Day 44 — Sri Chinmoy 3,100 Mile Race

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.

The rain relents, Andrea reaches 3,000 miles, and Nayaja seems rejuvenated.

The Sunday storm relented, giving way to a wonderful sunny day. The battering the runners took in the storm had taken its toll, both physically and mentally, and all of them seemed grateful for the chance to reset and relax into a good day’s running with no weather to contend with.

Andrea Marcato continues to forge ahead. Today he passed 3,000 miles in 43 days, 11 hours, 50 minutes and 28 seconds. He finished the day with 68.5 miles — the highest daily total — and a cumulative total of 3,022.2 miles. If he continues at a similar pace, he will finish early on Wednesday morning.
Radu Budan reached 2,900 miles in 43 days, 11 hours, 09 minutes and 17 seconds. His daily total was 67.4 miles, leaving him on a cumulative total of 2,924.6 miles.
Lo Wei Ming reached 4,500km in 43 days, 15 hours, 58 minutes and 51 seconds. He ran 63 miles for the day to give him a total of 2,803.4 miles.
Annabel Hepworth ran strongly all day and clocked up 61.9 miles to leave her on 2,767.2 miles.
Vasu has found the last few days difficult but still managed 55.9 miles, leaving him on a cumulative total of 2,689.3 miles.
Nayaja Perugini was looking much stronger today, despite her lingering foot issue. She completed 47.1 miles and now sits on a total of 2,567.6 miles.
Nina just missed the 50-mile mark with 49.9 miles, leaving her on 2,250.6 miles.
Stutisheel and Ananda-Lahari both reached 2,000 miles today. Stutisheel led the way in 43 days, 05 hours, 17 minutes and 05 seconds; Ananda-Lahari followed in 43 days, 07 hours, 44 minutes and 22 seconds. Stutisheel ran 50.4 miles to leave him on a cumulative 2,031.8 miles, while Ananda-Lahari, with 38.3 miles, now sits on 2,018.6 miles.

Radu Interview

Q: So, are you enjoying the race?

Yes, a lot. And this year it’s a discovery for me. Many hours I was running in some flow, some new reality from the running. It opens up — I don’t know — in my heart, in my body, in my soul. And this is a very, very good discovery for me. I can feel how good it is, like a new reality, how to be. It’s running, but it’s one more mode of being. And this is amazing. Something which was real before, but was just some moments — and now it can be hours.

Q: Why do you like to do such a difficult race?

It’s an inner feeling, to do it. This race is so big, and if only a few people can do it, then they have to do it — to show other people it’s possible, to inspire them, to motivate them to come and try. And here you can develop some capacity you didn’t know you had.

Q: And what do you expect to get from doing a race like this? What do you hope to achieve or gain, if anything?

Transformation. To discover yourself, and some transformation. You see how the body transforms itself, how it calms the mind.

Because yesterday I discovered — when there was a lot of rain, I don’t know, 16 hours of rain — and in the evening I started to shout: “Ah, why? Why do we have to suffer?” And then you discover another part of you. You think you are very soft, very zen — but it’s not like this, and you discover this other part. And you say, “Oh, oh, we have to transform [this]. How to work with that, to be better in the future?”

Average mileage and potential projected finishes

Note: the estimated finish is only a projection based on current daily averages and will of course change as the race progresses.

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Race Report by Tarit

Rain returned. Heavy rain. Rivulets ran down the edge of the sidewalk as the runners battled the weather for most of the day. At times it was just drizzle; then, as if a switch had been flicked, the heavens would open. Thunderclaps echoed through the middle of the evening.

(video Utpal)

It’s the sort of rain that would have most of us looking out of the window, wondering whether to venture out for a short 5 or 10km.

For 3,100-mile runners, it is simply one more challenge among the many they have to face.

Andrea reached 2,900 miles early this morning in 42 days, 02 hours, 25 minutes, 58 seconds. He went on to record 63 miles for the day and has a cumulative total of 2,953.7 miles. With around 150 miles still to run, estimates are that he will finish sometime on Wednesday morning.
Radu is almost 100 miles behind and reached 2,800 miles this morning in 42 days, 01 hours, 43 minutes, 13 seconds. He finished the day on 2,857.1 miles, having run the highest daily total of 64.1 miles.
Wei Ming reached 2,700 miles close to midday in 42 days, 05 hours, 57 minutes, 33 seconds. He clocked 63 miles for the day and had reached 2,740.3 miles by midnight.
Annabel also reached 2,700 miles in the middle of the evening, in 42 days, 15 hours, 26 minutes, 26 seconds. She finished the day with a daily total of 58.1 miles and a cumulative total of 2,705.2 miles.
Vasu went through 2,600 miles in 42 days, 05 hours, 53 minutes, 53 seconds. Affected by the rain, he was slightly down on his usual daily total, clocking 49.3 miles for a cumulative 2,633.4 miles.
Nayaja, despite her foot issue, is battling on and reached 2,500 miles today in 42 days, 06 hours, 56 minutes, 13 seconds. She completed 34 miles for the day and now stands at 2,520.4 miles.
Nina hit 3,500km in 42 days, 08 hours, 55 minutes, 03 seconds and recorded 55.9 miles for the day. This brings her cumulative total to 2,200.7 miles.
Stutisheel ran 36.7 miles for a cumulative 1,981.3 miles.
Ananda-Lahari ran 41.6 miles to finish on 1,980.2 miles.

Ananda-Lahari Interview

On Day 42 (day before the rain)

Q: And what has given you the greatest joy during this year’s race?

The greatest joy is this self-transcendence that is in this race — that you go from 6 a.m. until midnight, no matter what. If you feel tired, if you feel sick, if you are fast, if you are slow. It’s a very powerful life experience.

It looks in a way very boring. You just move, you just go, you just walk, you just run — not fast, like a marathon or a two-mile race. You just go through it. It’s very slow and long, but it is very precious in life that somehow you go through it. And I cannot say there was some idea behind it, that I want to do the race because of something, that I want to get the experience or I want to get stronger. I just felt I want to do it. This, I would say, is the most powerful thing — this self-transcendence.

And then here in this race you are with yourself basically 24/7, so in a way it is pushing me to go inside as much as I am able to: to have this inner cry or smile, to cry for a more fulfilling life, to be more in touch with my soul, to be a better person, to be in tune with myself. It means — we have body, vital, mind, heart, soul. We don’t really know these things. But anyway, that I am one with myself, and that I will do my best in whatever I do. And here it’s really the opportunity, because you do nothing else. You just move. So it’s a very, very simple thing, and very hard: that you have to do your best. It pushes me into that situation where I’m trying to go inside — which doesn’t mean I can go deep inside, but anyway, I keep trying. It’s very, very satisfying.

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Andrea Marcato led the pack with 69 miles. Radu was close behind with 66.9 miles, and is closing in on 2800 Miles

Nina's Interview

Nina: Even if I am dissapointed a little bit, I still feel… I still keep hope, and I still want to challenge myself. I still want to run my best. I still do my best every day. Even when sometimes I feel exhausted — no matter whether I feel happy or not, no matter whether I sleep enough or not — I feel it’s just like everyone’s life: you need to understand something is coming. Maybe God wants you to endure more. Endure, right? Endure more. And He wants you to control your mind. Control your mind. And He wants you to be the best.

So I feel grateful, and I cherish my chance to run the 3,100 Mile again, and I accept all the things that are happening. But I try to run faster, and I try to listen to music with a different tempo, and I try to advance myself.

Interviewer: Thank you so much. I just want two more [questions]. What has given you the most joy in this race?

Nina: Even though this is so difficult — sometimes I feel a little bit tormented, and even if it’s a little bit bitter — I still taste the sweetness. I taste all the sweetness from the people around me, the counters. And when I am running well, I relax myself, I give joy, I receive love, and I feel wonderful.

So I think, why not? We still have 10 days — we still have so many days. We need to enjoy every moment. Don’t despair, don’t give up, because you never know how many challenges are waiting for you. Really, if you don’t accept all the things, you will not realize… when you achieve it, the happiness will come. Yeah. I hope, and I still believe, the happiness is coming soon, and you can grab the happiness anytime.

