Day 18 - Like Climbing Mount Everest

About the author:

Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.

Andrea Marcato the five-time winner of the 3100 Mile Race reached 2000 km today. His time was a fine 13:19:20:26- on the 18th day of the longest race. The breezy wind helped the runners to move along well throughout the day.

At first glance, the 3100 Mile Race course looks fairly flat. Certainly, there are no steep hills. Nevertheless, within the course, there are gentle gradients and a total height gain of 3.14m per lap. To a casual observer walking along the course, it is the kind of height gain you may not give too much attention.

A very small hill which can become a mountain during the 3100 Mile Race

But, for the runners who are endeavouring to run 5,653 laps, each little height gain becomes of tremendous importance. You will see runners adopt their style to walk up an incline and pick up their pace on the downhill. Each day, the race changes direction, which means the height gain appears in different ways. Some runners even talk about one direction feeling more like an 'uphill' version.

One aspect of the 3100 Mile Race is that everything is on a much more extreme level. Runners go through numerous pairs of shoes, get through thousands of calories a day (close to 10,000 as one estimate) but also in terms of height gain. During the course of the race, the runners will effectively ascend a total height gain of 17,750 meters! If you consider that Mount Everest is 8,848m, it means that during the race, the runners will effectively ascend twice the height of Mount Everest. Quite a remarkable feat of vertical height gain to go along with the horizontal distance.

Quote of the Day

Spirituality is not like coasting
But exactly like climbing —
Climbing ten thousand Himalayas.

- Sri Chinmoy

Milestones on Day 18

Adrian Papuc reached 1100 miles in 12:13:13:58.
Mahasatya Janczak- reached 1100 miles in 14:03:50:17.
Vasu Duzhiy reached 1900 km in 66:55:26:49.
Harita Davies reached 1700 km in 17:14:34:16

Videos

Stutisheel 3100 Mile Playlist Youtube Channel
Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team 3100 Mile Race Youtube Channel
Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team Vimeo Channel

Photos

Sri Chinmoy Ultra Photos

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The 30th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race

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Lo Wei Ming had a superb day yesterday, reaching top honours with 74 miles for the day and passing the 2,400 mile mark - leaving "just" 700 miles. As runners start to come into the final stretch, it can be a testing time for the mind because the finish might feel close, but is also literally very far.

Helped by the good weather many of the runners had excellent days with the top three runners - Andrea, Asprihanal and Lo Wei Ming all passing 70 miles. It was also good day for Vasu Duzihy with 68 miles. The top two women Susan Marshall, Huang Lan Yang continue to progress at very similar rates with both getting to the magic 59.8 miles for the day.

Susan Marshall cheerfully shares her thoughts on overcoming the challenges of her first 3100 Mile Race

Stephen Redfern is doing his first official multiday race - though (as he says in the video) he did an unofficial multiday during lockdown around his garage! For a few years, it has been a dream of Stephen to do the 3100 Mile Race and his enthusiasm shows as he explains what he has been learning from the race - both physically and spiritually.

In a video in the slideshow, Vasu and Andrea recite a poem of Sri Chinmoy which is particularly apt for the 3100 Mile Race

Today
Patience from my heart
Will challenge
Tomorrow's impatience-mind
And conquer it.

Sri Chinmoy

Further reading

Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra
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As the race enters into its fifth week, the runners are getting into a good rhythm.

Every day the runners see both the rising sun and setting sun - a new feature of the race in the fall. It puts the runners in connection with the daily routine of Mother Earth - a feature often lost in modern life but for the runners out on the course ever day, they become finely attuned to their environment.

Both Asprihanal Aalto and Andrea Marcato ran consistently all day to pass the magic 70-mile mark. A remarkable achievement when you consider the previous 35 days of consecutive running. Vasu Duzhiy and Lo Wei Ming both maintain a steady pace, building up a good buffer of spare miles to finish well within the time limit. The top two women Susan Marshall and Huang Lan Yang are separated by just 10 miles with both exceeding 60-mile day and, like all the runners, inspiring each other to keep pushing the boundaries of self-transcendence.

