Featured stories from around the world

The 29th edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race saw eight out of the ten runners complete the goal of 3,100 miles. This included five first time finishers. Alex Ramsey (USA), Adrian Papuc (Romania), Milan Javornicky (Czech Republic), Daniela Bojila (Italy/Romania) and Lucong Geng (China). This increases the number of runners who have ever finished the race from 52 to 57. Given that the race is in its 29th year, it is still a very elite group. 

Andrea Marcato (Italy) was once again the winner of the race in a time of 46 Days + 16:19:10. It is his sixth consecutive first place, an unprecedented achievement. Vasu Duzhiy (a former three-time winner) was 2nd place in a time of 48 Days + 04:57:52. Vasu, from St Petersburg, Russia is 59 years old, but retains a youthful energy. It is the 13th time he has completed the race out of 13 starts. 

Mahasatya Janczak (Poland) finished on the podium in a time of 48 Days + 14:37:45. It is the second time he has completed the race, and this year was nearly two days quicker than in 2023. Over the last half of the race, Mahasatya was one of the strongest runners, actually increasing his mileage towards the end.

Alex Ramsey (USA) is only the third American man to complete the race, and his frequent smiles and positivity were inspiring to other runners and helpers. Adrian Papuc (Romania) successfully completed the race at his second attempt in a time of 50 Days + 12:23:23. Adrian had a great attitude to learning from his first effort and also enjoying his time on the course. 

Milan Javornicky (Czech Republic) is another runner who learnt from previous experience. In 2020, he completed 2713.9 miles, In 2023, 3031.5 miles and this year finally completed the 3100 miles in a time of 50 Days + 15:53:55. A great example of self-transcendence.

Daniela Bojila (Italy/Romania) was attempting the 3100 Mile Race for her first time. With great determination and consistency, she finished on the last day in a time of 51 Days + 08:17:28. Lucong Geng (China) also finished on the last day, with just a couple of hours to spare. His time was  51 Days + 16:26:57. Lucong started the race very well, but encountered numerous challenges, - cold, injuries and breathing difficulties. But, with great determination, he continued to the end.

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (Slovakia) finished with 2829.2 Miles. It was his 21st 3100 Mile race, something he has finished six times. Harita Davies (USA) finished with 2790.8 miles. Harita has finished the race on four previous occasions and is the sixth-ranked woman.

Helpers

The race is much more than the ten runners; it requires the selfless effort of a team of dedicated organisers, counters, cooks, medical staff and helpers. The race village creates a unique atmosphere with people from all over the world being brought together in a spirit of self-transcendence and selfless offering.

Founder

The race was founded by Sri Chinmoy, with the first 3100 Mile race run in 1997. It was the culmination of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team's pioneering efforts in the world of multiday running. Sri Chinmoy believed that spirituality and sports could go together with distance running a perfect opportunity to practise self-transcendence.

“There is only one dream
That will always be perfect
In your lifetime,
And that is the dream
Of self-transcendence.”

– Sri Chinmoy

Final Results 

1. Andrea Marcato       46 Days + 16:19:10
2. Vasu Duzhiy             48 Days + 04:57:52
3. Mahasatya Janczak 48 Days + 14:37:45
4. Alex Ramsey            50 Days + 09:53:11
5. Adrian Papuc            50 Days + 12:23:23
6. Milan Javornicky       50 Days + 15:53:55
7. Daniela Bojila             51 Days + 08:17:28 
8. Lucong Geng             51 Days + 16:26:57   

• Ananda-Lahari Zuscin.    2829.2 Miles 
• Harita Davies                   2790.8  Miles

Perfection Journey Blog

Utpal captured many moments and finishes from this series. See full blog at Perfection Journey

Highlights of the 3100 Mile Race

Relive some highlights of the race.

---

Precious and fun moments of the 3100 Mile Race in 2025

Race organiser Stutisheel Lebedev captures an insight into this great race. 

All Results

• Results 1997-2025

Photos

• Sri Chinmoy Ultra Photos 
• US Gallery  

Video Channels

• Perfection Journey Films - Vimeo Channel
• Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Vimeo Channel
• Stutisheel 3100 Mile Playlist YouTube Channel  
• Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team 3100 Mile Race   Youtube Channel

Media

• Welcome to the 3100 Mile Race - Daily Mail
• Multi-Day Runners Are Alarmingly Sane  - Run Outside Online
• Hoover Grad Alex Ramsey set to finish 3100 Mile Race 
• The World's Longest Footrace by Cafe Anne
• Andrea Marcato 3100 Mile Winner - www.lavocedivenezia.it 
• Previous media

On Sept. 12, 2025, Vasanti Niemz, a Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team member from Heidelberg, Germany, became the oldest woman to complete the iconic 20 Bridges marathon swim around Manhattan Island at age 68, in a time of 9 hours 34 minutes. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of her first open water marathon swim, an English Channel solo on Sept.9, 1985, she dedicated the swim to Peace and the ideals of the United Nations in honour of their 80th anniversary.