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Andrea has less than 300 miles to go

Andrea Marcato still leads the race. After 41 days you feel he must be sensing that the finish is within reach. He ran 65.4 miles yesterday to finish on 2,821.6 miles, leaving him with less than 280 miles to go.
Radu Budan recorded the day’s highest mileage, running one lap more than Andrea with 65.8 miles. That leaves him with a cumulative total of 2,726.1 miles, around 95 miles behind Andrea.
Lo Wei Ming finished the day with 63.7 miles and a cumulative total of 2,613.2 miles.
Annabel Hepworth closed out the day with 59.8 miles and a cumulative total of 2,585.7 miles.
Vasu Duzhiy ran a slightly below-par 55.5 miles, but still looks very solid. He joins the four others who have now reached 2,500 miles, finishing the day on 2,522.2 miles.
Nayaja Perugini is still troubled with a foot issue, which slowed her to 35.8 miles for the day. She has a cumulative total of 2,445.4 miles.
Nina ran 44.5 miles, leaving her on 2,092.2 miles.
Stutisheel topped 50 miles again yesterday with 50.5, to finish on 1,900.8 miles.
Ananda-Lahari ran 44.6 miles to finish on 1,894.7 miles.
They both had the satisfaction of reaching 3,000 kilometres.

— Tarit Stott

Interview with Andrea Marcato

Can you say something about the philosophy behind the race?

Of course. Sri Chinmoy's philosophy is about Run and Become — accept the outer world and proceed, but in the inner world as well. So as Sri Chinmoy students we try to unite the inner world and the outer running, so that we get more inner strength and can put it into the outside world, into the outside running.

And of course there is also the self-transcendence philosophy, which is part of the name of the race. This is the 3,100 Mile Self-Transcendence Race. Over such a long distance it is not always possible to do better, but somehow that is part of the game.

The most important thing that Sri Chinmoy stressed, I guess, is the never-give-up attitude. Whatever happens, accept and go forward, accept and go forward. Don't complain, don't get depressed. Whatever happens, just accept it and think of the next step, and try to go forward. And eventually, at the end, you will see that you have completed the whole picture. So that is the main thing, the most important thing.

So how has your race been going this year?

Well, it was very intense. We had a few days of rain. So far it is kind of okay — I mean, it is not my own standard, but what can I do? You have to accept whatever comes. And it is still very long. I don't think about the end, I think day by day. So let's see how it evolves. Today is a very nice day, so I'm happy.

And why do you like to do such a difficult race?

Well, you know, I did well in the past few editions, so I just try to keep going somehow. And this is part of my sadhana, part of my spiritual practice, and it is very important for me. I take it as a spiritual endeavour, a spiritual discipline, and I'm really happy. It gives me joy and I feel I am doing something worthwhile.

And what do you get at the end of a race like this? How do you feel? How is it different?

Well, I have to say that every year you get something different. But somehow at the end of the race I always think that things will change — that you have become a better person, and so on. And then after a while, after two weeks, I realise you are just the same fool as before.

So I have to say there are many, many things to learn from the race, but it is hard to preserve the experience. I realise, year after year, that I am very positive and very enthusiastic for the two weeks after I finish, and then slowly life brings you back to the old mode, so you have to strive again.

And how is life during the race different from ordinary life?

Oh well, I'm actually quite happy here. It is much simpler. Life is just run, eat, that's it — that is my only thing. I'm not on devices, I don't check anything online. I mean, very rarely I check something. So in my case it is a very simple life and I really like it.

I really try to enjoy every moment — you know, to feel the air, the energy from the trees, from the grass, from people, even from the cars. I try to be part of the whole environment somehow. And it's really good. It's a really nice feeling.

What is the hardest thing about doing this race, and how do you try to overcome it?

The hardest thing is to accept, for example, a very low mileage day. I got sick in the middle of the race, for a couple of days, and in that particular case you cannot perform — or you can perform maybe fifty per cent of what you usually give. And then mentally it is very hard to accept these kinds of things, or to overcome them, because the mind makes you feel that it will always be like this.

So something goes wrong, and then immediately the mind says: okay, everything is lost, and it is going to be like this until the end. These are the darkest moments of the race. But afterwards you see that actually it is not so bad, and slowly you regain your own capabilities and performances.

And do you have anything to get you through those difficult days? Does anything help make it a bit easier?

Well, I like to think about my family, mother and father, and friends and relatives. I try to think of the nice things that all of us have, more or less, in life. And yes, to stay positive is also part of the challenge, in a way. You have to really remind yourself that everything is going to be okay, and that life goes on whatever happens in the race. Afterwards you have another ten and a half, eleven months in regular life. So yes, I just think to think positively. That's it.

And what has given you the most joy during the past few weeks of this race?

The most joy — you know, you see that you are doing something really extraordinary. So it is a real privilege to be capable of running such a distance. Just to be on the starting line is a very, very big privilege.

Most of us are Sri Chinmoy students, and I guess that through meditation and spiritual practice we have this kind of extra capability to accept more and more distance. So I feel real gratitude about it, and I'm really happy.

And if someone is following this race and getting inspired to run long distances, what advice would you give them?

Oh, I would definitely give the advice to start small, not to think of the big picture, and to be consistent. Consistency over a huge effort. It is better to make small efforts, but with consistency over a span of time.

Let's say you decide: okay, I am going to run each day of the year, for example 365 days, and every day I am going to run a minimum of maybe two miles, and a maximum of whatever you want. That is a good approach. I started more or less like this twenty years ago. I didn't want to run a hundred miles in a chunk, or whatever. I just thought about a small thing, but repeating it each and every day of the year.

Interview: Tejvan

Daily average after Day 41

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Two more runners reach 2,500 miles

Day 40 saw two more of our runners go past the 2,500-mile mark.

Lo Wei Ming was first, mid-morning, recording 39 days 3 hours 48 minutes 05 seconds.

Mid-afternoon saw Annabel Hepworth post another Australian best performance for a landmark distance, clocking 39 days 9 hours 31 minutes 47 seconds.

Earlier in the week, Andrea Marcato reached 2,500 miles in 36 days 2 hours 54 minutes 26 seconds, and Radu Budan added to his growing list of Moldovan bests with 37 days 9 hours 20 minutes 54 seconds.

Daily mileage statistics

Andrea again led the way with a daily total of 68.5 miles, taking him to 2,756.2 miles.
Radu Budan finished with 66.9 miles for the day and a cumulative total of 2,660.3 miles.
Lo Wei Ming once again hit 63.1 miles to finish the day on 2,549.5 miles.
Annabel Hepworth consolidated her progress with a 62-mile day, leaving her on 2,525.9 miles.
Vasu had a good day, reaching 65.3 miles, his best daily total since day 10 of the race. He is now on 2,466.7 miles.
Nayaja Perugini had another challenging day, recording 49.9 miles, leaving her on 2,409.6 miles.
Nina recorded 47.2 miles to finish on 2,047.7 miles.
Stutisheel Lebedev ran 43.9 miles to stay just over half a mile ahead of Ananda-Lahari, on 1,850.3 miles.
Ananda-Lahari, with 44.5 miles, is now on 1,849.7 miles.

Dreams do not know
Any distances.

— Sri Chinmoy

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Race report by Tarit Stott

Day 39 — Sri Chinmoy 3,100-Mile Race

Andrea Marcato remains in the lead, clocking 64.2 miles to take his race total to 2,687.7 miles.
Radu Budan topped the daily rankings with 66.9 miles, bringing his total to 2,593.4 miles.
Lo Wei Ming stayed steady with 63 miles, taking his cumulative distance to 2,486.4 miles.
Annabel Hepworth hit 61.9 miles for the day, finishing on a total of 2,463.9 miles.
Both Lo Wei Ming and Annabel should pass 2,500 miles later today.
Vasu Duzhiy maintained his metronomic pace with 61.4 miles for the day, taking him to a race total of 2,401.4 miles.
Nayaja Perugini had a few issues, resulting in a slightly lower daily mileage of 53.7 miles. Her race total now stands at 2,359.7 miles.
Nina clocked 50.4 miles to reach 2,000 miles just before the end of the day, finishing on 2,000.5 miles.
Stutisheel also clocked 50.5 miles, leaving him on 1,806.4 miles.
Ananda-Lahari ran 44.9 miles to finish on 1,805.2 miles, just over a mile behind Stutisheel.

Annabel with Harita, part 1

HARITA: Okay, hi Annabel. So, you're doing fantastically, and we've got a few questions for you, because you've got so many fans who are watching you and are so proud of you, and all struck by how strong and determined you are and how much energy you have. These are offered by Tarit, all the way from Scotland.

