Race Director's updates

Temperatures were still cool for this month and this time of the year in New York. That means good numbers of laps, and generally happy runners in the 3100. Nirbhasa Magee went through the 4000km split in a personal best two days and five hours faster than his performance in 2015. Kaneenika Janakova created a new women's 4000 km record, slicing 8 hours and 59 minutes off of 'The Legend' Suprabha Beckjord's mark from 1998, a time that had lasted 19 years. The performance artist known as Ananda-Lahari Zuscin continued his superman impersonation with 71.89 miles, fresh off the previous day total of 87.8 miles. Vasu Duzhiy lengthened his overall lead with a solid 66.95 miles. The veteran champion is ahead by 95 miles with only 462 miles remaining. He should finish in a week or eight days, depending on his health and strength.

Vasu Duzhiy-2600 miles-39+07:26:20

Nirbhasa Magee-4000km-39+00:37:07; 2500 miles-39+04:36:22

Kaneenika Janakova-4000km-WWB-39+04:00:00-old record-Suprabha Beckjord- 39+12:59:30(1998); 2500 miles-39+08:43:45

Yolanda Holder-2300 miles- 39+01:49:27

Smarana Puntigam- 2200 miles- 39+16:30:00

Andrey Andreev-2100 miles- 39+01:32:02

Sergey Kuzmin-2100 miles- 39+02:32:13

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-2000 miles-39+17:53:50

Race Director's updates

Vasu Duzhiy ran 62.56 miles today, and stands only 529 miles away from another finish, and another victory. He is cruising into his last week on the course with no worries, little stress. Yet, he is giving his best every day.He could have stayed home to mend a back injury, yet the spark was there to come back and run. His sixth straight finish awaits in eight days or so. Kaneenika Janakova led the ladies again with 64.75 miles. She is ahead of her best by 60+ laps, and is in position to threaten the record. She has also climbed within 14 miles of second place- truly a great performance is happenning right before our eyes. She is pulling along Harita Davies, who is nearly even on pace to finish, as well as Yolanda Holder, who again reached 62.0144 miles, to stay in the plan to reach the Goal.

There is no question that every entrant in the 3100 Mile Race is talented in the sport of running very long distances. The comparison of talents is based on results, but results sometimes do not define the runner, the heart that he or she displays. Their emotions are often on their wrists, ready to be given or expressed at a moments notice. The stress level of this particular very long race can be very high as the days and weeks go by. Today, the least recognized athlete, the 'Lanterne Rouge' of the group, expressed a talent deep and exhilarating at the same time. Ananda-Lahari Zuscin, for all the questions about his heart, his mind, or his ability- released a wonderful run- 87.80 miles to be exact. It was not intended to be a statement- he is a man of few words. Rather, it is his canvas, this race, and as an artist of the race he chooses how to get the laps- fast as possible or at a walking pace slower than the people he avoids bumping into on the sidewalk. This race is his life's work- 13 episodes in 13 years of trying. We wish him many more. He loves ice cream, too!

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Race Director's updates

Vasu Duzhiy led all runners today with 66.4 miles, extending his lead over second place to nearly 88 miles. He went through the 4000km split for the sixth time in his career, running his second fastest time for this far-reaching landmark. Kaneenika Janakova continued the run to her personal best with precision again today as well, making 64.75 miles, and grabbing a few extra minutes of rest before the next encounter.

Vasu Duzhiy- 4000km- 37+11:49:49; 2500 miles- 37+16:01:16

NIrbhasa Magee-2400 miles- 37+12:25:25

Kaneenika Janakova-2400 miles- 37+16:49:20

Yolanda Holder- 2200 miles- 37+09:34:20

Andrey Andreev- 2000 miles-37+02:40:08

Sergey Kuzmin-37+03:21:38

Smarana Puntigam-2100 miles- 37+17:19:44

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 1800 miles-37+00:47:47

Race Director's updates

Vasu Duzhiy led all runners today with 66.4 miles, extending his lead over second place to nearly 88 miles. He went through the 4000km split for the sixth time in his career, running his second fastest time for this far-reaching landmark. Kaneenika Janakova continued the run to her personal best with precision again today as well, making 64.75 miles, and grabbing a few extra minutes of rest before the next encounter.