"Swimming around Manhattan was an old dream of mine," she explains. But only since a few years, when the swim started to be organised in smaller groups of similar speed by New York Open Water (NYOW), did slower swimmers also get a realistic chance to complete the 48,5 km (28,5 mile) challenge, which has to be timed well with the tidal currents.

The inspiration to sign up came after a DNF in the English Channel September 2024, when Vasanti's third EC solo was aborted after less than 8 hours for safety reasons by the pilot near the separation zone in the middle of the Channel, because the wind had picked up more than predicted against a strong current, and 5 more Channel boats decided to turn round at the same time. Swimming around Manhattan is considerably easier than swimming the English Channel and less weather dependend, but it has its own challenges - and beauty. Tidal currents are powerful around Manhattan, but they carry you, if timed correctly. However, especially at the beginning into the East River and at the end in the Hudson a strong headwind plus chaotic waves from boats, ferries and jet skies can make the swim quite "interesting" with big swells and lots of chop.

Of course it is very special to go on such a "sightseeing tour" around the Big Apple from the water, and particularly so with so many memories from over 40 years of visiting New York, running the NYC marathon, participating and performing in the Peace Meditations at the United Nations, remembering carrying the Peace Torch in so many Peace Runs starting or ending at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza in front of the UN with UN ambassadors etc.

On the day of the swim, swimmer, helpers and kayaker were taken by boat from the North Cove Marina down to Pier A in Lower Manhattan, where the swim started around 10:20 am into a nice sunny day, along with another slightly faster swimmer from Brazil with her own support team. Water temperature was 22-23 °C, air similar. No ferries were crossing the path, which would have meant either sprinting or waiting, but turning from the Hudson at the tip of Manhattan into the East River the wind picked up and the swells were considerable.

The first 2-3 hours are crucial. If the swimmer cannot stay on schedule and keep up the predicted speed, we were told, the swim can be aborted early, because tides would be missed. Vasanti was aware and focused, using "PEACE" and "GRATITUDE" as mantras, basically throughout the swim, just swimming as calmly and powerfully as possible without worrying about the conditions. At the United Nations a friend working there came out to cheer us (swims can be followed online via a tracker) - but remained invisible from the water. Still it was nice to know someone was there, especially as the water outside the UN was quite "troubled" - what a metaphor! 

Towards Wards and Randalls Island, where our Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team used to have multi-day-races for a number of years, and into the Harlem River the water became calmer - calmer even than Lake Zurich! And we were ahead of schedule, what a boost! The 15 bridges of the Harlem River started flying by! Feeding rhythm was every 30 minutes from the kayak, all very easy-going. At the Spuyten Duyvils swing bridge, where the Harlem River meets the Hudson, our kayaker needed a short break, but when we tried to wait for her the current just pushed us gently through the open bridge into the vastness of the mighty Hudson. It was so incredibly calm and welcoming - just peace and freedom!  And we were one hour ahead of schedule.

45 minutes later we passed under George Washington Bridge, the last intermediate goal, again faster than expected. From here it is just downhill - or not?

Towards Lower Manhattan, into the sunset, the wind started to pick up again against the current, as per the forecast, and for the last hour or so the water become quite choppy again with bigger swells. Warm miso soup and some ginger tea with honey helped during the last few hours. And it seemed like everyone enjoyed the journey into the sunset with the glittering lights of the Manhattan and Jersey skylines - and some bioluminescence in the waves towards the end for the swimmer.

Green saftety lights were attached to swimmer and kayak for the last few miles. And then Pier A came again faster than expected, to enthusiastic cheers by onlookers along the dark promenade. Finish time  9 hours 34 minutes - over an hour ahead of our official schedule and more than 2 hours earlier than we had been prepared for, just in case. Thanks to great currents :)

The next day, Vasanti took a friend's spare bike by subway into Manhattan, to bike from Pier A with the Peace Torch to the UN and potentially all the way around Manhattan. (The idea was a symbolic triathlon, but it did not happen.) Due to gear problems, she just enjoyed a different kind of leisurely sightseeing along part of the swim route along the Hudson and East River and lit the Peace Torch at the United Nations for a moment of silence and a prayer for peace. Since it was a weekend, there were no flags and no visitors allowed inside. Then she biked back to the Hudson to finish the loop. Moderate biking is definitely a great recovery activity after a long swim!

The English Channel and Manhattan 20 Bridges are part of the "Triple Crown of Open Water", the third "crown" being Catalina Channel in California. This may be the next goal. One enthusiastic helper already volonteered. Wish us luck :)

More photos in the slider above. See also the report with some more photos on  https://www.peacerun.org/us/news/2025/0912/5606/

And a short video: 

New York Open Water:  https://www.nyopenwater.org/

 

 

THE 2025 SRI CHINMOY SELF-TRANSCENDENCE, 3,100 MILE RACE.

The longest certified road race in the World.

What, Where, Who, Why, How, When?

The annual Sri Chinmoy 3,100-mile got underway in New York at 6 am this morning. Yes. You read that correctly. A THREE THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED MILE RACE!

