Start of the 3100 Mile Race 2019
On 16 June 2019, eight intrepid runners took to the start line of the world's longest certified road race - the 23rd edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race. Over the next seven weeks, the runners will aim to complete a daily average of 60 miles or more in order to finish the race within the official time limit of 52 days. The runners have to contend with the hot New York summer, a hard concrete course and the many physical and mental challenges of competing in this epic of self-transcendence.
The race was founded by spiritual teacher and ultra-running pioneer Sri Chinmoy, who saw distance running as a vehicle to enable runners to bring to the fore their physical, mental and spiritual capacities to complete this unique challenge.
“He is happy
Because every day he tries
And actually does
A little more than he thinks he can.”– Sri Chinmoy [1]
In this year's race, the runners include Asprihanal Aalto from Finland, an eight-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 three-times winner and 2018 champion Vasu Duzhiy from Russia. Other returning 3100 Mile runners include Smarana Puntigam (Austria), Nirbhasa Magee (Ireland), Ushika Muckenhummer (Austria) and Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (Slovakia).
The only woman running this year is Harita Davies, who returns after a gap of two years, to see if she can improve on her first time finish of 51 days+12:48:14. Todor Dimitrov from Sofia, Bulgaria completes the field and he will be making his first attempt at 3100 Mile Race.
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.
Video of day one
To follow the race
- Daily results at 3100 Mile Race
- 3100 Mile home page - with Web Cam and race director's videos.
- Perfection Journey - Daily race blog by Utpal Marshall
- Photos by Jowan
Sports & Self-Transcendence
More stories from Sri Chinmoy's students.
The oneness of all paths - personal experiences
Nirbhasa Magee Dublin, IrelandHow my spiritual search led me to Sri Chinmoy
Vidura Groulx Montreal, CanadaThe day my Guru accepted me as his disciple
Banshidhar Medeiros San Juan, Puerto RicoMy inner calling
Purnakama Rajna Winnipeg, CanadaSoul-Birds take flight
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New ZealandMeeting Sri Chinmoy for the first time
Janaka Spence Edinburgh, United KingdomSri Chinmoy meets an old friend
Pradhan Balter Chicago, United StatesMuhammad Ali: I was expecting a monster, but I found a lamb
Sevananda Padilla San Juan, Puerto RicoA spiritual name is the name of our soul, and what we can become
Nayak Polissar Seattle, United StatesNow you are in the boat
Kaushalya Casey Toronto, CanadaCelebrating birthdays at Guru's house
Devashishu Torpy London, United KingdomA Truckload of Humanitarian Aid Sails through Customs
Arthada Platzgummer Vienna, AustriaBreaking the world record for the longest game of hopscotch
Pipasa Glass & Jamini Young Seattle, United StatesSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students