Vasu Duzhiy- 4000km- 37+11:49:49; 2500 miles- 37+16:01:16

NIrbhasa Magee-2400 miles- 37+12:25:25

Kaneenika Janakova-2400 miles- 37+16:49:20

Yolanda Holder- 2200 miles- 37+09:34:20

Andrey Andreev- 2000 miles-37+02:40:08

Sergey Kuzmin-2000 miles-37+03:21:38

Smarana Puntigam-2100 miles- 37+17:19:44

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 1800 miles-37+00:47:47

Race Director's updates

Four runners made it past 60 miles today. The weather was furious rain and wind in the mid-morning, lasting until lunch break, which left stacks of sloshed shoes and rain parkas, but no complainers. The mercury stayed at 65ºF (19.9C), the lowest since the beginning of the race. By evening it was time to run faster. Kaneenika Janakova was practically dancing around the course, leading the Day with 64.2 miles. She is 39+ miles ahead of her finish of 2016, and is feeling no pain. Nirbhasa Magee matched Kaneenika with laps until the last two hours, her leg speed too much for a chase. His lead over third place overall has dwindled to 18 miles. Harita Davies climbed to within two laps of even par for the race with 60.91 miles. Yolanda Holder continues to ratchet it up the last three hours of every day, reaching 62.01 miles for the fourth consecutive day. Folks, if you are a night-owl, you have got to witness the history being made by the top three ladies. It is worth the trip. 15 days remain.

Vasu Duzhiy-2400 miles-36+05:46:41

Nirbhasa Magee-2300 miles-36+00:54:54

Kaneenika Janakova-2300 miles-36+06:40:30

Harita Davies-2200 miles-36+16:40:18

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-1900 miles-36+11:33:48

Race Director's updates

Vasu Duzhiy led the way yet again with 66.95 miles, as the top five performed well, and seemed to have recovered from the hot weather and the local handball tournament crowds. Nirbhasa Magee and Kaneenika Janakova both ran consistently and late to reach 62.56 miles. Harita Davies continues her push to level par, standing only four laps shy of the feathery cushion known as 'on pace'. She has been a model of consistency throughout and is learning the race lessons quickly. The same could be said of Yolanda Holder, as she continues to walk quickly and take back lost laps needed to finish. She etched out another 62.01 miles- consistent with her plan and her energy output. Her determination is sky high.

Harita Davies-2100 miles-35days+05:24:00

Yolanda Holder-2100 miles-35+16:04:30

Smarana Puntigam-2000 miles-35+09:52:45

Sergey Kuzmin-1900 miles-35+02:38:17

Andrey Andreev-1900 miles-35+04:26:00

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-3000 km-35+17:39:10

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.

This year, Yolanda Holder aimed to be the first person to complete the 3100 Mile Race race by walking the entire distance. The New York Times' Corey Kilgannon came to visit the course and wrote a profile beginning as follows...

"On a recent weekday, a woman in hot pink exercise wear and a matching fedore strode briskly but effortlessly down a sidewalk alongside the Grand Central Parkway in Jamaica, Queens. The woman, Yolanda Holdler, 59, an endurance racewalker known as the Walking Diva for her fashionable race outfits, has drawn attention as a first-time entrant to an unusual race held every summer in which runners circle a single block for more than seven weeks straight, 18 hours a day, breaking only between midnight and 6 a.m. to sleep."

for the complete 2017 New York Times article »

Race Director's updates

Today the runners had to run around the hundreds of people at the northwest end of the course, as the annual handball tournament took place.The moderate heat wave started to leave the area with cloudy skies late in the afternoon, followed by a few raindrops. It almost looked like we escaped the rain until about 10:20pm (22:20), when the clouds opened up, and the earth met the sky. in the meantime, the top five stayed relevent with each over 60 miles. Nirbhasa Magee and Kaneenika Janakova reached 64.2 miles to tie for Day Leader. Yolanda Holder went past 2000 miles for the first time in her career, and again fashioned a 62.01 mile day. She still has a chance to finish, but the burden of mileage and the mathmatics will not allow another sub-par day. Her margin for error is slim. Can she hold her form for 17 more days? Stay tuned.