While several thousand runners have descended on Chamonix this week to take part in the annual UTMB trail races in the beautiful surroundings of the Alps, 10 intrepid adventurers will take on this awe-inspiring challenge of running for up to 52 days around a small block in the NewYork suburb of Queens from August 30th to October 20th.

What exactly is the 3,100-mile race?

In simple terms, it is an opportunity to run 3,100 miles on a 0.5484-mile loop around a suburban block in the borough of Queens, New York. A total of 5,653 laps or 118 marathons. The course has been certified by USATF, and each lap run is meticulously recorded.

How does the race work?

The course is open for 18 hours a day, from 6am in the morning to midnight, when there is a mandatory six-hour break for all runners. Runners are encouraged to be at the course at 6 am to start each day.

They can run continuously all day, and some do, but most break up the day with walking breaks, food, massage breaks, and power naps. They can finish their day at a time of their choosing. Most runners have a daily goal they wish to achieve, to keep them above the mythical redline, which is the daily total needed to reach the 52-day cut-off.

Isn’t running a small loop boring?

Although running a small loop for such a long time may sound crazy, it is a familiar concept to multi-day runners. Conventional 24 or 48-hour races, or slightly longer six and ten-day races, are generally held on a 400-metre track or a small road loop.

They are easy to manage logistically, as the essential food and drink needed to survive the event are available regularly each lap, along with medical attention and the important moral and physical support from personal helpers and race volunteers.

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE RACE

You can view live webcams, the leaderboard, and all the latest daily news at the race website https://3100.srichinmoyraces.org/

You can also send messages to the runners, which are printed off each day and handed to them at the race. They appreciate these messages like anything, knowing runners and friends from around the world are following their progress.

Follow the race on instagram https://www.instagram.com/scmtny/

WHERE IS THE RACE?

Want to visit the race to check things out? This is where you need to get to.

Do drop by and offer the runners some encouragement.

165-65 84th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432

WHY 3,100 Miles?

The race is organised by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. They have been organising ultra races globally for over 40 years. This will be the  29th edition of the 3,100 race.

The Sri Chinmoy Marathon team in New York started by organising their first ultra race over the classic 24-hour distance in the late 1980s. Ultra running was not the popular sport and pastime it has become today.

Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007), the founder of the marathon team, was a spiritual teacher, artist, musician, poet, and humanitarian. He also placed a huge emphasis on physical fitness and self-transcendence of the human spirit over adversity. A simple concept of always striving to push one's boundaries, that all running, especially ultra-distance running, embodies completely.

As runners competed and became competent at 24 hours, Sri Chinmoy encouraged his students to organise longer races to enable runners to challenge themselves further. 48-hour, 6-day, 10-day, 1,000-mile, and 1,300 and 2,700-mile races followed over the next few years until 3,100 miles was set as an ultimate challenge in 1997.

Although the race is officially 3,100 miles, after the customary celebration at 3100 miles, most runners continue and run the thirteen extra laps needed to reach 5,000 km, a distance at which national and international rankings are maintained.

THE 2025 RACE

Ten runners from nine different countries started the race. This year, the runners come from New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Romania, Italy, Slovakia, China, the USA, and the Czech Republic.

Sadly, Australian Multi-day specialist Annabel Hepworth was a late withdrawal due to injury.

Andrea Marcato, with five consecutive wins at the event, starts as the favourite. The 42-year-old Italian has the third fastest time for the race. He clocked 42 days, 17 hours, 38minutes, and 38 seconds in 2021.

Andrea is a former member of the Italian 24-hour squad, as well as being an experienced long-distance open water swimmer.

• Vasu Duzhiy is a three-time winner in his 12 finishes at the race.
• Another multiple finisher, Ananda-Lahari Zuscin,  started his 21st, 3,100-mile race. He has a record of six finishes and just loves the special atmosphere the race creates.
• In 2023, Mahasatya Janczak became the first Polish runner to complete the race. He is back for more and hopes to surpass his previous time of 50 days + 17:38:38
• For Milan Javernicky, it will be his third attempt at the distance. In 2023, he came very close to accumulating 3031.5 miles in the 52 days.
• Romanian Adrian Popic is returning with unfinished business. He struggled with shin and foot issues in 2023 but feels he learned a lot about his physical issues that will help him be stronger in this years race.
• Harita Davies from New Zealand is running her 5th race. She has a best time of 50 days+13:23:14. That time, along with several intermediate distances are New Zealand national records.

Three runners are running their first 3,100-mile races

• Daniela Bojilla from Italy has several competent 6 and 10-day races to her credit.
• Lu-Cong Geng is the first Chinese athlete to run the 3,100-mile race. He is a very experienced multi-day runner and, if he paces things well in the early stages, should run well.
• Alex Ramsay has run numerous 6 and 10-day races and will be relishing the challenge of taking on the 3,100-mile race.

Sadly, Australian Multi-day specialist Annabel Hepworth was a late withdrawal due to injury.