Andrea Marcato share his thoughts on the race

Andrea impresses and inspires with his focused attitude to the race. As you can soon observe, every second counts as he seeks to gain the maximum performance from every aspect of his being - mind, body, spirit and the support of his helpers.

Asprihanal's Race so far

The modest Finn, Asprihanal Aalto has finished the race 15 times, has won on nine occasions, and is the current world record holder, finishing the 2015 edition of the 3100 Mile Race in just over 40 days. Within a few weeks, when he finishes for the sixteenth time, he will have completed nearly 50,000 miles (80,000km) just on the 3100 Mile Race circuit. What drives the runners to come back every year can be hard to articulate, but as Asprihanal says, it is the inner progress the race affords.

Vasu passes the Enthusiasm Singers

Susan Marshall enjoys the encouragement.

The runners' laps are counted by a team of counters who come from all other the world to help with the race.

Lo Wei Ming with the rising sun in the background.

Further reading

Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra
Race videos at Vimeo
Photos and Videos at Instagram

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A sunny day greeted the runners. It was cold in the shade but quite warm on the sunny side of the course. Even on one lap a runner could experience a significant fluctuation in temperature. But, this is a hallmark of the race - numerous ups and downs which the runners seek to take in their stride. Overall, the weather suited many of the runners - with the sun and a new influx of visitors helping to add to the energy of the race.

Andrea Marcato was the day's top runner with remarkably his third consecutive day of exactly 72.4 miles,

Ashprihanal Aalto had a good day, making his first 70 mile + day for quite a while.

In this interview Ashprihanal talks about his race so far.

Lo Wei Ming, comfortably in third place, also had an excellent day with 69 miles.

Stephen Redfern took a brief, well-deserved celebration for passing the 3,000km mark. This was particularly resonant for the Australian Stephen because 3,000km is roughly equivalent to running the length of Australia. It is reminders like this which help to put in context the very large distances the runners are covering.

After recovering from a recent cold, Susan Marshall had one of her best days for a while, reaching the all important target of 59.8 miles - just above the daily average to finish.

Stutisheel shares his thoughts on the race, in particular how a runner may start the day feeling very tired and sleep deprived, but the magic of the course and inspiration of Sri Chinmoy help to give an unexpected source of energy.

Kaneenika Janakova edging towards 2,000 miles

Further reading

Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra
Race videos at Vimeo
Photos and Videos at Instagram

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Another sunny day helped to raise spirits and also the mileage of the runners. Andrea Marcato again set the pace with a 72.4 mile day. Andrea will likely pass 4,000km today and at the current pace is approximately 10 days from finishing. Asprihanal bounced back from a difficult few days with an excellent 68 miles. Both Stutisheel Lebedev and Huang Lan Yang passed the 2,000 miles with both managing good daily mileage.

Andrea Marcato

Susan Marshall

Susan Marshal maintains a narrow lead over Huang Lan Yang in the leading female runners.

The top 7 runners are within striking distance of reaching the ultimate goal. (59.6 mile average required)

Ananda-Lahari has started 18 editions of the 3100 Mile Race. His enthusiasm for the race and living in the moment is legendary.

Stephen Redfern had to adjust his goals after blisters forced a temporary rest. But, he is back out on the course enjoying the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the race.

Video - Andrea Passes 2400 Miles

Further reading

Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra
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The sun finally came out on the runners after a difficult few weeks of rain. The better weather raised spirits and helped the runners pick up the pace. Susan Marshall who has impressed in her debutant race, cheerfully passed through the 2,000 mile mark and still has a good chance of finishing the race at her first attempt.

Huang Lan Yang with support from Australia

A photo of Sri Chinmoy, the founder and inspiration of the 3100 Mile Race, during one of his long runs.