So — in this race you have now run further than you've ever run before.

ANNABEL: Indeed, yes.

HARITA: In 2024 you had an injury, so you had to pull out. What would you say was the most important thing you learned from that experience, and how do the two races compare? It seems to me you're almost a completely different person in this race.

ANNABEL: I feel like a different person in a lot of ways. I'm just in a really different place to where I was in 2024.

2024 — what can I say? I had a lot going on. I had an inappropriate foot care setup, to put it mildly. And that was as much on me, because I asked for it. I can be elbows out. It actually takes a bit, I think, for someone to say no to something I've asked for. And I'd asked for something I had no business asking for in a foot care setup.

HARITA: Maybe you could say a little more specifically what it was, because that's interesting for people in the future.

ANNABEL: There was a lot going on with my feet. They're an engineering marvel, really — pretty crazy feet. My toes are at funny angles, bunions, flat feet, and I'm seriously double-jointed. There's so much there, it's not funny.

But I had specifically asked somebody to make me an orthotic with a metatarsal dome, which is a thing that sits under the forefoot and, in theory, deloads it. Nothing wrong with metatarsal domes — they work for a lot of people. In this context they didn't work for me. And I had an ulcer going on under the foot where that was.

As I say, this is as much a reflection on me. I asked for it, thinking it would be the best thing ever. It wasn't — it didn't work out. And then you overlay all the things that are wrong with my feet, and that were wrong with the left foot in particular. There are a lot of them. You just had a bit of a ticking-time-bomb situation: that device, that foot, this surface, that distance. It was a recipe for disaster, really.

HARITA: Let's just say you learned a lot from it.

ANNABEL: I learned a huge amount, because I came out of 2024 thinking: what can we change, and what is absolutely baked in? All the structural stuff is only progressive. That's loose tissue, years of pounding. It isn't going to get better — realistically, it's going to get worse.

So what could I change? I did a few things. I did gait retraining. I went to a physiotherapist who does that, and he said, you know, I run a bit like a crab. I went in thinking I'd be told, "Just keep on running like a crab — there's the door." Actually he said no, we can definitely change this. So we changed it, so that my running mechanics are actually running mechanics, leaving my walk to be a walk.

HARITA: As an observer, you really did change it — you did some amazing work on that.

ANNABEL: I'd been in a kind of schism, doing this weird hybrid of the two, and I sort of sensed it wasn't optimal. So I changed that.

What else? I finally started seeing a PT. I'd had a programme from the physio for strength, but I cut a lot of corners. If it said single leg, I'd think double leg, and make it easy on myself. So I needed to pay someone to stand over me and put a stop to that nonsense.

And the other thing — I found a really good podiatrist in Sydney, who came highly recommended. I bowled on in and said, "So, you're going to make me an orthotic, and you're going to put a met dome in it." And I was really fortunate, because he said to me, here's why I don't think that's the right thing to do in the circumstances. It was what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear.

So quite a few things changed in how I approached the foot care and the whole chassis situation. And look, I'm fuelling better than I did in 2024. In the running world at the moment there's a stress fracture epidemic out there, and everyone's talking about energy availability. So I came into this race with a lot more awareness about energy and eating — a lot more carbs.

And I think a lot of what happened with my foot in 2024 was actually about unresolved issues I had in my life that were affecting me.

I guess this year I just had to confront things, and they've diminished. They've diminished from having been confronted — as opposed to this being the thing that nobody talks about. It's opened up a whole level of honesty about what's going on. It's really quite strange, actually. Quite profound for me. And it's influenced the whole way I've approached the foot care situation.

HARITA: Well, in a way that shows the connection with Sri Chinmoy's philosophy of the inner life — that everything starts from inside you.

ANNABEL: It does, yes. When you have these unresolved issues taking away your peace of mind and your focus from the race, they really do affect your experience. What's going on internally influences, in a really compelling way, what's going on externally: how you deal with the world, and how you deal with somebody who's there to give you advice and help you make a foot care device, if that's what you want.

It does influence whether you go in there elbows out and, through sheer force of personality, try to get someone to give you the service you want — or whether you actually use such a device once you've got it.

HARITA: Let me ask you something on a completely different level, because we're nearly at the end of this lap. What are your favourite shoes? And how many pairs do you think you'll have used?

ANNABEL: There are two. I wear Topo shoes because of my very wide, crazy toes — very much the Atmos and the Aura models at the moment. They're boring shoes, and boring is really good sometimes in a race.

I was wearing a shoe with more of the magic foam, from a super-shoe perspective, partly because I wanted to feel fast and tell myself I was doing laps at speeds greater than nine kilometres an hour or whatever. We're doing more like nine-minute kilometres, aren't we? And I wouldn't feel like I was going faster than nine-minute kilometres, which isn't really happening anyway. So that just felt too aggressive at the moment. I'm sticking with my boring shoes, and boring is fantastic.

HARITA: How many pairs do you think you'll have used by the end of this race?

ANNABEL: I've probably got twelve. I've got a feeling I'm going home with more than I came with.

HARITA: Right.

ANNABEL: I can't even go there. This is not going to go well for me when I get home.

The race has quite a few helpers who do an indispensable job in the background. Vajra cleans the course early in the morning and offers massage to runners. Aharan has become an expert in adjusting shoes to make it easier for the runner, this may involve making holes in the toes and other adjustments.

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Race report by Tarit

Andrea Marcato ran 69.1 miles to finish on 2,623.5 miles. He now has fewer than 500 miles to run, and onlookers are already playing the game of predicting when he might finish. Andrea, with experience of six previous 3,100-mile races as well as many six-day and ten-day races, knows full well that anything can happen in 500 miles.
Radu Budan totalled 66.4 miles yesterday and passed 2,500 miles on the way, ending the day on 2,526.5 miles.
Lo Wei Ming once again hit 64.2 miles, bringing his cumulative total to 2,423.4 miles.
Annabel Hepworth managed 63.1 miles to finish on 2,402 miles.
Vasu Duzhiy continues to put in 60-mile days, with a solid 62 miles taking him to 2,340 miles.
Nayaja Perugini ran 62 miles to finish on 2,306 miles.
Nina, with 47.7 miles, is edging closer to 2,000 miles, finishing the day on 1,950.1 miles.
Ananda-Lahari, with 43.8 miles for the day, finished on 1,760.3 miles.
Stutisheel Lebedev had a challenging day, logging 31.8 miles to finish on 1,755.9 miles.

There is only
One perfect road,
And
That road is ahead of
You.
Always ahead of you.

— Sri Chinmoy

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Report by Tarit

Day 37 — Andrea Marcato and Radu Budan tie for the day's highest mileage

They both finished with a daily total of 65.8 miles. Andrea passed 2,500 miles in the morning to finish the day on 2,554.4 miles. Radu, who lies in second place, finished on 2,460.1 miles.
All the runners continue to be consistent in their own way.
Lo Wei Ming clocked up another 63-mile day to finish on 2,359.2 miles.
Annabel Hepworth, our leading lady, with 62.5 miles, finished the day on 2,338.9 miles.
Vasu, with a daily total of 61.9 miles, took his race total out to 2,278 miles.
Nayaja clocked a solid 63 miles to finish on 2,244 miles.
Nina, with 44.5 miles for the day, now sits on 1,902.4 miles.
Stutisheel's 50.4 miles leaves him on 1,724.1 miles.
Ananda-Lahari, with 49.9 miles, has reached 1,716.5 miles.

Enthusiasm and eagerness

We have reached day 37 of the Sri Chinmoy 3,100-Mile Race. After more than five weeks, the enormity of the task still ahead is sometimes hard for the runners to comprehend. Fatigue and tiredness are almost natural companions from the moment they wake. The mind can play games for fleeting moments, and running for another two weeks or more can seem unfathomable.

Suprabha with Sri Chinmoy. Photo Adarini

The race founder, Sri Chinmoy, often sought to reassure runners that the task was indeed possible, offering advice and encouragement on a regular basis. Thirteen-time finisher Suprabha Beckford once put the following question to him.

Is there some spiritual quality that I can invoke during the 3,100-mile race this year, or something new I can do to really please the Supreme? Outwardly, I know my goal is to finish the race and to transcend my best time and so forth, but is there something I can do inwardly to please the Supreme?