WHAT DO I GET FOR RUNNING 3,100 Miles?

A good question you might well ask?

With the only tangible reward at the event, a t-shirt  a trophy and the usual spontaneous rounds of applause, runners must have their own special reasons for running such a long distance. Check out the 3,100 mile race runner video interviews  HERE

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvLu_ukPrpZekBKigLvofd9WNDXIhIqsa

Five-time winner Andrea Marcato offered his own thoughts.

”The name of the race says it all. Self-transcendence means going beyond your own limits to improve yourself. You become a better runner but also a better human being. You can become more capable of extending your skills in any field of life.”

At the end of the day, although extreme in nature, it is a race like any other with a start, a course, and a finish line. Just like an 800-metre or 5,000-metre race, it is a lesson for anyone in personal preparation, goal setting, planning, and execution. Several weeks of it!

A record number of entrants helped to make a great edition of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon team events at Rockland State Park. The event included a midnight marathon, a 12 hour race and 24 hour races. Highlights included Yoseph Levin breaking the Midnight Marathon men's record in a time of 2:55:16. In the 24 hour François Decelles from Canada topped the leaderboard with 114.99 miles. First lady, was Gesiane Nascimento (101.4 miles) from the promoting Sri Chinmoy Marathon team.

Video of event

This video gives a flavour of the event and some perspectives from the participants.

Pete Colaizzo who entered the 24 hour race, gives a write-up on substack

"..The Rockland Lake race consisted of a 12-hour and a 24-hour ultra – fixed time ultras basically means that you go as you please and cover as much distance in the allocated time – as well as a “Midnight Marathon,” which, yes, started at midnight!." keep reading on substack

Photo gallery - Photos are searchable by bib number, and all photos are free to download / share.  

 

• Results PDF of 3-6-10 Race 2025

This year's Sri Chinmoy Ten, Six and Three Day Races 2025 began on 19 April. The event promoted by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team is the oldest continuously running six-day and ten-day race in the world. The race takes place on a 0.75-mile loop course in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, New York City, from April 19-29, 2025. This year also marks the beginning of the inaugural Sri Chinmoy Three-Day (72-Hour) Race which gives runners the opportunity to experience the multi-day adventure on a smaller scale.

The race includes some stellar runners, such as 3100 Mile Record holder Ashprihanal Aalto, Finland. The race started in great weather, though this time of the year is known for its unpredictability, with past editions frequently flooded with rain.

The race was founded by Sri Chinmoy, who frequently visited the Race whilst living in New York. Sri Chinmoy felt that the ‘self-transcendence’ aspect was particularly important in ultrarunning. There comes a point in a race when one's physical prowess has reached its limit. To continue on, the runner must rely on his or her own inner determination, and tap into the infinite spiritual power that is within us all. Over the next 10 days, each runner will get the opportunity to transcend their own limits in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects.

Follow live results at

• Results PDF of 3-6-10 Race 2025
• 3, 6-10 Day Race
• Photos of 3-6-10 Day Race

A video about the 3100 Mile Race which includes historic footage from 2005-2007, when the race founder, Sri Chinmoy came to the race. It also features interviews with runners from the 2024 race, who continue this initial inspiration in their own unique way.

 

Video of the race

Finishers

1. Andrea Marcato - 43 days +03:04:06.
2. Ashprihanal Aalto - 44 days +09:22:13.
3. Wei-Ming Lo - 45 days +12:37:55.
4. Pushkar Mullauer - 46 days +10:41:04
5. Radu Budan - 47 days +05:58:18
6. Vasu Duzhiy - 47 days 10:51:33
7. Budjargal Byambaa - 48 days+15:13:10

Grahak Cunningham (47, Australia)         -   2,534 miles           
Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (49, Slovakia)        -   2,338 miles         
Annabel Hepworth (51, Australia)              -   2,185 miles             
Nina Huan-Lan Yang (46, Taiwan/Japan)   -  2,121 miles           
Stutisheel Lebedev (54, Ukraine)               -  1,593 miles      

Further Reading

• Media Articles 2024
• Stutisheel's article on 3100 Mile Race
• Tarit article on first 10 days
• Tarit article on first 30 days

Photos and videos

• Photos - Sri Chinmoy Ultra Photo
• Results of all races
• US SCMT Photo Gallery 
• SCMT Vimeo
• SCMT Youtube

As I write this, it is  Day 11 of the Sri Chinmoy 3,100-mile race. For ten days, runners have been circling the legendary 0.5488 mile loop in suburban Queens, New York.

Why run around a loop when you could be running a similar distance coast to coast, from California to New York in the USA or from Northern Norway to the Mediterranean in Europe?  

One of our previous blog posts explains the 3100 set-up.

30th August 2024 saw 12 runners start on their journey of inner and outer adventure.

Except for the real ultra nerds, it is a race that goes on, away from the public eye. Your average ultra-running enthusiast does not have the time. or inclination, to follow hour-by-hour or day-by-day, let alone the general running community.

