Tag: self-transcendence

News #87: Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ – 50/100 km Races

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners at the start of the Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ 2025

Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ – A Celebration of Endurance and Spirit

The Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ returned on November 2, 2025, to Hagley Park North in Christchurch, New Zealand. This inspiring event once again united competitive spirit with the deeper philosophy of self-transcendence. It also served as the Athletics New Zealand 100 km National Championships, drawing runners from across the country and abroad. The atmosphere combined the focus of a national title race with the warmth and joy that define Sri Chinmoy’s sporting legacy.

Remarkable 100 km Performances

In the women’s 100 km, Konoka Azumi (Owairaka Athletics, AUK) achieved a new course record of 8:15:12, surpassing the previous mark by only nine seconds. Meanwhile, Ben Taylor (North Canterbury Athletics) won the men’s event in 9:10:18. George Young and George Mills followed close behind, both showing remarkable consistency and endurance.

Exciting 50 km Races

In the 50 km distance, Vajin Armstrong (Christchurch, CAN) led the men’s race, finishing in 3:16:23 and missing the course record by less than a minute. Mat Wiseman (Christchurch, CAN) was an early leader but was overtaken by Vajin in the final kilometers. David Shadbolt (Rolleston, CAN) finished third. In the women’s 50 km, Hannah Oldroyd (Kaiapoi, CAN) triumphed with 3:23:09, improving her own 2023 best, while Siobhan Griffiths (Rotorua, BOP) and Natasha Demster (Christchurch, CAN) completed the top three. These races highlighted both physical endurance and the inner calm that comes from focusing beyond personal limits.

Vajin Armstrong running during the 50 km race, later becoming the winner, at the Sri Chinmoy Ultras NZ 2025 in Christchurch

Relay Highlights and Team Spirit

Another highlight of the day was the 100 km 4-person relay. The winning team, Motus Rollston, finished in 7:34:16. They were followed by Four of a Kind and Sports Doctors. The relay brought an atmosphere of excitement and unity, where each runner’s effort contributed to the shared success of the team. Runners shared smiles, teamwork, and steady encouragement throughout the day.

Atmosphere and Reflections

Throughout the event, Hagley Park glowed under clear spring skies. Gentle sunshine, green trees, and cheering supporters created a peaceful yet vibrant setting. Many runners described entering a calm, steady rhythm where every lap became a simple act of mindfulness. As the day ended, athletes, volunteers, and families gathered at the Lotus Heart Indian Vegetarian Restaurant to celebrate achievements and share stories.

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

I Love Singing #229: Sri Chinmoy Songs sung by Purnakama

Posted on by Yatkara

This week features six inspiring Sri Chinmoy songs. All songs were composed by Sri Chinmoy and beautifully performed by his disciple Purnakama. 

Songs:

  • Tumi Amai Karecho Khama Taito Benche
  • You Have Forgiven Me
  • Andhar Sathe Kheli Ami
  • I Play with Darkness
  • Atma Tyager Bishal Hiya
  • My Name Shall Be

Enjoy singing along and feel the soulful message in each of these Sri Chinmoy songs. Please click the links below to listen to or download the audio and songs:

Track1
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Track6
Song Scores

 

Lyrics:

 

1. Tumi Amai Karecho Khama Taito Benche

Tumi amai karecho khama
Taito benche achi

Translation:

You have forgiven me.
Therefore I am alive.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


2. You Have Forgiven Me

You have forgiven me.
Therefore I am alive.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


3. Andhar Sathe Kheli Ami

Andhar sathe kheli ami
Taito alok rahe dure

Translation:

I play with darkness,
Therefore, light remains away.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


4. I Play with Darkness

I play with darkness,
Therefore, light remains away.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


5. Atma Tyager Bishal Hiya

Atma tyager bishal hiya habe amar nam

Translation:

My name shall be the vastness-heart
   Of self-giving.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook


6. My Name Shall Be

My name shall be the vastness-heart
   Of self-giving.
– Sri Chinmoy, ‘I Implore Your Compassion-Light’ songbook

