Tag: Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team

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 #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 #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

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 #84: Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025 in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Posted on by Yatkara

Runners starting the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon in Chelyabinsk, Russia

A Celebration of Running and Self-Transcendence

On 11 October 2025, runners gathered in Chelyabinsk, Russia, for the Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon 2025, also known as the Self-Transcendence — Autumn Half-Marathon. Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, the event once again united athletes and enthusiasts who share a passion for running, peace, and personal growth. The race took place at the city’s Municipal Ski Base, offering a scenic and inspiring setting surrounded by autumn colors.

A Scenic Course and Inspiring Atmosphere

The 21.1 km course combined natural park trails and quiet city streets, giving participants both beauty and challenge. As the race began, the crisp October air and golden leaves created an uplifting mood. Many runners spoke about how the calm environment and rhythmic sound of footsteps encouraged reflection and focus.

Moreover, the event attracted participants of all ages and fitness levels. From experienced half-marathoners to first-time runners, everyone found joy in testing their limits. The race was not only about competition but also about connection — with nature, with others, and with one’s inner strength.

Highlights and Memorable Moments

A total of 47 runners took part in the event. The course was well marked and supported by cheerful volunteers who offered water, encouragement, and smiles at every stage. In addition, families and local spectators came to cheer for the athletes, adding warmth and community spirit.

As runners crossed the finish line, they celebrated both physical achievement and inner fulfillment. Some achieved personal bests, while others simply enjoyed the experience of being part of something harmonious and uplifting. This beautiful blend of effort and serenity truly reflected the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team’s motto — Run and Become.

Looking Ahead

The Sri Chinmoy Half-Marathon in Chelyabinsk continues to grow each year, attracting new runners and spreading the message of self-transcendence. Future editions will keep promoting joy, discipline, and spiritual awareness through running. Whether you come to compete or to experience peace through movement, this event invites everyone to discover the beauty of running as meditation in action.

Learn More

For race results and event details, visit the official page: Self-Transcendence — Autumn Half-Marathon

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