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Another day for the runners, and the Heavens once again blessed the race with abundant rain. It didn't slow down Andrea Marcato, who was the day's strongest runner, with a return to his incredible form of 70+ miles. Stutisheel had another good day with 63 miles and hopes to make up for lost time to injury. But, overall, it was another difficult day in the wet and cold, and the runners will be cheered by forecasts of drier, milder weather to come.

Andrea was edging towards 2,300 miles by the end of the day. Vasu Duzihy passed 2,000 miles later in the day

Lo Wei Ming's t-shirt says "Never Give Up" - Never has a philosophy been put into practise more, than by the runners of this year's 3100 Mile Race.

"Never give up
Your self-transcendence ideal."

Sri Chinmoy

Huang Lan Yang and husband Takasumi Senoo

Takasumi Senoo ran the race in 2021 (see account of his experience here). He was helped by Huan Lan Yang. This year the role's are reversed.

The loneliness of a long-distance runner. Early morning in Queens, New York.

The weather warms up

Further reading

Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra
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Another cold, wet day made outer life difficult for the runners again. Andrea Marcato was the day's top runner with "only" 65 miles. A rare day for the flying Italian with less than 70 miles, but indicative of the challenging conditions. Asprihanal Aalto, Lo Wei Ming, Vasu Duzihy, Stutisheel Lebedev, Huang Lan Yang and Stephen Redfearn all passed the magic 59.6 mile daily average. Susan Marshall who has made an impressive debut to this race, is leading the women with 1,903 miles just ahead of second place Huang Lan Yang.

Susan Marshall and helper Harita Davies (former finisher of race)

Despite the rain, the runners continue to progress steadily increasing their daily mileage. Andrea extends his lead at the top. Lo Wei Ming is maintaining his excellent consistency after setting a new personal best (and Taiwanese national record) for 3,000km just recently. After the recent relentless downpours, there are very welcome forecasts of dry, milder air on the horizon.

Nirbhasa prepared for the elements and happy to be back on the course.

Nina (Huang Lan Yang) has been progressing well.

The inner happiness is the key to this race.

"Smile, smile, smile
At your mind
As often as possible.
Your smiling will considerably reduce
Your mind’s tearing tension."

Sri Chinmoy

Further reading

Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra
Race videos at Vimeo
Photos and Videos at Instagram

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About the author:

In previous editions of the 3100 Mile race, the runners have had to contend with the stultifying heat of a New York mid summers, with temperatures rising upwards towards 100 degrees. Moving the race to the fall has this year, brought a different kind of challenge from Mother Nature, with one of the wettest races in living memory.

From a practical point of view running through the incessant rain brings many practical challenges for the runners who are fighting wet feet and clothes. But, this race is all about transcending whatever a runner faces, so our eleven runners keep going, smiling through the rain and clocking up as many miles as they can.

“He is happy
Because every day he tries
And actually does
A little more than he thinks he can.”

– Sri Chinmoy

The weather forecast suggests one more day of heavy rain, but then hopefully dry conditions will return.

Andrea is continuing his good run of form, Asprihanal has been picking up the pace after a difficult few days and Nirbhasa has been back out on the course.

Stephen Redfern has new helpers, with his parents flying over from Australia to help the remainder of his race. As Stephen says "it will be a massive new experience for them."

Further reading

Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra

Race videos at Vimeo

Photos and Videos at Instagram

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About the author:

Rupantar has been the race director of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team since 1985, having been asked by Sri Chinmoy to serve in that capacity. As well as working on the big races the US Marathon Team organise each year - the 3100 Mile Race and the Six and 10 Day Race - he also spends a considerable amount of time archiving the Marathon Team's 40 year history on this website.

Yesterday was another cold and blustery day, Lo Wei Ming passed 3,000km in a new personal best - 20 hours faster than the previous year.