Nirbhasa Magee- 2200 miles -34+08:19:08

Kaneenika Janakova-2200 miles -34+14:52:20

Yolanda Holder- 2000 miles-34+03:52:15

Sergey Kuzmin- 3000km- 34+04:46:30

Andrey Andreev- 3000km- 34+10:18:30

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-1800 miles- 34+14:12:43

Race Director's updates

The first six runners all made it past sixty miles today, a day filled with hot sun and nary a breeze until late. Vasu Duzhiy and Kaneenika Janakova dazzled with 65.3 miles- a brilliant total considering the 93º heat and high humidity index. Nirbhasa Magee was not far behind with 64.2. Harita Davies inched closer to even par with 60.91 miles, including passing the 2000 mile mark for the first time in her career. Yolanda Holder walked 62.01 miles, not about to give up the challenge to finish the race. Smarana Puntigam had his best total in the last eight days with 60.3 miles.

Vasu Duzhiy-2200 miles- 33 days+02:34:31

Kaneenika Janakova- 2100 miles- 33+04:06:36

Harita Davies-2000 miles- 33+11:38:44

Smarana Puntigam-1900 miles- 33+05:58:30

Andrey Andreev- 1800 miles- 33+03:27:29

Race Director's updates

Today was the toughest heat and humidity day in the race so far this year. The air seemed dense and breathing was more labored. Somehow, the top three kept it over 60 miles each, with the amazing Kaneenika Janakova leading the charge with 64.75 miles. The 96º F and hot sun could not stop Nirbhasa Magee either, who led the fellas with 62.01 miles. Overall leader Vasu Duzhiy had a furious rally to get to sixty miles, running fast laps the last hour to get the lap above minimum. It rained briefly at 830 pm, but the damage had been inflicted on the runners all day. We will see who survived the last four days intact.

Nirbhasa Magee- 2100 miles- 32 days+16:40:40

Yolanda Holder-1900 miles- 32+06:56:11

Smarana Puntigam-3000 km- 32+12:35:44

Sergey Kuzmin-1800 miles- 32+12:46:26

Nidhruvi Zimmerman- 1700 miles-32+15:46:59

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-1600 miles- 32+01:53:13

Race Director's updates

It was hot today, with temps in the nineties, the humidity sticky, the sun blazing. The runners moved along, aware of the obstacles. Kaneenika Janakova prevailed overall again, a fine 65.3 miles giving her Day Leader status. She also slipped past 2000 miles for the third time in her career. Nirbhasa Magee went past 2000 miles for the second time, this time a full two days earlier than his effort in 2015. The two rookies Harita Davies and Yolanda Holder maintained par and a lap better, respectively, to keep the plan for reaching the goal in play. Much has yet to be decided in this 52-day race of 3100 miles. The heat continues for another day or two before relief arrives. Chapter 33 starts tomorrow.

Nirbhasa Magee-2000 miles-31 days+05:53:55

Kaneenika Janakova-2000 miles-31+12:59:33

Harita Davies-3000km- 31+06:22:32; 1900 miles-31+17:13:51

Yolanda Holder-3000km- 31+13:37:33

Smarana Puntigam- 1800 miles-31+08:45:54

Race Director's updates

On a hot sunny day in the middle of summer in New York, the intrepid ten runners continued their push for high mileage. The first three are all on pace to finish at either near or in some cases, far beyond their previous efforts. Vasu Duzhiy again led the troupe with 66.9 miles. Almost a day and a half behind sits Nirbhasa Magee, who is having an excellent race and is over two days ahead of his previous finish. And Kaneenika Janakova is still cementing an overall podium finish and is within six hours of her approaching 2000 mile women's all- time best split from 2016. Harita Davies pulled back four more laps today to close to within 5.8 miles of even pace. Yolanda Holder backed up her fine effort of 68 miles with a par 59.81 miles. The weather patterns forecast another warm day on Wednesday, followed by rain and gradual cooling in the days ahead, so the runners are already dreaming of faster laps and more precious miles (km). Three weeks remain. It is still all about laps, one at a time, one hour at a time, one day at a time. You never know....you just might win the search.