Sri Chinmoy: "Now, the question is, what qualities do you need to bring forward from your inner life when you are running? The first one is enthusiasm. Who embodies enthusiasm? A little child. Who can be more enthusiastic than a child? He enters into a garden and runs here and there, appreciating everything that he sees. Then, in addition to enthusiasm, you need eagerness. Again, who has more eagerness than a little child? If he plays with a toy, he is so eager. His whole world is the toy.

"Now, while running 3,100 miles, you have to deal with fatigue — when you are tired, exhausted, dead. As long as you are in the mind, you will always have fatigue, tiredness, weariness and everything. But the moment you enter into your heart, there is no fatigue. What you will find is constant energy.

"If you can feel that you are a five- or six-year-old child, tiredness will not come into your mind. A child does not know what tiredness is; he only knows enthusiasm and eagerness. Never think of 60 miles or 3,100 miles. Never take the distance in that way — never. Only run for the joy of it."

Sri Chinmoy, Run and Smile, Smile and Run, Agni Press, New York, 2000

Radu Passes 2,400 Miles

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Rupantar, race director takes video at start of day

Race report from Tarit

2,000-mile stats, and the rain returns

As we enter week six of the Sri Chinmoy 3,100-Mile Race, our top six runners are all through 2,000 miles and currently on track to finish within the 52-day cut-off. As we have said before, it is easy to become complacent about what the runners have achieved. Several still have the best part of 1,000 miles to go. Just contemplating 1,000 miles as a one-off run is mind-boggling, even for experienced 100 km, 100-mile or 24-hour runners. The 3,100-mile runners are undertaking that final 1,000 miles having already run more than twice that distance.

Aside from the obvious physical challenge, the very essence of the 3,100 is its constant, relentless nature — simply dealing with yourself, hour by hour and day by day, without letting your mind be overwhelmed by the apparent immensity of the task at hand. Of the six runners who have reached 2,000 miles, four have been there before and gone on to finish 3,100 miles, so they have some memory of what lies ahead. To the best of our knowledge, the last week has seen new national 2,000-mile records — or best performances, as they are technically called — from three of our runners. This adds to the many world and national bests set in the Sri Chinmoy 3,100-Mile Race over the years.

Harita with Annabel Hepworth — Harita and Annabel Hepworth

Andrea Marcato, with six previous times over 2,000 miles, reached the distance in this race in 28 days, 14 hours, 50 minutes and 52 seconds. His previous best was 27 days 06:24:13, set in 2024, which is the current Italian men's record.
Radu Budan has a previous time of 30 days 07:25:25 at 2,000 miles, from 2024. At the time this was a new Moldovan men's 2,000-mile record, and he has now improved it by just under five minutes, recording 30 days 01:20:30 this year.
Lo Wei Ming reached 2,000 miles in 31 days 04:54:28 — the fifth time he has passed the mark. His best time of 29 days 07:00:01, set in the 2024 race, is the current Taiwanese record and also the world best for a 60-year-old male.
Vasu Duzhiy, with 13 previous times over 2,000 miles, reached it in this race in 32 days 07:18:59. His previous best was 28 days 16:38:41, from 2018, which is the fastest time by a Russian athlete.
Annabel Hepworth has one previous 2,000-mile time, of 32 days 03:23:29 from 2024. Her mark this week of 31 days 07:42:41 improved her existing Australian women's time by just under 20 hours. Over the weekend she passed her previous best distance of 2,185 miles, so she is now in new territory.
Nayaja Perugini has been in new territory for a while, having surpassed her 10-day best of 600.599 miles. She has now set a new Italian women's 2,000-mile mark of 33 days 01:27:01.
Both Annabel and Nayaja are pioneers for women's multi-day running, following in the footsteps of other great multi-day runners.

Daily statistics

Light rain returned to the race yesterday. Nothing like the storms of the previous weekend, but enough to show once again that Mother Nature and her weather systems are always on hand to give the runners extra food for thought as they go about their daily run.

Andrea Marcato once again led the way with 67.4 miles. His end-of-day total of 2,488.6 miles took him to within touching distance of 2,500.
Radu Budan, with 65.8 miles, finished the day on 2,394.3 miles.
Taiwan's Lo Wei Ming once again put in a solid 63.6 miles to finish on 2,296.1 miles.
Women's leader Annabel Hepworth's 59.8 miles gave her a total of 2,276.4 miles.
Vasu Duzhiy also clocked 59.8 miles, taking his cumulative distance to 2,216.1 miles.
Nayaja Perugini, with a 61.5-mile day, is showing that she remains strong as she enters the final third of her race. She now sits on 2,181 miles.
Nina Yang Huang-Lan achieved 47.7 miles, to leave her on 1,857.9 miles.
Stutisheel Lebedev, with a 41.7-mile day, is on 1,673.7 miles, and Ananda-Lahari Zuscin topped 50 miles again with 51.0, to sit on 1,666.6 miles.

Race Cooks

There could be no race without constant cooking. As mentioned a runner may get though 6,000 to 10,000 calories per day, that is a lot of food. Because of the demands on the body, it is important that the food is healthy, tasty and good energy. A team of cooks work through the day, providing food for the entirety of the race. It is its own marathon effort, though more often working in the background.

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As we finish day 35, the nine runners have covered a cumulative total of 33,769 laps or 18,532.4 miles, which to put in context a distance 75% of the earth's equator (24,901 Miles). However, far from running to exotic locations, our great runners have been running continual loops around the famous block in Jamaica, New York. They have really got to know every aspect of the race course. For a half mile course it is surprisingly varied with a school, playing field and busy road all intersecting the race. In fact, Sri Chinmoy the race founder suggested to the runners that they should find a particular part on the course they like and feel gratitude at that particular spot.

Yesterday, the top six runners all covered more than 60 miles, with Andrea Marcato leading the pack with 66.9 miles. He passed 2,400 miles later in the day. After the recent rain, the weather was more favourable with a welcome sun, shining through.

Daily average after 35 Days

This shows a runner's daily average compared to the 59.6 miles a day needed to finish. It shows the top six runners are currently on course to finish. Nayaja Perugini has managed to improve her notional mileage buffer from 18 miles last week to 33.5 miles this week. .

3100

Gratitude
Is by far
The best attitude.

Sri Chinmoy

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Andrea Marcato was the day's leading runner with 70 miles, pushing him past 2,300 miles. On his current pace he is on course to finish inside 11 more days, somewhere around day 45 — though it is worth emphasising that anything can happen in this race. Radu Budan, running his second race and looking set for another good finish, managed 66.9 miles.

In third place, Lo Wei Ming ran 62.5 miles. He is currently just ahead of the leading woman, Annabel Hepworth, who now has 2,153 miles. Her furthest distance in this race was 2,185 miles, in 2024. She was keeping a good pace that year until her feet suffered serious sores because of unfamiliarity with the concrete surface. This year she has been running a very steady pace, and will hope to transcend her previous best today.

Nayaja Perugini passed 2,000 miles for the first time in her career and is progressing nicely in her first attempt at the ultimate race. Vasu Duzhiy, one of the race's veteran runners, ran 57 miles. Nina Yang Huang-Lan logged 53.1 for 1767 miles. Ananda-Lahari Zuscin's ran 42.7 and Stutisheel Lebedev's 39.4 miles.

But, although we can report mileage, it only captures one part of the race. Firstly, there is a hidden team of helpers and volunteers providing food, counting and support for the runners. If you visit the race, you will see it is a constant hive of activity; something is always happening. It is definitely worth vising the race in person.

Also for the runners, the race is much more than records and finishing. The value of such a long race is its opportunity for self-transcendence and learning more about yourself. Sri Chinmoy writes

"Self-transcendence means
Self-expansion
In every way"

— Sri Chinmoy

And that is very true of this race, you are not just testing your physical limits but also the mental and spiritual reserves that are needed in such a tough challenge.

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After intense weather over the past week, the runners enjoyed calmer conditions — and Vasu Duzhiy went past 2,000 miles in his usual unhurried way, reaching the mark at 32:07:18:59. He ran 61.9 miles yesterday, very close to his race average of 61.8.

Nayaja Perugini closed the day on 1994.5 miles and will cross 2,000 for the first time tomorrow morning.

At the head of the race, both Andrea Marcato and Radu Budan recorded 65.8 miles, leaving Marcato on a daily average of 69.2 miles with (just) 815.9 miles left to run. Lo Wei Ming sits in third place and continues to impress with another 62.5-mile day. Annabel Hepworth, first lady, has also been remarkably consistent through the race: she has run every day above the 59.6-mile average needed to finish inside 52 days. She is currently averaging 63.4 miles, with 1,008 still to go.