So here is an attempt to put into a few words what has been going on for the first ten days of the race.

On day one, there was the customary burst of enthusiasm that happens at any ultra, as finally, after weeks of preparing, the race starts, and some runners appear to have more enthusiasm than common sense.

The Flying Finn, Ashprihanal,  a sixteen-time finisher and seven-time winner has returned to the race after an absence of a few years, He  logs an impressive 96.5 miles on day one 

Andrea Marcato, the Smiling Italian, who has won the race for the past four years, logs an equally impressive 96 miles.

Burdjargal Byambaa the Mongolia Wizard is running his first 3100 but is ready for the challenge after a string of quality six and ten day races. He currently has the best distances for 6 and 10 days gobally in 2024. He ran a more controlled effort of 87.7 miles.

Day 2 saw these three leading protagonists settle down a little and run 85 miles, 82.5 and 76.8 respectively.

Days 3, 4 and 5 would see the Mongolian, now warming up, run consecutive 80-mile days, and with Aalto, the Flying Finn, “consolidating” with daily mileage in the mid-70s,  took the lead.

Behind these two, Andrea would have an off day on day 3, possibly paying for the efforts of the first two days, logging only 64 miles. However, days 4 and 5 saw him return to mileage in the mid-seventies and keep him very much in touch.

Burdjargal and Andrea were steady on days 6 and 7, while Ashprihanal took a dip with two days in the mid-60s feeling what he felt was the effects of a head cold.

Days 8 and 9 saw Budjargel develop foot issues, resulting in lower mileage. He was down to 47 miles on day nine.

With Ashprihanal and Andrea throwing down daily mid-seventies, it enabled the Finn to regain the lead, with the Italian claiming a 78-mile day 9 to close the gap on the leader to only 5 miles.

Possibly inspired at closing the lead down, Andrea ran an inspired day 10  of 78.4 miles.

He briefly took the lead at one point, but day ten finished with the Finn rallying and finishing the day a mere lap ahead of the Italian.

Meanwhile, Budjargal seems to have managed his foot issues and ran a solid 69 miles to finish the day, only 12 miles behind the first two.

Although they will all seemingly profess to be racing the distance rather than each other, one cannot help but feel that there is also a friendly rivalry developing as they all strive to bring the best out of each other.

Behind these three,  previous 3100 finishers, Swiss runner Pushkar Mullauer,  the Russian Vasu Duzhly, the Taiwanese Wei Ming Lo and newcomer Radu Budan from Romania have been steadily racing themselves rather than each other, steadily logging above the daily 60 miles needed to achieve the race cut off.

Australian Annabel  Hepworth, running the 3100 for the first time and one of two female runners in the field, after an adrenaline-charged first day of 78 miles, seems to have settled into a steady routine in the low sixties as she feels her way into the race.

 

Fellow Aussie Grahak Cunningham, a previous winner of the event and a four-time finisher, knows how to handle himself to achieve a finish and has started steadily.

Huang-Lan Yang, or Nina, returning after coming up short in two previous attempts, is also easing into the race, knowing that her steady regular days are the best way to handle this vast journey.

3100 regulars, Stutisheel and Ananda-Lahari, are also making steady progress on their own personal 52-day odyssey.

By: Tarit Stott

Follow Race at 3100 Mile Race

Update Average Mileage after Day 11

 

Current course record and World Record for 3100 miles. 

Ashprihanal Aalto  - 40 Days 9 Hours  06 Minutes 21 Seconds from 2015.

Average daily miles 75.9 /123.559 km per day

The 27th annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race 3100 Mile Race began on 30 August and will run for 52 days until it finishes on 20 October. This year fourteen runners took to the start line to take part in the ultimate test of ultra-distance running.

The race was founded by Sri Chinmoy, a keen runner himself, who felt there was a strong connection between both physical and spiritual self-transcendence. As the runners testify, this is a race which brings to the fore all their inner reserves and determination; it can be life-transforming experience for both the runners and helpers.

In this year's race, the runners include Asprihanal Aalto from Finland, a nine-time winner of the race and current course record holder in a time of 40 days+09:06:21. Also returning to the race is Andrea Marcato, who has won the past four editions of the race. Another three-time winner is Vasu Duzhiy from Russia. Other returning 3100 Mile runners include Stutisheel Lebedev (Ukraine), Grahak Cunningham (Australia), Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (Slovakia), Wei-Ming Lo (Taiwan), Pushkar Mullaer (Switzerland), Nina Huang-Lan Yang (Taiwan). There are also three runners attempting the race for the first time. Budjargal Byambaa (Mongolia), Annabel Hepworth (Australia), and Radu Budan (Moldova).

As well as the eight runners, there is a crew of dedicated volunteers who put on the race, including counters, medics, cooks and the organising crew.

• 3100 Mile home page  - with Web Cam and race director's videos.

Dipali Cunningham was inaugurated into the newly renamed Australian Ultra and Trail Runners Association (AUTRA) Hall of Fame in May 2024. She joins 17 other distinguished Australian ultra runners and is the 5th female to receive this honor.