Kaneenika Janakova-1900 miles-30 days+03:05:35

Harita Davies-1800 miles-30+05:30:00

Yolanda Holder-1800 miles-30+12:50:47

Sergey Kuzmin-1700 miles-30+13:51:50

Andrey Andreev-1700 miles-30+15:14:20

Nidhruvi Zimmerman- 1600 miles-30+16:08:05

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-1550 miles-30+113:18:54; 2500 km-30+14:33:34

Race Director's updates

With the difficult past day of running behind, the somewhat rejuvenated band of ten made some good noise today. Vasu Duzhiy increased his lead to nearly 85 miles with a solid 67. 5 miles. Late in the evening Vasu reached 2000 miles for the sixth time in his career. Women's leader Kaneenika Janakova reached 65.3 miles to extend her women's lead. Next woman Harita Davies reached 62.0144, her best day since Day 1, and in the process took back two precious miles to move within eight of level. Third woman, the walker Yolanda Holder followed a sub par day with a fabulous 68.05 miles of fast walking, taking back over eight miles of treasure lost the day before. She still has a chance to get to level, since 22 days remain. Her focus and skill are amazing to watch. She would have been the Day Leader by one lap if not for the forgotten man- Ananda-Lahari Zuscin. This gentle soul ripped off five minute laps for hours and hours. As the sun set he was still moving comfortably, and quick as ever. A few minutes after 11:00 pm (23:00), he stopped, having conquered 147 laps- 80.6736 miles (129.832km). These athletes, after so many days and laps are still putting up numbers!

So it goes at the race that keeps on surprising.

Vasu Duzhiy-2000 miles- 29 days+17:48:42

Nirbhasa Magee-3000km- 29+03:12:15

Kaneenika Janakova-3000km- 29+11:34:34

Yolanda Holder-1700 miles- 29+02:12:00

Race Director's updates

The top three were just that today- the only ones to reach 60 miles and beyond. Vasu has an 81 mile lead over Nirbhasa Magee, who is back to his normal self. A stomach bug hampered him for a few days but the bug has run its course. Not so for a few other runners, who had near devastating results today, but are still hopeful of progress. Harita Davies, Yolanda Holder and Nidhruvi Zimmerman all were feeling ill, worn-out and rundown- who would not be after thousands of laps around the same concrete colosssus. But hope springs eternal in this race- as long as there is another day. Actually 23 more days remain. Let's hope they can muster the physical and psychic energy to move forward yet again.

Vasu Duzhiy-1900 miles-28+08:41:57

Nirbhasa Magee-1800 miles- 28+02:46:40

Kaneenika Janakova-1800 miles- 28+11:28:01

Sergey Kuzmin-1600 miles-28+13:31:00

Andrey Andreev-1600 miles- 28+16:55:44

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-1500 miles-28+01:52:50

Race Director's updates

Four weeks in and the only runners to pass 60 miles today were Vasy Duzhiy and Kaneenika Janakova. Vasu was strong to the finish with 63.66 miles, whilst Kaneenika padded her lead on the distaff side with 62.56 miles. She is third overall, but the two chaps ahead of her are well aware of her prowess. Three and a half weeks still await the 10 runners. As of right now six are on pace to finish within the 52 day limit. They have all fought the battles necessary to survive, but to finish can sometimes be a mirage in the desert- right there, and then, it disappears in an instant. Heat, higher temperatures, humidity indexes rising, sudden winds and thunderstorms -change everyone's plans. Not to mention stomach and GI issues. But the poise necessary to finish this race is undoubtedly a real reality. We always tell them' Never Give Up, Never Give Up." One never knows what experiences await the journey, and the pilot of the journey. Good Luck to all the runners