Nina Yang Huang-Lan covered 50.4 miles, Stutisheel Lebedev 46 and Ananda-Lahari Zuscin 43.3.

The History of Concrete

The 3100 Mile Race often appears in unexpected places. Recently it featured in John Wilson's documentary The History of Concrete, which draws out entertaining threads of modern life, all focused on the role of a material that is everywhere and that we usually take for granted.

shoes-3100 — Harita Davies former runner with shoe collection

For the runners of the 3100, the concrete surface is something that literally becomes part of their life. It is hard, unrelenting, and one of the many factors that make the race so challenging. It also has practical implications: a rough surface wears away the soles of shoes much faster, and a runner can go through multiple pairs over the course of the race — sometimes a pair in just a few days. The 3100 is a true amateur event, unencumbered by commercial sponsorship, but seeing how many shoes the runners get through, you suspect it would be a dream for the manufacturers.

The roughness also creates a real trip hazard. This year the surface is in better condition than in many previous years, helped by some DIY repairs to the ragged edges, smoothing things out and reducing the risk of a fall.

If you were choosing to run, no-one would choose concrete as first choice. But, if you want to run the 3100 Mile race it is something a runner needs to accept and learn to deal with. Because whether you like it or not, it will become your daily, unchanging companion. It might not seem the most obvious subject for a film, but here at the race, concrete literally provides the backdrop for great stories of self-transcendence and patience.

Patience, patience, patience!
Patience
Is the ultimate victory.

— Sri Chinmoy

Daily milestones

Vasu Duzhiy passed 2,000 miles in 32:07:18:59

External link

The history of concrete - review

— Tejvan

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Wei Ming and Annabel reach 2,000 miles, and some special mail arrives

With the weather much improved and the storm now blown through, the runners seem to be settling back into "normal" autumnal New York weather.

mail Over the last couple of days, many of the runners received something very special — handwritten mail. The letters were written to individual runners by elementary school students at Free Union Country School in Charlottesville, Virginia. The runners and race staff were charmed and deeply touched.

Some of the children mentioned that they had also written letters last year, but those were mistakenly sent to the country of Jamaica rather than Jamaica in New York. It was lovely to see how happy and eager even the most focused runners were to take the time to read their mail. They are all planning to write back to the children at the end of the race.

A big thank you to the teachers, Blair, Amberley and Michael Scott, for making something so special happen, and to all the children for their heartfelt letters.

Don't forget that you can also send the runners your own encouragement, via the "Message the runners" tab on the race homepage,

Daily statistics and recent milestones (TBC)

We now have four runners through 2,000 miles.

After Andrea reached the mark on Sunday evening in 28 days 14:50:52, Radu reached 2,000 miles on Tuesday in 30 days 07:20:30.

Day 32, Wednesday, saw Wei Ming reach 2,000 miles in 31 days 04:54:28. Later in the day, Annabel reached 2,000 miles in 31 days 07:42:41.

Andrea reached 3,500 km in 31 days 07:19:07.

Nayaja reached 3,000 km in 30 days 16:10:43.

Daily updates (TBC)

Andrea blitzed a 75.1-mile day to reach 2218.3 miles.
Radu, with 68 miles, had the second-highest daily total, finishing the day on 2130.5 miles.
Wei Ming, after reaching 2,000 miles in the morning, recorded a 63.6-mile day to finish on 2043.9 miles.
Annabel, after hitting 2,000 miles early in the afternoon, clocked 62.5 miles for the day, for a cumulative 2030.1 miles.
Vasu, after a slow morning, did his usual routine of running strong in the evening right through to midnight, reaching 60.3 miles for the day and a total of 1976.4 miles. He should make 2,000 miles on Thursday afternoon.
Nayaja is also closing in on 2,000 miles, finishing the day on 1933.1 miles after a daily 63 miles. Her 2,000 will have to wait until Friday.
Nina, taking advantage of the better weather, had her best day for a while with 57.5 miles, reaching 1663.8 miles by the end of the day.
Stutisheel clocked 45.5 miles, leaving him on 1495.5 miles.
Ananda-Lahari, with 42.2 miles, lies 10.5 miles back on 1485 miles.

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"Enthusiasm is our journey's victory" - Sri Chinmoy

Day 31 of the 30th Edition of the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race!

Daily Stats

Lo Wei-Ming seems to have got a burst of energy from the storms of the last few days. He powered to a 68.5-mile day, the day's best, and although there is still over a third of the race to go, he is certainly riding a wave at the moment. He finished the day on 1980.2 miles.

Radu Budan was a lap shorter with 68 miles but sailed through 2,000 miles early in the morning. He finished on 2,062.5 miles.

Annabel Hepworth kept up her seemingly metronomic routine with another 61.9-mile day to finish with 1967.6 miles. Both Wei-Ming and Annabel should reach 2,000 miles on day 32.

Andrea Marcato remains firmly in control at the front, managing 62.5 miles to finish on 2143.1 miles — the first runner past 2,100 and 80.6 miles clear of Radu in second.

Vasu, with his usual precision, finished his last lap of the day at around two minutes to midnight, clocking 60.8 miles to finish on 1916.1 miles.

Nayaja clocked another 61.9 miles to finish on 1870 miles.

Nina had a daily total of 48.2 miles to finish on 1606.2 miles.

Stutisheel ran 39.4 miles to end the day on 1449.9 miles.

Ananda-Lahari seems to be getting stronger after his recent illness, clocking 42.2 miles for a cumulative 1442.8.

Harita chats to Nayaja Perugini on Day 30 of the Sri Chinmoy 3,100-Mile Race

Harita: Okay, so we've got some questions that have been sent all the way from Tarit, in Scotland.

Before this race, the furthest you had run was 966 kilometres in the Sri Chinmoy 10-Day Race. Now you've done more than three times that distance. How does it feel to be in a totally new zone?

Nayaja: I am quite surprised, because I actually didn't know that.

I never ran more than 10 days before now, so I had no idea how my body and my mind would react. But what I discovered is that I feel my body is becoming stronger and stronger. Even if I feel tired, that comes more from the mind than from the body, because the mind doesn't want to be here now. The mind wants to enjoy its own world and doesn't cooperate. For the body, for the vital, it's not such a difficult task. The obstacle comes from the mind that gets bored.

Nayaja. Photo Ben Cross, Sri Chinmoy Ultra

Nayaja (right) Photo: Ben Cross, Sri Chinmoy Ultras. Interview Harita Davies

Harita: How do you deal with super rainy days like we had the last few days, both in a practical outer way and also inwardly?

Nayaja: It was tough, but at the same time I have been living in Norway for the last 10 years, and the weather — I mean, the winter in Norway can be really, really hard.

There is often wind, rain and snowstorms. So I got used to running in bad weather, which was good training. But anyway, it was challenging, definitely.

Harita: You once said very proudly that you are from Rome, not from Italy.

(Nayaja laughs.)

Can you explain that?

Nayaja: I mean, I think the only people who can understand this are New Yorkers, because New Yorkers are the same. They are not from the USA; they are from New York!

Harita: So what's different about people from Rome compared with the rest of Italy?

Nayaja: Rome is quite unique. In Rome, there is everything. There are people from all over the world, actually — not only people from Rome. Right? It's an international place. But at the same time there is a very special… I don't know, I don't know. It's hard to explain. I was born there, and I feel a deep connection with my hometown. I think the main quality of Rome is power, and I feel this. It is different from Italy.

Harita: This is a good quality for this race, right?

Nayaja: Yeah, yeah, yeah. But it's not only that. It's power also, for example, in meditation. When I meditate in Oslo, the main quality is peace. When I meditate in Rome, I really feel power.

Harita: Okay, so: no Italian woman has run this far before. How does that make you feel?

Nayaja: That makes me feel that I can do something special for my country. I'm not running this race for myself, of course. This race is something much bigger, so, for sure, it will help my country inwardly. Even if it's much more than this — I really feel that here, we are dealing with humanity's progress.

And also, I don't know, perhaps it can sound weird, but sometimes when I run, especially when there was this huge storm, I felt like a kind of bulldozer sweeping away all the negative forces. I think that's what we are really doing.

Harita: Nice. Okay. Changing subject a little. Do you look forward to the ice cream?

Nayaja: What did you say?

Harita: Do you look forward to when the ice cream comes every day?