Dipali Cunningham has a distinguished ultra-distance running career. During her long career, she has clocked over 30,000km.  She won the Self-Transcendence 6-Day Race every year between 1998-2015. Other notable achievements include:

• 2001 - set 6 Day Road World Best of 821.862km. (510 miles)
• 1997 1000 Mile Race-First Place (Australian record) - 13 days+20:18:40
• 1998 women's world best on the road for six days with 504 miles.
• 2001 women's world record on the road for six days with 510 miles.
• 2004 women's age group 45-49 world best for six days with 479 miles.
• 2009 women's world best on the road for six days with 513 miles
• Dipali currently (Aug 2024) holds open Australian records for the 500-mile, 1000-mile and 6-day.

---

After the award ceremony during the AURA AGM, Dipali gave full credit to Sri Chinmoy for her running achievements., She said she didn’t run for records “but for Self-Transcendence and with a child-like heart, just as Guru taught”.

“Go beyond, farther beyond!
Do not limit yourself
By comparing yourself with others
Or even with your own self.”

– Sri Chinmoy

---

According to the AURA Hall of Fame website,

“Australia can be proud of its ultra running heritage and very accomplished ultrarunners. AURA has been recognizing these runners by inducting them into the AURA Hall of Fame, a practice initiated in 2004.”

---

 

Video of Award Ceremony

Further reading

• AUTRA article by Annabel Hepworth
• AUTRA Hall of Fame website
• Dipali Cunningham at Sri Chinmoy Races

• The 26th Sri Chinmoy Ten Day Race April 17-27 2024
• The 25th Sri Chinmoy Six Day Race April 21-27 2024

Both races utillized the loop course at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the second year of the former course measured at 0.747979 mile/1.203577km,. The course is mostly flat and very similar tomany of our previous running courses that had acquired several multiday race performances over the last 24 years, minus the two and a half years during the Covid pandemic.

The recovery of the Sri Chinmoy 10 Day Race, which started in 1996 , was a joy for the running world that discovered long distance events the last several years, both in the US, and in Europe as well. 

The Ten Day garnered 18 men and 6 women taking quick use of the course and a semi-quiet park as the noon-time start on April 17.

The quickest runners would most likely run the course with their best days ahead of them. Multi-time winner Budjagal Byambaa from Mongolia led the fastest fellows along, but the fastest lady Annabel Hepworth was set to lead many runners .

The typical Spring weather patterns began as rain arrived about two or three hours into the event. Still, the runners continued on their assault for miles and kms. Just before the sun disappeared, the rain disappeared but the runners continued to test the course and their own forward movement. Budjargal lead throughout the first night, and by the first 24 total arrived, he reached 112.9 miles/ 181.7kms. Chia-Hung Wei from Tiawan came through with 109.9 miles/ 176.86kms. No surprise, as third overall was Annabel Hepworth, the Australian with 99.4 miles/ 159.97kms.  Another surprise was Benjamin Torok from Hungary, who reached 94.9 miles / 152.74kms-moving well in his first ever 10 Day.

The runners always seem to develop a true concern for their own runner-friends, both new and formerly previously. We were so fortunate to have numerous helpers who worked the lap counting, making tasty food, and a solid group of men and women medical providers. Checking foot and ankle problems, and just getting through a long or overnight running test.

By the time of three complete days had passed, the 10 day runners kept their movement as steady and regular as possible.  In a day later, 9 more runners would join the frey, so there was more solid efforts to fill the course.   

The end of Day 4 showed Budjargal still in the front, and Andrea Marcato was solid in second place. Radu Budan from Moldova was solid in fourth place, and Annabel Hepworth was at 305.9 miles/ 492.298 km.

As the Six Day Race began for the 25th time, the leader Ashprihanal Aalto from Finland assumed the position as head of the group, reaching 108.45 miles/ 174.54km  in the first day.  Abhejali  Bernadova from Check Republic led the ladies with 78 miles/ 123.98 km.

The Ten Day Race had more intense efforts that showed great movements from the top 10 or 11 runners. The air was pleasant, the rain stayed away, but runners did not stop. Budjargal threw down 84.5 miles on Day Five, and moved over 70 miles ahead of second for the men. Annabel Hepworth continued her powerful movement and placed fourth overall , and nearly 80 miles ahead of second lady Gesiane Nascimento of Brazil.  Alex Ramsey from the US, and  Benjamin Torok from Hungary was really putting up a real test to move into fifth or sixth place for the men. By the eighth and nine day efforts they were only a few miles apart. Each of the two men were really enjoying the test of finding more miles and more joy in becoming great distance runners.

The total of runners who reached 1000km+ became seven, as six men and the top lady showed us all they are in a great place. Budjargal made it to his best ever, reaching 817.5 miles/ 1315.6 km. He passed his previous best of 810 miles in 2018. Second place came to Andrea Marcato,  the Italian who reached 743.4 miles/ 1196.3km. Third place reached the Taiwanese hero Chia-Hung Wei. It was another personal best for him as he reached 709 miles/ 1141 km. He surprised himself!

