
Inspiration and Records at the 3100 Mile Race
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.
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
Related
Sports & Self-Transcendence
More stories from Sri Chinmoy's students.

In the Right Place, At the Right Time
Eshana Gadjanski Novi Sad, Serbia
Filled with deepest joy
Tirtha Voelckner Munich, Germany
The day I saw my Guru's Third Eye
Vidura Groulx Montreal, Canada
I just knew from the moment I saw him
Ashrita Furman New York, United States
The Swimming Relay
Toshala Elliott Auckland, New Zealand
The Peace Run visits Oxford
Tejvan Pettinger Oxford, United Kingdom
The day when everything began
Bhagavantee Paul Salzburg, Austria
A Truckload of Humanitarian Aid Sails through Customs
Arthada Platzgummer Vienna, Austria
Sri Chinmoy meets an old friend
Pradhan Balter Chicago, United States
The Impact of a Yogi on My Life
Agni Casanova San Juan, Puerto Rico
A New World
Apaga Renner Graz, Austria
Reflections on meditation
Janaka Spence Edinburgh, United Kingdom
My life with Sri Chinmoy
Namrata Moses New York, United StatesSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students

A feeling that something more exists
Florbela Caniceiro Coimbra, Portugal
My typical day
Pranlobha Kalagian Seattle, United States
How meditation helped me swim the English Channel
Abhejali Bernardova Zlín, Czech Republic
My daily spiritual practises
Muslim Badami Auckland, New Zealand
Getting through difficult times in your meditation
Banshidhar Medeiros San Juan, Puerto Rico
What drew me to Sri Chinmoy's path
Nikolaus Drekonja San Diego, United States