For more of Sri Chinmoy’s published songs, visit the official website: www.srichinmoysongs.com.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

© 2025 Sri Chinmoy Centre

News #85: VIII Self-Transcendence 6-Hour Race – San Vito di Gaggiano, Italy

Posted on by Yatkara

Participants running the Self-Transcendence 6 Hour Race at San Vito di Gaggiano 2025

The Self-Transcendence 6-Hour Race returned on October 19, 2025, to San Vito di Gaggiano, offering athletes a unique endurance challenge along the scenic Bosco dei Cento Passi loop. Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, this annual event draws runners seeking not only to test their physical limits but also to explore the deeper spirit of self-transcendence through movement and mindful perseverance.

Pushing beyond limits, step by step

The race is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of human determination, patience, and inner focus. Participants ranged from seasoned ultra-athletes to first-time entrants pursuing personal milestones. Lap after lap, runners found a rhythm that was both meditative and physically demanding. The quiet forest trail, dotted with golden autumn leaves, offered a serene backdrop, encouraging reflection and a sense of harmony with nature. Each stride became a dialogue between body and mind, fatigue and resolve, effort and awareness.

Remarkable achievements and inspiring moments

While the event emphasizes personal growth, exceptional performances stood out. One female runner covered 67.116 km in six hours, a testament to endurance, pacing, and consistency. Yet, beyond the statistics, the race shone in the small, human moments: a runner encouraging a neighbor to keep going, volunteers offering words of support, and spectators cheering quietly along the trail. These gestures embodied the race’s ethos—self-transcendence is as much about shared experience as it is about individual effort.

A community of support and connection

The looped course created a sense of unity. The shared energy of participants, volunteers, pacers, and spectators transformed the forest into a space of encouragement and reflection. Many runners commented on how the autumn scenery, gentle trails, and collective spirit made each lap both challenging and uplifting. The finish line marked not just physical achievement but a moment of personal insight, gratitude, and joy.

Official results and further information

News #82: 9th Annual Sri Chinmoy Rockland Lake Half-Marathon, New York

Posted on by Yatkara

Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025 runners at Rockland Lake

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025 returned to Rockland Lake State Park in New York, marking the 9th annual edition of this inspiring event. Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, the race attracted athletes from across the region and beyond, all eager to test their limits and embrace the enduring spirit of self-transcendence that defines the Sri Chinmoy events. From elite competitors to passionate first-time runners, participants of all experience levels gathered to share in the challenge and celebration of running.

Scenic and Challenging Course

The 13.1-mile loop around Rockland Lake provided both stunning scenery and a dynamic racing experience. The course included stretches of flat, fast terrain, ideal for runners aiming for personal bests, alongside gently rolling hills that challenged endurance and pacing. Participants repeatedly commented on the perfect combination of natural beauty and strategic difficulty, making it a course that tested both the body and the mind. The event was supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and race officials who ensured safety, hydration, and encouragement at every mile.

Top Finishers

The 2025 edition of the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon witnessed remarkable performances:

Men’s Overall Winner:

  • Octavio Diaz, New York, NY – Gun Time: 1:15:20, Chip Time: 1:15:19.

Women’s Overall Winner:

  • Susan Pardo, New York, NY – Gun Time: 1:18:43, Chip Time: 1:18:42, who also set a new women’s course record, improving the previous record by 1 minute and 46 seconds.

Notable Performances

Men:

  • Wilian Castillo Naranjo, Blauvelt, NY – 1:18:26
  • Nolan Kier, Caldwell, NJ – 1:18:28

Women:

  • Lucy Brash, New York, NY – 1:21:38

Spirit of the Event

More than just a race, the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025 celebrated perseverance, self-discipline, and community. The supportive environment allowed runners to push past personal limits while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow participants. Spectators cheered enthusiastically along the route, and volunteers offered encouragement that lifted spirits and motivated every runner to finish strong. The event perfectly embodies the philosophy of Sri Chinmoy, where running becomes a meditation in motion, combining physical effort with inner growth.

More Information

 

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