Fourth place overall was our top lady - Annibel Hepworth, 685.1 miles/ 1102.5 km. She reached a PB, a national  W50.

Fifth place was Radu Budan, setting a PB with 646.2 miles/ 1039.9 km.

Fifth place for the men, sixth overall was Alex Ramsey. Another personal best of 623.8 miles/ 1003.9km. And finally, the Sixth mail and seventh member of the 1000km group was Benjamin Torok, who reached 623.0 miles/ 1002.6km.

There were also several other PB’s in the Ten Day. One of the most remarkable was the fourth place for the women- Tamara Babich

From Katachstan, who at age 73 reached 483.7 miles/ 776.7 km.

The Six Day Race also had excellent performances.  Ashprihanal Aalto won overall with 436.1 miles/ 701km.  Abhejali Bernardova reached 344.8 miles/ 554.8km.  And last but not least- 86 year old Don Winkley from Texas, USA-m completed 148 miles/ 238.1 km, after five days (his plane was delayed a day by heavy storms in the South west.)

As always, thanks to all the runners for testing themselves in any way possible, and all the helpers keeping our multiday races continuing on the lists in the US as well as in Europe. Good Luck to all

Sahishnu

Photographs from

• Photos of 6-10 Day Race by PJ Street
• Photos of 6-10 Day Race - Akbota

Video

                                             

For many years, scientists debated whether a sub-four-minute mile was humanly possible. For decades, the goal remained elusive but on the 6th May 1954, Roger Bannister broke the magic milestone with a time of 3:59:4 on Iffley Track, Oxford. It was one of the most iconic sporting records and achievements. Interestingly after Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile, quite a few other runners started to break the invisible barrier. Australian John Landy lowered the mark to 3 mins 58.0sec just six weeks after Bannister. The current record is held by Hicham El Guerrouj in a time of 3:43.13.

Self-Transcendence

Often things can seem impossible to the mind, but when a pioneer breaks a record or achieves something entirely new, it gives us the confidence to follow in their footsteps.

"If we believe in our own
Self-transcendence-task
Then there can be
No unreachable goal."

- Sri Chinmoy

Sri Chinmoy often referred to his philosophy of self-transcendence - the belief and faith that we can try and go beyond self-imposed limits and achieve something new.

70th Anniversary - 6th May 2024

Earlier in the day, there had been public races in Oxford to mark the occasion; including a replica one mile race on the Iffley track. Three runners went under 4 minutes.

Our first two-mile race of the season was on the 6th of May 2024, which happened to be the 70th anniversary of this iconic record.

Video of 2 Mile Race, plus Short Archive footage of Roger Bannister

Sri Chinmoy on the Four-Minute Mile

"One mile in under four minutes was a dream, and Roger Bannister manifested the dream. Now, how many people have run a mile in under four minutes? Someone has run in 3:44. When Roger Bannister ran in just under four minutes, the whole world adored him. Now someone has run two miles in under eight minutes. It is unimaginable! Like that we can do many things."

Excerpt from "My Prophecy"

Related

• Results from the race
• Quote from "No Unreachable Goal" by Sri Chinmoy

SRI CHINMOY 5KM RACE, EDINBURGH, Friday 3 May 2024.

INCORPORATING THE SCOTTISH 5KM ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS

by Tarit Adrian Stott

The Edinburgh Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, was again asked to organise the Scottish 5km Road championships.   We hold our annual event on a beautiful flat out and back course on a wide esplanade by the River Forth.  Although there can often be a breeze by the river, our course is renowned for fast times and over the years for its strength in depth.

We organised our first race there, a five miler, in 1981.  Somewhere along the way, with the popularity of the 5km distance in the UK, we developed the 5km event.

Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Marathon Team, ran and walked on the course on a visit to Edinburgh in 1983, when we staged a 5 mile event.  My memory recalls him commenting to us afterwards “You have so many fast runners at your races. Very Good!”

This year it once again lived up to its name as “the fast one” with another amazing show of the strength in depth of the Scottish club scene.

A fresh breeze coming off the Firth of Forth, may have affected the times a little this year, but there was no doubting the usual commitment shown by over 500 club runners from throughout Scotland for the traditional Friday night event.

At the sharp end Great Britain Cross Country international, Scott Stirling, improved on his second place from last year to record an excellent 14:17 (gun time). He was comfortably clear of Edinburgh University’s Finlay Ross-Davie and Fife AC’s, Ben Sandilands.  In a photo finish Ross-Davie was given the nod by the officials for 2nd place although they both recorded the same time of 14:25.

In the women’s race, there was victory for Steph Pennycook, who went sub 16 to record 15:55 (15:52 chip time). The Fife AC athlete is only the second female to go below the 16:00 barrier on the course and narrowly missed Morag Millar’s course record of 15:53  from 2019.  Millar finished second this year in 16:09 with Cambuslang Harrier Stefanie Tucker in third with 16:18.