Nayaja: (Laughs) I mean, ice cream is one of the best moments of the day. No, it's true. It gives you new energy and joy, and this childlike consciousness. Like when you are a kid, and you get the ice cream, and you feel special.

Harita: Finally, why are you doing this race?

Nayaja: Why? I felt an inner call that it was my duty to do it.

Harita: Good. You're so good at staying focused. How do you do that?

Nayaja: It's the way I do everything. Whatever I do — even when I work, when I was studying, when I'm cleaning the house, or whatever — I like to do everything in a stretch, without interruption. Because I think this is the right way to do things for me, by staying focused. Somehow, when you take too many breaks, you slow down in every sense, not just in time. So it's really important. What I learned in this race, what I'm still learning, is the importance of time. Every minute that you waste is not coming back.

It's wasted, and this is important in a race, but it's much more important in our inner life.

Harita: Okay. And is there anything else you'd like to share that comes to your heart or mind?

Nayaja: At the moment, there is so much to be grateful for. There are so many people to be grateful to. I don't know what else to say.

Harita: Well, you're doing so well, and everybody's so proud of you, so keep going. Keep doing what you're doing. That's all you've got to do.

Nayaja: I just try to do my best.

Harita: Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

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The storm continues

Despite optimistic forecasts of better weather, the storm continued for most of the day. The consistent rain, coupled with lower temperatures, is testing the resolve of the 3,100-mile runners. Small tree branches fell overnight, and the Grand Central slip road that runs along the north side of the course has several large puddles.

Even Vasu, our veteran 13-time finisher, has been heard to comment that "the cold rain is very hard on the feet." Despite all that, the runners are still putting in some impressive distances.

Andrea Marcato is back in the groove and hit 70 miles yet again for the highest daily mileage. His 70.2 miles took him to 2,080.6 miles total.
Radu Budan had another solid 64.7 miles to finish the day on 1,994.5 miles; 2,000 miles beckons for him on day 31.
Wei Ming Lo had the second-highest total of the day, clocking 69.6 miles. He seemed to embrace the rain. As one of the volunteers, Mark, commented, "He seems to have plenty of fuel in the tank, with an excellent support team." His 69.6 miles leapfrogged him above Annabel, and he finished on 1,911.7 miles.
Annabel, though, maintained her steady momentum, clocking 61.9 miles to leave her on 1,905.7 miles at the end of the day.
Vasu also ran 61.9 miles, finishing on 1,855.2 miles.
Nayaja was also in 60-mile territory with 61.4 miles, taking her total to 1,808 miles.
Stutisheel and Nina battled the elements well.
Nina ran 46 miles to finish on 1,558 miles.

Stutisheel was above 50 with 51 miles and a total of 1,410.5 miles, and has moved back ahead of Ananda-Lahari.

Ananda-Lahari did not have the best of days, struggling in the conditions but finishing with 30.7 miles, just reaching 1,400 miles (1,400.6) by the day's close.

The Role of Volunteers

An event like the 3,100-mile race could not take place without the help of numerous volunteers.

Along with the core team from the local New York Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, visitors come from out of town to help out. One of the furthest-travelled visitors is Uddipan Brown, whom we caught up with at the race.

Tarit: Uddipan, you are here helping at the 3,100-mile race. First of all, where are you from?

Uddipan: I'm originally from New Zealand, but now I make my home in Rarotonga, an island in the Cook Islands group in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Tarit: It seems we have helpers from all over the planet at this race. What inspires you to come here and help at this fabulous event?

Uddipan: I have been a runner for a very long time, and when I was competing, I really appreciated the incredible help and assistance I got from the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. So once I finally retired from competitive running, I was inspired to offer that same kind of assistance myself. I feel very much a part of this race, even though I am not running it myself.

Tarit: We have all helped at little local 5Ks, 10Ks and even half marathons — maybe the odd shorter ultra race. They are all done and dusted in a morning or a weekend at most. At this race, people are here helping for two weeks, three weeks, or even longer. How long have you been here?

Uddipan: I have been here since before the start of the race on 30th August, and I am going to be here until the race officially finishes on 20th October.

Tarit: Wow! So you are helping for the whole 52 days. That's quite an adventure in itself.

Uddipan: It is. It's a fantastic adventure, and I am learning a lot about myself. Not for nothing is it called the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race — I find myself transcending like anything every day, in all the tasks I am doing. I am just trying to do them better and better each day.

Tarit: So what time of day do you come to the race? Is it a set time?

Uddipan: Well, my job is to shop for the race kitchen. There are other things I do, but that is my main role. That starts at around 8 am. I come in, and we talk over the shopping list. By 9 am, I am out on the road, shopping at various restaurant depots, supermarkets, or even tiny little Indian stores, depending on what the kitchen staff want that particular day.

I have a budget that Rupantar (race director) has given me, and so far I have managed to keep well within it, so I am very happy about that.

When I get back, I unload everything in the kitchen. Also, if any supplies are needed directly at the race, I take them straight there. After that, I wash dishes in the kitchen, and then I have a little break.

In the afternoons, I am usually at the race, helping with a lap-counting shift. Then there are other things. Once a week, I am the overnight guard at the race village itself — that's on Mondays. Apart from that, I do anything that Rupantar asks me to do. Sometimes we go and pick up propane tanks for the race site, or fuel for the generator. Sometimes Bipin will ask me to do other errands.

It's a team effort. I don't have bright ideas of my own — I just do what I'm told by all the experienced people, who intuitively know how to make the race run smoothly.

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Andrea reaches 2,000 miles

Video by Arpan

Late in the evening yesterday, Andrea Marcato reached the 2,000-mile point. It is the seventh time he has passed this extraordinary milestone.

He did it in 28 days, 14 hours, 50 minutes and 52 seconds. This is almost a day quicker than his time last year of 29 days, 12 hours, 36 minutes and 31 seconds, but slower than his 2,000-mile time of 27 days, 6 hours, 24 minutes and 13 seconds from 2023 (TBC).

It is one of many statistics that this fascinating race throws up. Even a runner taking part in their local marathon each year may see a few minutes' difference in their time from one year to the next. The difference in performances is indicative of how challenging any distance event is, and of the many variables a runner faces each year. In the 3,100, these differences are simply magnified by the extreme nature of the event. Are the runners bothered by these little mind games about how fast someone can run 2,000 miles? Not at all! Andrea and all the 3,100-mile runners acknowledge that "it is what it is" and just crack on!

Conditions yesterday continued to be challenging, bordering on brutal, with heavy rain and winds making the runners' efforts even more remarkable.

The race has now been under way for just over four weeks, since 30th August. In that time, in the track and field world, we have seen:

Records set at the Diamond League final in Brussels on 4th/5th September
More records set at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on 11th/12th September

In the ultra world:

Megan Eckert broke the world six-day record in Hungary on 9th September
Charlie Lawrence and Courtney Olsen claimed the IAU World 100km titles in Spain on 20th September

All the while, our nine runners have been steadily logging the miles to reach day 29 of the 3,100-Mile Race. National records at 1,000 miles and upwards continue to be set, and our volunteer crew keep turning up in all weathers to help keep the show on the road.

Yesterday's race in numbers

average

As well as passing 2,000 miles, Andrea Marcato went on to record 60.8 miles for the day, with an overall total of 2,010.4 miles.
Radu Budan recorded 61.9 miles, leaving him with a total of 1,929.8 miles.
Annabel Hepworth completed 59.9 miles, giving her a cumulative total of 1,843.7 miles.
Wei Ming Lo defied the conditions to record the day's highest total of 63 miles, leaving him on 1,842 miles. Slowly but steadily, he has been making progress on Annabel and now sits only three laps behind her.
Vasu again hit 60-plus miles, with 60.3 miles leaving him on 1,793.2 miles.
Nayaja Perugini ran 61.4 miles to finish with 1,746.6 miles.

All the top six runners are still well on course to finish the 3,100 miles.

Nina achieved 46 miles to take her beyond 1,500 miles, and now sits on 1,511.9 miles.
Ananda-Lahari Zuscin, still with lingering sickness, recorded 38.3 miles to take him to 1,369.9 miles.
Stutisheel recorded 43.8 miles to leave him on 1,359.4 miles.

Race report: Tarit Stott

Andrea Passes 2,000 Miles

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Are there any limits? Normal service resumed.

Eight years before the first 3,100-mile race, Sri Chinmoy was interviewed by John Hanc, a well-known New York journalist.