Race director Rupantar shares a few thoughts on the 3100 Mile Race so Far

the start — The start of the race, Day 1

As we enter into the ‘home stretch of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race, the end is very clear for some of the runners, while others just focus on their day by day effort. Dealing with every conceivable injury, virus, and rash, these heroes of the road are living examples of Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy of self-transcendence.

Andrea is off like a rocket every morning and alternates between walking and running, despite Arpan’s urging that he run more. Susan uses her speed to go home early while reaching her daily mileage goal, a luxury few of the runners enjoy. Ashprihanal has been hampered the past few days with a hip injury and has yet to regain his championship form.

Lo Wei Ming is ever consistent, guided by the loving touch and home cooking of his wife Mei.

Stephen and Vasu — Stephen Redfearn (left) and Vasu Duzhiy

Vasu, aided by his young handler Sasha, remains focused and has been able to overcome a few small injuries and stay on course to finish. Steven has miraculously recovered from severe blisters and other injuries and still has hopes of finishing the race. Stutisheel, after a brilliant start, had to overcome a muscle injury and is back on course again.

Nina with her handler/husband Takasumi (who finished the race in 2021), has settled in with just over 59 miles a day, just enough to finish the race within the 52-day time limit. Kaneeneka and Ananda-Lahari remain positive despite several setbacks. And Nirbhasa is back on the course after a long struggle with regaining his strength.

If there has been one constant in the 26 years of this race, it’s that this race is extremely, unbelievably difficult. Every day, in every step, the race challenges the runners physically, mentally, spiritually and psychically, in every conceivable way. And you can add financially. I have had the privilege of starting the race each year and it still amazes me how the runners drag themselves to the start and once the clock strikes 6, off they go, regardless of how they feel. So, please stay tuned wherever you are enjoying the race. Still a few weeks to go. Also, if you would like to help sponsor any food for the runners, then it is very welcome.

Rupantar

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The runners have to contend with many challenges in running the 3100 Mile race. This year's race has been one of the wettest for many years and yesterday morning, the runners and mini village experienced a strong downpour as the after effects of Hurricane Ian filtered into the New York area. Fortunately, the rain eased in the afternoon, but the lingering wet made it a difficult day for the runners.

The rain didn't slow down Andrea Marcato who is relentless in his efforts to try and complete over 70 miles per day.

You can see in the video that Andrea stops only briefly for a photo by 2,000 miles and is eager to get back running as quickly as possible. In the 3100 Mile Race there is no opportunity to rest on your laurels, each day, the runner needs to climb a new peak of self-transcendence. It is a race lasting 52 days, yet every moment counts.

Ashprihanal

Ashprihanal Aalto has finished the 3100 Mile race fifteen times, an unprecedented achievement. The past few days have been challenging for Asprihanal but he has the confidence of his long experience in multi-days to keep going and wait for the body to heal.

Later in the day, the rain did start to ease. Arpan's video captures the mood at the race, with counters sheltering in a van to protect the counting sheets from the rain.

Kaneenika is getting close to halfway point.

"Remain cheerful,For nothing destructive can pierce throughThe adamantine wall of cheerfulness."

Sri Chinmoy

In difficult conditions like today, a runner's cheerfulness and inner resources are the best antidote.

Nina (Huang Lan) is smiling on her way to 59.2 miles - more or less on target for average daily mileage.

Stephen Redfearn is making an excellent comeback, managing 57 miles yesterday. Stutisheel also made 60 miles after a recent setback. Susan Marshall is doing very well, with yet another 60+ mile day. Vasu and Lo Wei Ming are also managing a similarly strong consistent mileage. Nirbhasa Magee also made his first return to the course to test his energy levels. No matter what the difficulties or set backs, there is an invisible pull for the runners to come back to the course.

