Tag: духовный бег

News #116: A Tribute to Sri Chinmoy’s First Marathon

Posted on by Yatkara

Honouring the Sri Chinmoy First Marathon

On 28 February 2026, runners and friends gathered at Jamaica High School in New York to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Sri Chinmoy First Marathon, commemorating Sri Chinmoy’s historic debut marathon on 3 March 1979 in Chico, California.

Sri Chinmoy ran his first marathon at the Bidwell Classic Marathon, an event he later fondly referred to as the “Chico Marathon.” From that moment onward, running became an important outer expression of his philosophy of self-transcendence.

To honour this milestone, members of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team organized a special running event. Throughout the day, participants completed laps around the Jamaica High School.

Race Format and Distances

To celebrate the anniversary, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team offered several distances, allowing runners of different abilities to take part comfortably.

Full Marathon

  • 30.5 laps around the Jamaica High School block
  • Total distance: 42.195 km (26.2 miles)

Half Marathon

  • 15 laps
  • Total distance: 20.74 km (12.89 miles)

Each lap around the Jamaica High School block measured approximately 1.383 km (0.859 miles). As a result, runners could easily track their progress while contributing laps to their chosen teams. Meanwhile, organizers recorded official finishing times for those participating in the marathon and half-marathon distances.

Marathon Results

The full marathon required 30.5 laps around the course, which tested both endurance and concentration. Nevertheless, the participants embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

Top Marathon Finishers

  1. Boijayanti – 4:44:20
  2. Gesiane – 5:04:30
  3. Palash – 6:12:13

Half-Marathon Results

The half-marathon distance included 15 laps around the Jamaica High School block. Although shorter than the full marathon, the race still required strong focus and steady pacing.

Half-Marathon Finishers

  1. Keertivati – 2:11:20
  2. Harita – 3:15:15

Overall, the runners approached the distance with enthusiasm and a joyful spirit, contributing to the uplifting atmosphere of the anniversary celebration.

Team Results – Laps and Distance

One of the highlights of the event was the team lap competition. Participants could dedicate their completed laps to a specific team, creating a sense of shared purpose and friendly rivalry throughout the day.

With each lap measuring 1.383 km (0.859 miles), the combined effort of the teams covered an impressive total distance.

Team

Laps

Distance (km)

Distance (miles)

Annam Brahma

94

130.04 km

80.80 mi

Divine Robe Supreme

67

92.69 km

57.59 mi

Panorama

36

49.80 km

30.95 mi

Oneness-Heart Centre

21

29.05 km

18.05 mi

Smile of the Beyond

13

17.98 km

11.17 mi

Guru Health Foods

11

15.22 km

9.46 mi

Guru Stationery

4

5.53 km

3.44 mi

Total Distance Completed

Participants collectively completed 246 laps, covering a remarkable total of 340.33 km (211.46 miles)

These laps included marathon runners, half-marathon participants, and runners from the weekly Saturday 2-mile race. In addition, many visitors came in the morning simply to offer several laps in celebration of Sri Chinmoy’s first marathon.

Therefore, the combined effort reflected a beautiful spirit of unity and shared inspiration.

A Remarkable Running Achievement

Sri Chinmoy’s running journey developed with surprising speed after his first marathon.

Only three weeks later, on 25 March 1979, he ran his second marathon — the Heart-Watchers Marathon in Toledo, Ohio. Even more remarkably, he improved his performance dramatically.

Sri Chinmoy reduced his marathon time by 36 minutes, thereby breaking the four-hour barrier at the age of 47.

During 1979 alone, he completed seven marathons in nine months. Consequently, his running became a powerful demonstration of his philosophy of self-transcendence — the idea that human beings can continually surpass their previous limits.

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.

 

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 #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