At the time, the 1,300-mile race was the longest the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team had organised. This was seen as an event to push the boundaries of running endurance to its limits. Sri Chinmoy, as we now know, had other ideas.

John Hanc: On the ultra-distance side, you and the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team have been leaders in expanding the limits of what people can run. Do you think there will be any limit to the distance people can run? Ten years from now, will we be talking about a 2,000-mile or a 5,000-mile run?

Sri Chinmoy: "No, there is no limit to the distance, because there is no limit to human capacity. Human capacity depends on our inner hunger — how sincerely we need something or are crying for something. In the material world, if someone has tremendous greed and wants to become a multi-millionaire, he works very hard, and eventually he fulfils his desire. But by possessing the material world, we can never be happy. We can only find joy by serving as an instrument of God and fulfilling His Will. If God wants us to be a sprinter or an ultramarathon runner, and if we follow His dictates, then naturally we will become very happy. It will not matter if we stand first or last. Success or failure, we shall place at His feet. What matters is that we are pleasing God in His own way. How do we know what God wants us to do? By praying and meditating.

But even on the outer plane, our capacity is constantly expanding. Right now, 1,300 miles is our longest race. To run 1,300 miles in 18 days is almost beyond our imagination. We feel that is our ultimate capacity. But previously, we felt that 1,000 miles was the limit. Who thought of a 1,300-mile race five years ago? At that time, people would have thought I was a crazy man if I had suggested that. But now you see that this crazy man was right, because people are doing it. Somebody just has to start. We always have to go ahead, because life means progress.

The inner runner is always trying to inspire the outer runner. First, the inner runner says, 'Go forward, go forward, go ahead, go ahead!' Then the outer runner says, 'How can I go ahead if you do not give me the aspiration and inner cry?' Then the inner runner gives the outer runner the inner cry to do something and to become something good. In this way, the inner runner offers inspiration and aspiration to the outer runner."

In yesterday's race news

Normal service was resumed yesterday as Andrea Marcato bounced back from his "little sickness setback" and threw down a 70-mile day.

Heavy rain and fresh winds for much of the day made things somewhat challenging, but they did not stop our intrepid adventurers on their onward journey. See the US photo gallery here to feel the atmospheric conditions.

Normal service was resumed yesterday, in some ways.

Andrea Marcato bounced back from his "little sickness setback" and threw down a 70-mile day (details in yesterday's daily update). He totalled 70.1 miles for the day to finish on 1949.5. Assuming he has no reaction to today's effort, he should reach 2,000 miles early Sunday evening.
Radu Budan ran a 63-mile day, continuing his own race and consistently logging the miles to reach 1867.8 miles at the close of the day.
Annabel Hepworth ran a couple of miles below her usual daily total but maintained her 60-mile threshold, running 60.8 miles to finish the day on 1783.9 miles.
Wei Ming Lo maintained a 62.5-mile (100 km) baseline to finish on 1779 miles.
Vasu and Nayaja both recorded 61.4 miles, leaving them on 1732.9 miles and 1685.2 miles, respectively.
Nina continues to crack on, hitting 47.7 miles for the day.
Ananda-Lahari and Stutisheel battled the conditions to achieve 36.1 miles and 35.6 miles, respectively.

"When your mind is plagued by dark doubts,
you are bound to be imprisoned
by all limitations — inner and outer."

— Sri Chinmoy

Race report: Tarit Stott

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School's out, and Andrea is recovering.

Using a small, compact loop for a multi-day race offers many advantages. The small 0.5488-mile loop around Thomas Edison High School provides runners with regular food, drinks, medical support, and moral support from the race crew. Each runner has their own allocated rest area at trackside in one of the event's caravans or RVs (Recreational Vehicles) — camper vans, as they are known in Europe.

The loop is in a relatively quiet suburban area of Queens and offers, for most of the day, clear sidewalks (or pavements, as they are called in Europe), allowing the runners to take a relatively free running line on the course. It is not like a local park or big-city road race, which may have a road or park closure in place allowing runners free rein on the route. Being held on public sidewalks means the runners need to co-exist with other users of the route.

schoolsout For most of the day, this is fine. However, one major disadvantage is that the loop circles Thomas Edison School, and five days a week in term time, several hundred students enter and leave the school twice a day. It offers an interesting little cameo sideshow to the race, but also a considerable short-term obstacle to the runners, who have to weave in and out of the students. Many of the students are indeed respectful of the runners and have their own vague idea of the huge challenge they are undertaking. You sometimes notice them making a conscious effort to give the runners space. However, some, engrossed in their phone screens or the enthusiasm of the moment, walk three or four abreast across the entire sidewalk, chatting away about their own breaking news of the day, totally oblivious that a runner is closing in on 2,000 miles and a possible national record. By weaving in and out of the students, the runners add extra distance to the accurately measured course, which, of course, is measured along the "shortest line."

Some runners consciously take one of their short daily breaks around this time to minimise the disruption to their day. Others see it as a welcome, temporary distraction, helping another hour speed by.

The runners, to coin a phrase, "take it all in their stride." They know that, like everything else the race throws at them, it is something to be dealt with as calmly as possible, with minimal drama — in a few minutes, "this too will pass," and the course will be clear again, and peace will return.

- Tarit Stott

Radu passes 1,800 miles in the rain.

Whilst the race can be hectic and wet, it can also be beautiful. In fact variation throughout the day is a feature of the race. This was from early yesterday morning. A beautiful school welcomed the runners.

Race updates

Race leader Andrea seems to be battling through his sickness and recorded 60.3 miles. We hope he hasn't been too worried about losing distance to second-placed Radu, and isn't trying to do too much, too soon, as he bounces back from his little setback. He finished the day on a total of 1,879.3 miles.
Radu, with another solid 64.7 miles, finished the day on 1,804.8, closing the gap on Andrea by another 4 miles. In reality, he is still 75 miles behind Andrea and is just running his own race.
Annabel Hepworth, with 61.9 miles, continues to look strong and now has a total mileage of 1,723.0 miles.
Wei Ming Lo had the second-highest mileage of the day behind Radu, with 63 miles, taking his total to 1,716.5 miles.
Vasu, after a slow start in the morning, ran his usual strong evening session, right up to midnight, to finish with 60.8 miles for the day.
Nayaja Perugini, seemingly in a very good routine just now, nailed another 61-mile day and now has 1,623.8 miles.
Nina, after three solid days, fell back to a 43.8-mile day.
Ananda-Lahari, also struggling with mild sickness, still managed to complete 42.2 miles. He and Stutisheel (with 44.9 miles) are closing in on 1,300 miles, which they should reach on Saturday.

"I shall forever remain a pilgrim, on the self-transcendence road."

— Sri Chinmoy

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The race reaches the halfway point, and race leader Andrea suffers a setback

Thursday 24th September marked a minor landmark, as the race reached the halfway point of its 52-day journey. For 26 days now, since Day One on August 30th, the runners have been slowly and steadily circling the short 0.5488-mile lap around Thomas Edison High School.

Summer is slowly turning to autumn, and sweeping up the fallen leaves around the race camp has become a daily task for some. Although not actually cold yet, temperatures are dropping, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Some of the runners are now wearing an extra layer at these times. In the counting tent, where the volunteers sit static for several hours, hats and warmer jackets are now a necessity for the early morning and evening shifts.

Day 26 saw some drama unfold amongst the runners. Six-time winner Andrea Marcato, the race leader from Day One, is having his first real test of the race. After regularly logging high-60-mile to low-70-mile days, he suddenly dropped to a 57.6-mile day on Day 25, and an even lower 47.7-mile day yesterday on Day 26. The reason is a sudden stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) issue.

As a regular multi-day runner, he knows these issues can happen to any of the runners on any given day. If he were not in the race, he would probably take a complete break and stay home to let his body work through the temporary setback. In his current situation, on Day 26 of one of the toughest running challenges in the world, this is not an option. With advice from the experienced race medical team, he is still "showing up" each day and circling the race loop at a reduced effort.

Athletes like Andrea have a level of natural strength, resilience and fitness way above normal, built over many years. That is why he is a multi-day champion. At times like this, that fitness, resilience, and all-round belief that any obstacle is there to be experienced and overcome, give him a huge advantage. Patience is needed. However, history shows that with the right advice from the race medical team, and support from his own personal helpers, he has the capacity to get through this and finish the race. Time will tell, but we will keep an eye on the daily leaderboard!