Related

Day 28

Full Race report for Day 29

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Andrea Marcato continues to extend his lead, hitting the 70 mile+ mark for another consecutive day and being the first runner past 3,000km. Lo Wei Ming, Vasu Duzihy and Susan Marshall are all maintaining their consistency and Stutisheel Lebedev made a promising rebound to pass the half-way mark of the race. Huang Lan Yang also made it past the half way mark has is currently on course to finish the race at her first attempt. It was also great to welcome Stephen Redfern back to the course, who managed 40 miles on his recovering feet.

The previous day Gary Corbitt, the son of legendary ultra runner, Ted Corbitt came to the race to speak with the runners and share his enthusiasm and encouragement with the runners. Over the years, Ted Corbitt was a great friend of Sri Chinmoy and the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. In a video with Arpan and Gary, Andrea explains his technique of running and fast walking which enable him to both accumulate miles but also relax some of the running muscles. The technique he has used for the past three years is obviously working well for him as he has extended his lead at the top of the race passing 1,800 miles. Kaneenika explains to Gary how Ted Corbitt inspired her during a difficult moment.

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The top seven runners have now passed 1,500 miles as the race enters into the mid-way point of its 52-day journey.

Gary Corbitt, the son of legendary ultra runner, Ted Corbitt came to the race to speak with the runners and share his enthusiasm and encouragement with the runners. Over the years, Ted Corbitt was a great friend of Sri Chinmoy and the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. In a video with Arpan and Gary, Andrea explains his technique of running and fast walking which enable him to both accumulate miles but also relax some of the running muscles. The technique he has used for the past three years is obviously working well for him as he has extended his lead at the top of the race passing 1,800 miles.

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Andrea Marcato has been super-consistent in the past few days, running all hours and through all conditions. He has slightly extended his lead at the front of the race, but each runner keeps going with their own inner race, always striving for their own goals of self-transcendence. Stephen Redfern, who took time out because of severe blisters on his feet hopes to be back on the course on Friday.

As of day 23, the top 7 runners are averaging above the magic 59.6 miles daily average.

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It has been a challenging few days, as the runners contend 'historic rain' in the words of Race Director Rupantar. Andrea Marcato still maintains an impressive pace with consecutive 70+ miles day. - Stephen Redfearn has been going well in his first attempt at the race, but had to attend a foot specialist due to severe blisters on his feet. Three runners Andrea, Ashprihanal and Lo Wei Ming have now passed the 1,500 miles.

As of day 23, the top 7 runners are still averaging above the magic 59.6 miles daily average, but as the race edges closer to halfway, the runners know they still have a herculean task to keep going and accumulating as many laps as they can.

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On a day, when the runners were inspired by Eliud Kipchoge's new marathon record of two hours, one minute and nine seconds in Berlin, our top two runners (Andrea and Ashprihanal) inched towards the half way point of 1,550 miles. All the runners have completed multiple marathons in the past 22 days, running an average of between two to three marathon distance per day. In this ultimate ultra-marathon distance race the runners keep smiling as they persevere in accumulating laps and miles.

Susan Marshall completed 1,300 miles which is a significant milestone in Sri Chinmoy Races because for many years in the 1980s and 1990s, the longest race the SCMT promoted was a 1,300 mile distance race.

We have a great video by Arpan with two women champions Kaneenika (women's course record) and Suprabha Beckjord who completed the race 13 times.

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We have two videos with Susan Marshall and Stutitsheel, who give an insight into their experiences.

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Day 20 was the first really cold day of the race and it affected runners in different ways, with some struggling through physical challenges. At the top of the leaderboard, Andrea and Aspirhanal continue their big mileage with Asprihanal gaining the top daily honours with 73.5 miles, but Andrea Marcato also managed another 70 miles plus day. After a difficult patch, Aussie Stephen Redfearn is really getting into a good grove, also managing a 70 mile day, capping off an excellent week. Susan (1st place lady) has started to open a small gap over 2nd place Huang Lan Yang.

