The 29th edition of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race set off today in Queens, New York. Since its founding in 1997 by spiritual Master Sri Chinmoy, this extraordinary challenge has drawn only the most determined souls. In nearly three decades, just 52 runners have ever completed the full distance.
The record still belongs to Finland’s Ashprihanal Aalto, who conquered the distance in 40 days, 9 hours, 6 minutes, 21 seconds—averaging a mind-bending 76.7 miles (123.6 km) per day. He also holds the most finishes: 17 times across the line!
This year, 10 athletes are stepping onto the starting line, including 3 first-timers eager to test themselves against history:
- Andrea Marcato (43, Italy) – 5 finishes, 5 wins, #3 ranked.
- Vasu Duzhiy (59, Russia) – 12 finishes, 3 wins, #6 ranked.
- Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (50, Slovakia) – 6 finishes.
- Mahasatya Janczak (50, Poland) – 1 finish.
- Adrian Papuc (57, Romania).
- Alex Ramsey (40, USA) – first timer.
- Geng Lucong (56, China) – first timer.
- Milan Javernicky (52, Czech Republic).
- Harita Davies (50, New Zealand/USA) – 4 finishes, #6 ranked woman.
- Daniella Bojila (47, Italy) – first timer.
(Annabel Hepworth of Australia was forced to withdraw just before the start due to injury.)
The course is deceptively simple: a .5488 mile (883 m) loop around Jamaica High School, the same loop since 1987. To finish, runners must complete 5,649 laps—averaging 59.6 miles (95.9 km) every day for 52 days. The track is open from 6 a.m. to midnight daily, giving them 18 hours to move forward.
Beyond the numbers, this is a test of the body, mind, and spirit. Many runners describe it as a pilgrimage of self-discovery, a chance to listen deeply within, invoke a higher power, and discover untapped strength. Others call it the “ultimate school of life”—where theories dissolve and only pure experience counts.
✨ Follow live updates and results on the official site: 3100.srichinmoyraces.org
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