Throughout the field, as is usual with this event, the strength in depth told with 26 men going under 15 minutes, and 12 women going under 17 minutes.

In total there were 186 runners under 17 minutes and 394 breaking 20 minutes.  Just over 500 runners ran the event.

Special mentions to Fiona and Grant Matheson who claimed a family double by winning gold and silver medals in their respective Masters V60 category.

Also to Sandra Branney, former GB Marathon International and multiple age group record holder who had turned 70 three days before the race.  She recorded 21:51.  If confirmed, this betters the listed Great Britain time for 5km currently held by Yuko Gordon who ran 21:53 in January 2022. 

We are just a small group in Edinburgh, and as the race has grown over the years, we have enlisted the help of runners from the local Edinburgh clubs to make the event run smoothly. The Marathon Team, and the races we have promoted for over 40 years now, are very  much a part of the local running community, which really appreciates the efforts we have made with our events. 

Selflessly giving up our time to help with projects is so much at the heart of Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy and we are lucky that our local running community also embrace a commitment to helping at each others events whenever asked.

This year we needed over 50 volunteers to make the race work, and they are all blown away with the whole atmosphere this event creates.

In the 27th edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race, Tswi Wen-Ya attained a new women's world record for the 3100 Mile Race, in a time of 45 days +12:28:44. The diminutive runner from Taiwan, overcame tiredness, heavy rain and numerous physical challenges to set this remarkable new record which involved running an average of 68 miles for 45 days straight. After a short victory celebration, she continued to set a new world record for 5,000km in a time of 45 days +14:56:42.

The race saw fourteen runners take to the start line, and each runner had their own unique experience of self-transcendence. The first place finisher was Andrea Marcato from Italy. it was his fourth consecutive 1st place in the 3100 Mile Race and comes after an amazing year which included two ten day races and other ultra-distance events. His time of 43 days+13:33:23 was not a personal record, but he joins the Finnish men's world record holder Ashprihanal Aalto for being the only runner with four consecutive first places.

Another notable achievement was 2nd place, Lo Wei-Ming (Taiwan) who covered 17 of the last 19 days in 71+ miles, including 14 days over 72.4 and 74.3 miles, with two days wrangling 79.4 miles. He averaged 68.343 miles/ 109.986 km per day. He then completed the 13 extra laps needed to reach 5000km in a sparkling time of 45 days+ 11:16:51. These top personal results are National records and Asian records.

The race was inspired by Sri Chinmoy who saw distance running as a unique challenge to bring to the fore all the inner and outer resources of the competitor. Sri Chinmoy taught the real goal was not the outer accomplishment, but the inner progress which can come from transcending our previous capacities, and remaining cheerful whatever happens during the race.

“We compete not for the sake of defeating others, but in order to bring forward our own capacity. Our best capacity comes forward only when there are other people around us. They inspire us to bring forward our utmost capacity, and we inspire them to bring forward their utmost capacity”

– Sri Chinmoy

The race inspired many people who both took part, but also who came to help or cheer on the runners. This video gives an insight into the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the runners

3100 Mile Race Feature on US National Public Radio

• 3100 Mile Race Featured  on NPR

View

• Daily Race Reports
• 3100 Mile Home page
• Run Ultra article on the Race

On 30 August 2023, the 27th annual Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race began in Jamaica, New York, US. This year, there are fourteen runners are on the start list and it is set to be a great race.

The start list includes the winner of the 2022 Race (Andrea Mercato, Italy) and last year's first woman (Susan Marshall, New Zealand). There are also four new runners - Tsai Wen-Ya, Mahasatya Janczak, Adrian Papuc and Jason Lester who will be entering the 3100 Mile Race for the first time.  Despite being experienced ultra-distance runners, there is nothing that can fully prepare you for this unique ultra-marathon event.

In order to meet their goal of 3100 miles (4989km) in 52 days, they must log an average of 59.6 miles (95.9 km) per day. The runners begin at 6 a.m. and run for extended periods throughout the day. If they want to, they can continue as late as 12 midnight when the course closes for the night. After completing the race, runners have the option of continuing on to complete 5000km.

For many years, the race was held in the middle of the New York summer, with scorching temperatures adding to the challenge. Last year, the runners had cooler temperatures but also had to contend with the tail end of a hurricane and frequent heavy, persistent rain. This year the runners will be hoping for more favourable weather conditions, but whatever the conditions, the runners will be ready to seek their own personal self-transcendence and seek to overcome the many obstacles.

Sri Chinmoy the founder of the race saw distance running, and this race in particular, as a valuable opportunity for the runner to seek a life-transforming physical and spiritual self-transcendence.

“There is only one dream
That will always be perfect
In your lifetime,
And that is the dream
Of self-transcendence.”

– Sri Chinmoy

Follow this year's race at

• 3100 Mile Race

Further reading

• In-depth stories from the early races
• Video highlights from the 2022 Race
• Previous Results
• World Rankings for 3100 Miles