meditation — linking physical performance with spiritual growth.
  • Thu 23 Oct: From Ego-Loneliness to Oneness-Happiness — bridging isolation and connection.
  • Fri 24 Oct: Mantric Music Evening — a concert of meditation music.
  • Sat 25 Oct: Introduction to Meditation Workshop — perfect for beginners and returners alike.
  • Tue 28–Fri 31 Oct: Four-night intensive meditation course for committed practitioners.

A Warm Community Experience

Attendees described the atmosphere as friendly, inclusive, and inspiring. Beginners felt welcomed, while long-time meditators discovered fresh insights. The Centre emphasises that meditation is not an escape, but a practical way of living with more presence, service, and heart.

Embracing Inner Peace

In today’s fast-paced world, the Festival of Meditation Dublin provided a rare pause for reflection. Whether attendees came seeking clarity, stress relief, or simply a new experience, the event encouraged everyone to step into stillness, rediscover joy, and connect deeply with themselves and others.

More Details

Explore More

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