News #102: Sri Chinmoy Tan Team Relays, Melbourne

Start of the Melbourne Tan Team Relays race with runners taking off

The Melbourne Tan Team Relays took place on 23 November 2025 at the iconic Tan Track around the Botanic Gardens. The event welcomed both solo runners and relay teams, under the banner of the global Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT).

Race formats & distances

Runners could choose from the following options:

  • Solo — 1 lap: 4 km
  • Solo — 3 laps: 12 km
  • Solo Marathon — 11 laps: 42.1 km
  • Team Relay Marathon — 4-person teams running a total of 42.1 km, passing a baton each lap

This setup allowed newcomers and experienced runners alike to join — whether for a short run, a 12 km challenge, or a full marathon or relay effort.

Results & photos

About Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team — vision & legacy

SCMT began in 1977, founded by Sri Chinmoy. Its mission is to unite physical fitness with inner growth. Over decades, SCMT has grown into a global network hosting hundreds of events — from short runs to the world-famous 3100-mile race, the longest certified footrace on the planet. Through its races, SCMT promotes not just endurance, but unity, personal growth, and the joy of self-transcendence.

Why the 2025 Tan Team Relays matter

The 2025 Tan Team Relays show that SCMT’s spirit lives on. The mix of solo runs and team relay, short and long distances, made the event inclusive. It welcomed competitive runners and community participants with equal warmth. The race captured the SCMT ethos: pushing physical limits while embracing unity and inner peace.

Whether someone ran 4 km, 12 km, a full marathon, or joined a relay — every finish counts. Events like this renew SCMT’s global tradition, connecting runners in Melbourne with a worldwide community of endurance, friendship, and growth.

We look forward to seeing more runners, new teams, and continuing this journey of growth, strength, and joy in 2026 and beyond.

Explore More

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

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

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.