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.
A Truckload of Humanitarian Aid Sails through Customs
Arthada Platzgummer Vienna, Austria
I see infinitely more than I say
Agraha Levine Seattle, United States
Muhammad Ali: I was expecting a monster, but I found a lamb
Sevananda Padilla San Juan, Puerto Rico
The most beautiful and fulfilling of all possible experiences
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
Sri Chinmoy meets St. Peter
Paramita Jarvis Kingston, Canada
The spiritual life is normal to me
Shankara Smith London, United Kingdom
Running for Peace
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
So much longing, for something
Pushpa rani Piner Ottawa, Canada
'It was like I was seeing who Guru really was: this extraordinary, beautiful being inside a physical body'
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
The day I made a useless and ridiculous weightlifting machine for Guru
Devashishu Torpy London, United Kingdom
My 5 a.m. strategic meditations
Sanchita Fleming Ottawa, Canada
It does not matter which spoon you use
Brahmacharini Rebidoux St. John's, Canada
Now you are in the boat
Kaushalya Casey Toronto, CanadaSuggested videos
interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students
The relationship between Guru and disciple
Baridhi Yonchev Sofia, Bulgaria
A feeling that something more exists
Florbela Caniceiro Coimbra, Portugal
Starting a spiritual café
Toshala Elliott Auckland, New Zealand
A direct line to God
Vajra Henderson New York, United States
Where the finite connects to the Infinite
Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand
How can we create harmony in the world?
Baridhi Yonchev Sofia, Bulgaria