The start of day 21 was another cold day, though temperatures are forecast to rise during the day. The top 8 runners are all on course to finish, but anything is possible in this great race of self-transcendence.

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On day 18 the two leading runners Andrea and Ashprihanal both passed 2,000km with a daily total of over 74 miles, an impressive mileage for this point in the race. Stutisheel maintains his impressive week with another 65+ day. The top two women are also very close, Susan Marshall managed another 63 miles drawing level with Huang Lan Yang - both are now on 1110.7 miles.

Kaneenika Janakova is battling through some physical discomforts but successfully passed the 1,000 mile mark. (See video in slideshow). Ananda-Lahari is forecast to pass the mark today.

Report from day 18 Every Day is Special!

Every day on the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race course is a special day. Every minute, every hour is a blessing, as these runners extend themselves to their max—beginning at 6:00 in the morning and continuing on until midnight, past the evening time to retire for most. The runners continue for up to 52 days, as they push through their own physical, mental and emotional challenges, while navigating the environmental uncertainties which are out of their control.

Today, however was especially special as an honorary Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run team member, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, former freedom fighter, plus President and Prime Minister of East Timor, participated in a ceremonial lap around the course. By his infectiously cheerful and optimistic demeanour, one would never know the struggles that “elder brother” Maun Boot Xanana, as he is affectionately called, endured as he led his people to independence. After centuries of occupation by foreign powers, with fearless courage and determination, the East Timorese fight for independence came to victorious fruition in 1999.

Having participated in a historic 2013 event, where a prayerful statue of Sri Chinmoy – a peace-dreamer who founded both the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and Peace Run – was installed at the entrance to the Timorese Parliament, it was a great honour for me to meet with Maun Boot Xanana, here in New York—this time at our headquarters.

Maun Boot Xanana, who was determined to complete the lap on his own, was accompanied by several of his colleagues, officials of the g7+ Intergovernmental Organization, along the 3100-mile course. HE Xanana is also the founder of g7+, whose mission is to advocate for the voice of “fragile”, conflict-affected countries, to be heard and for the countries, which now number 20, to work together and address the issues that are at the root of their common fragility.

- By Lunthita Duthely

(from left to right) Helche Silvester, Media Officer, g7+ ; Salil Wilson, Peace Run Executive Director; Lunthita Duthely, Peace Run Coordinator (US); H.E. Xanana Gusmão; Harashita Sunaoshi, Peace Run Asia-Pacific Director ; Eulalia “Lia” Serpa, Executive Assistant, g7+ General Secretariat; Dr. Agraha, Sri Chinmoy Centre International Liason; Dr. Helder da Costa, General Secretary of the g7+ Secretariat; Ashirvad Zaiantchick, Peace Run Coordinator, Brazil; Nikolaus Drekonja, Peace Runner (Photo by Dhanu)

(top 2 photos Lunthita, bottom photo: Dhanu

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It was a busy day at the 3100 Mile Race, with three runners passing the 1,000-mile mark. Huang Lan Yang was the first woman to 1,000 miles, with Susan Marshall completing the milestone, just a short time later. Stutisheel managed 65 miles yesterday to also pass the 1,000-mile mark. Kaneenika and Ananda-Lahari are also within touching distance and should complete the milestone soon. Nirbhasa has been taken rest from the rest due to the exhaustion of his viral infection catching up. But, he still visits the course to offer encouragement to the other runners.

At the head of the race, Asprihanal and Andrea are reaching new heights of self-transcendence and consistency in their daily mileage. Asprihanal was the day's leader with 74 miles, with Andrea also maintaining an excellent pace with 72.9 miles. It makes for a fascinating race.

Every Day is Special!

- By Lunthita Duthely

(top 2 photos Lunthita, bottom photo: Dhanu

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A rainy day failed to dampen the runner's spirits and later in the day a rainbow covered the course. The runners continue to make good progress with Vasu Duzijy and Stephen Redfern passing the magic 1,000 mile mark.