In other news

Andrea's lead has certainly been reduced, but he still has a healthy buffer.
Radu, who is in second place, continues his own progress with a steady 65.8-mile day but is still almost 80 miles behind Andrea.
Annabel Hepworth continues to hit her daily target and ran another solid 63-mile day, leaving her with a total of 1,661.1 miles.
Wei Ming Lo, with all his experience, continues to grow into the race. He has established a good routine, and another 64.1-mile day yesterday took him to the halfway point. Observers are wondering if he will, as he has in previous years, get stronger as the race progresses.
Vasu, with another 60-mile day, also has the 3,100-mile race experience to push on strongly in the second half of the race.
Nayaja, now well recovered from her own injury interlude, and in her first race beyond 10 days, continues to explore her own boundaries. She ran 63 miles yesterday, leaving her on 1,562.4 miles.
Vasu and Nayaja both went through halfway yesterday, well inside the mythical "cut-off" line.
Nina, although below the cut-off line, continues to look good with another 50-plus-mile day. With every passing day, though, the 3,100-mile goal is slipping further away.

Report by Tarit Stott.

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Day 25 saw Radu Budan gain the highest daily total with 65.2 miles, and Vasu Duzhiy pass 1,500 miles.

Another highlight was Annabel Hepworth passing the halfway point. Tarit Stott caught up with the Australian ultra runner to ask how the race was going.

Annabel Hepworth, photo Sri Chinmoy Ultra

As Annabel enters the second half of the race, she almost looks like she did on Day One. One certainly senses that, beyond her strategy of playing down all the intermediate milestones, there is a deep desire that whatever the race throws at her in the second half, getting to that finish line would mean a great deal to her.

Tarit: You have reached 1,500 miles. You're going to reach halfway tomorrow. How does that play into your whole approach to the race?

Annabel: "I have been focused on one metric only, which is what happens each day. It's about getting my laps done for the day, ideally with a bit of a buffer. That's all I'm thinking about. I have deliberately, strategically glided past all of these intermediate milestones.

I mean, it's nice when the bells ring when you reach a milestone, but I have very deliberately tried to glide seamlessly past those intermediate achievements.

You know, in a 24-hour race, someone does a cracking 12-hour split or a banger of a 100-mile mark, and then — kaput — they're done! The energy system crashes; they're a bit tearful, a bit chilly, a bit cold, whatever, or there's just that descent into oblivion. I think if you invest too much in these intermediate points, they can come at a cost. I've just seen it too many times, and I just felt, for this one, I have really just one goal.

It's not a competitive one, it's not a performance one; it's an "I would like to finish this race."

So physically, I am taking a deliberately conservative strategy — almost what you'd call load management.

I've run about 100k a day, which I think is within my tissue tolerance. I hope. We'll see. But this isn't a 10-day, and this is not my ideal surface — I love a hard surface, but this concrete will bring you to your knees, and I'm very aware of that.

So, how do I feel? I'm pretty relaxed, actually.

I have no idea how this race will unfold. No one does. You cannot predict what might happen.

And I'd recommend against anyone running this race if they have an attachment to needing a finish. I'd love to have a finish, but I don't need one. I just want the experience of doing this race. I still have myself and my family, and the sun will still rise.

And if you struggle with perspective, this is not the race.

So, as far as the halfway thing goes, it's a bit like, "Really? Are we really that far in at this seemingly early stage? It doesn't feel like I've been out here long enough."

Which I guess is a good thing.

Report: Tarit Stott

Major Daily Milestones (All TBC)

Annabel Hepworth and Lo Wei Ming reached half way today Annabel went on to finish the day with a total of 1598.0 miles.
Wei Ming on 1589.2 miles
Nayaja and Vasu should reach half way tomorrow.
Radu Budan achieved the highest daily mileage with 65.2 miles.
Race leader Andrea Marcato had a difficult day falling below 60 miles. His 57.5 miles is the first time he has fallen below the 60 mile mark in a day.
Nina had a good day reaching 57 miles Today Thursday, the race will reach day 26 and the half way point of the 52 day cut-off.
Vasu Duzhiy — 1500 miles in [time TBC]; 2500 km in [time TBC]
Nayaja Perugini — approaching 1500 miles
Ananda-Lahari Zuscin — 1200 miles in [time TBC]; 1900 km in [time TBC]
Stutisheel Lebedev — 1900 km in [time TBC]

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Day 24 of the Sri Chinmoy 3,100 Mile Race saw the nine contenders continue their epic journey. The race leader, Andrea Marcato, once again topped the daily mileage with another impressive 70.2-mile day. The rest of the top six also covered more than 60 miles.

Radu passes halfway, 1,550 miles

A highlight of the morning was Radu Budan (Moldova) passing the halfway mark with 1,550 miles. It is Radu's second race, and so far he has displayed great talent and aptitude for the distance.

Arpan, a former 3100 Mile runner, helping Andrea

But whilst we often focus on the runners' mileage, there is always a big support crew to feed and look after them. Andrea is always looking to save time where possible, and here his main handler, Arpan, gives him food on the move.

Most runners will not have full-time helpers, and some manage without any specific help at all. But the race organisers always provide food and snacks at a convenient location on the course. Here, Vasu Duzhiy is scanning the table for something he might fancy.

How Many Calories Does a Runner Burn?

A runner who is on the move from 6 am to midnight — 18 hours of running — and completes 70 miles in a day may burn anything from 7,300 calories (59 kg) to 9,000 calories (72 kg).

A runner who completes 60 miles may burn anything from 6,300 (59 kg) to 7,800 (72 kg) calories in total.

Calories burned depend on a few factors, but this gives a rough idea that runners need to eat around three times the usual daily calorie intake of 2,000 calories. It might sound like a dream to be able to eat so much without putting on weight, but it can actually be hard work, and the stomach has to work harder to process so much food. Especially if it is hot, a runner may not feel like eating. This is why it is important the food is tasty and appealing. The race cooks do a great job! (More photos at Arpan 3100 gallery)

Radu Interview with Tarit

Radu is doing well so far, averaging in the mid-to-high sixties every day and well on course, for now, for another finish. Every day, his expression switches from steely concentration on the task at hand, to laughing and joking with volunteers, to occasional periods when he is quiet and seemingly dealing with a temporary issue. Every day, though, he is "showing up" with the knowledge and experience from 2024 that covering 3,100 miles is achievable.

He has an overall aura of quiet confidence that he will reach the goal again. So, what are his own thoughts as he reaches halfway?

You reached halfway today; does that give you any special feelings?

"I lost a little enthusiasm a few days ago because I had a problem with my knee. Usually, after a marathon or some other big run, after halfway I start to concentrate on going down! Until then you imagine you are going up a mountain. Now you start to go back down. This, for me, is great, because every day you are closer to the end. It is also good for me, because if halfway feels like this, and I feel okay, then from now on half of my worries have disappeared. (laughs)

If 50% of your worries have gone, then you feel much more happiness. The numbers are very important to me, and all the time I calculate how much I need to do each day. After halfway, it's much easier mentally. There can be some problems, even bigger problems, but mentally, if you already know you are past halfway, it is easier to stay calm when problems crop up. If you have less worry and more calm, I hope everything will be fine."

Do you worry about the weather?

"Yes, when it's rainy, you have to change your clothes and nothing is easy. You're wet all the time, even if you have a good jacket, because you're running and sweating; you're wet inside too.

Sometimes when it rains a lot, it also gets colder, and for me that feels uncomfortable. You lose time. You also lose time when you change, and everything is wet. Having wet socks is one of the worst things in the world. But it's like in life; you cannot change anything. You have to deal with things. You have to change to do what is needed.

When you need a cap, or a jacket or T-shirt or something else, it all takes time. I'm a little worried, but when you get through it and see that you survive, it gives you happiness, and you understand nothing can stop you or distract you. There's a bit more wind today."

Does the wind affect you at all?

"Not so much, unless it is very strong. Usually, in 10-day races here in New York, one part of the park is so open, and the wind can just stop you sometimes. It's very, very strong. But here, it's not so strong. Here, the problem is that in the evening, many times, half of the course is quite warm with no wind, and half is very cold as you run into the wind. You don't know which clothes to wear.

You can walk and enjoy the wind blowing, or you have to freeze, or you have to be too warm because you put extra clothes on."

Major Daily Milestones (All TBC)