
Stories from the world's longest certified road race

The Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race has been in progress since September 4, and is now nearing its half-way point. Runners have 52 days until October 25 to complete the distance, which means that they have to run 59.6 miles (95.9 km) on average every day. The runners start at 6am every morning and run laps around the same city block in Queens, New York until 12 midnight.
You can keep in touch with the runners' progress on the official race website:
This year 11 runners started. Andrea Marcato, a 2-time winner of the race, is currently leading ahead of the race record holder and 17-time finisher Asprihanal Aaalto from Sweden. Susan Marshall from New Zealand is currently leading the women's race and has just crossed the 1500 mile mark.
The race often attracts friends from the ultra-running community. Recently, Gary Corbitt visited the runners to offer encouragment to the runners
The race was founded in 1997 by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, who saw these races as a unique opportunity for self-discovery and transcending one's own boundaries.
Running offers us the message of transcendence. In our running, every day we are aiming at a new goal. It is like a child who studies in school. First he studies in kindergarten, then he goes to primary school, then to high school, college and university. After getting his university degree, still he is not satisfied. He wants to achieve more wisdom, more knowledge. Similarly, every day we are running towards a goal, but when we reach that goal, we want to go still farther. Either we want to improve our timing or increase our distance. There is no end. Running means continual transcendence, and that is also the message of our inner life.
Sri Chinmoy
The race gets a lot of visitors and well-wishers. During this year's race we had a very nice visit by former President Xanana Gusmāo of Timor-Leste, who led his country to independence over 30 years ago.

President Gusmão (fourth from left, in yellow cap) in front of the race scoreboard.
Related:
- Susan Marshall also ran the 6-day race in April this year, you can read about her race experience...
Sports & Self-Transcendence
More stories from Sri Chinmoy's students.

A love that was thick like butter
Mahatapa Palit New York, United States
The first time we met our Guru
Kaivalya, Devashishu and Sahadeva Torpy London, England
Spiritual Friends
Preetidutta Thorpe Auckland, New Zealand
Spiritual moments with my grandmother
Patanga Cordeiro São Paulo, Brazil
Connecting the dots
Lunthita Duthely Hialeah, United States
10-Day Race: Staring into the Infinite
Patanga Cordeiro São Paulo, Brazil
A Mountain Meditation
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
'When you perform for me, always choose devotional songs.'
Gunthita Corda Zurich, Switzerland
My 5 a.m. strategic meditations
Sanchita Fleming Ottawa, Canada
I know where you are
Kamalakanta Nieves New York, United States
A Truckload of Humanitarian Aid Sails through Customs
Arthada Platzgummer Vienna, Austria
Our Guru becomes the perfect disciple
Devashishu Torpy London, United Kingdom
My Life with Sri Chinmoy: a book
Tejvan Pettinger Oxford, United KingdomSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students

A childhood meeting with Sri Chinmoy
Devashishu Torpy London, United Kingdom
Beginnings of a spiritual journey
Mahatapa Palit New York, United States
When I met Sri Chinmoy for the first time
Baridhi Yonchev Sofia, Bulgaria
Meditation functions with Sri Chinmoy
Kokila Chamberlain Bristol, United Kingdom
My favourite part of Sri Chinmoy's path
Muslim Badami Auckland, New Zealand
Getting through difficult times in your meditation
Banshidhar Medeiros San Juan, Puerto Rico