Vasu Duzhiy-3000km- 27+16:32:10

Kaneenika Janakova-1700 miles-27+00:49:41

Sergey Kuzmin-1550 miles-27+12:15:22; 2500 km-27+13:54:28

Andrey Andreev-1550 miles-27+16:05:10; 2500 km-27+16:59:32

Race Director's updates

Kaneenika Janakova was overall Day leader in mileage today, running between the raindrops and the spit and mist of a summer transition day. She tallied 61.46, the only person to cross the 60 mile threshold. Two days of heat and humidity had weakened the first three fellows in the field, but the ladies responded well to the cooler temps and hidden sun. Harita Davies reclaimed fifth place with the slimmest margin of one lap better than Yolanda Holder. Both ladies continue to impress with their consistently solid performances. Tomorrow (Saturday) is the last day of Week Four. These two women, plus Kaneenika, continue to impress, as the weeks slowly move along. Watch out fellas, someone is(are) gaining on you.

Vasu Duzhiy-1800 miles-26 days+16:25:32

Nirbhasa Magee-1700 miles-26+05:54:19

Harita Davies-1600 miles-26+13:05:30

Yolanda Holder-1600 miles-26+13:44:49

Sergey Kuzmin-1500 miles-26+14:02:30

Andrey Andreev-1500 miles-26+17:49:43

Nidhruvi Zimmerman-1400 miles-26+03:13:31

Race Director's updates

One of the warmest, stickiest days of the race was today, as the mercury was hovering in the low 90's with ever-increasing humidity. Yet, hydrating as well as possible and being wary of the intense sun, the group of ten proceeded to finish the day as two storms failed to touch the course and the temps dropped quickly to the mid to low 70's. Vasu Duzhiy was the first to crack 1700 miles, and won day honors with an admirable 64.7 miles. Kaneenika Janakova again led the ladies charge with 62.01 miles, and Smarana Puntigam did one better with 62.5. The tightest performances were fron Yolanda Holder and Harita Davies, however, as they again mirrored the other's efforts, reaching 1500 miles five minutes apart (Yolanda leading); 1550 miles-(4:42 apart-Harita leading); and 2500 km( Harita again). Yet, with both athletes churning and demanding more energy from their tired frames, the two ladies reached the days end tied again in mileage, Yolanda getting to the line one second ahead. And this is just Day 26. More later...

Vasu Duzhiy-1700 miles-25+04:02:00

Kaneenika Janakova-1600 miles-25+07:16:22

Yolanda Holder-1500 miles-25+00:55:37; 1550 miles-25+16:13:20; 2500km-25+17:13:01

Harita Davies-1500 miles-25+01:00:10; 1550 miles-25+16:08:38; 2500km-25+17:04:48

Andrey Andreev-1400 miles-25+01:37:00

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-1300 miles-25+08:38:10

Race Director's updates

It was a warm day today, with temperatures in the low 90ºs, higher humidity, and at times, a blazing sun. The runners survived another day of high-mileage and lowered expectations. Heat is a huge adversary to a multiday runner. The consequences of heat exposure and exhaustion are dire if not deadly, so going a little slower and taking all sorts of liquids, salt, as well as potassium and magnesium are essential. The runners did well today to protect themselves from over-exertion, as well as getting overseer experience from a doctor, a certified nurse and one of the best chiropractors in our city- as well as a lot of ice cream! Only three made it past sixty miles today. Kaneenika Janakova did well enough today to lead the Day with 61.46 miles. She passed the halfway mark for the third time in her running career as well. Nirbhasa Magee is still doing well and is literally a day and a half ahead of his pace from 2015. One more day of high heat and humidity will give way to a day of showers and finally, more breathable air, as the summer continues. Stay cool, friends.

Kaneenika Janakova- 1550 miles-24 days+11:01:20; 2500 km-24+11:52:19

Sergey Kuzmin- 1400 miles-24+10:42;23

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-2000km- 24+05:17:00

The protaganist in today's saga/episode/journey of Day 24 was Ananda-Lahari Zuscin, who sprinted away from the field as if this was an all-out 20km or marathon. Maybe he was hoping that others would take the spark and ignite their inner child of speed. He had accumulated 70 laps by 1:00pm( hour 7) of the race, but as the heat and humidity mounted, sensibility appeared and he walked a little. Eventually he would reach 60.9 miles, the goal for most of the runners on a daily basis. Vasu Duzhiy outlasted everyone by staying late again, reaching 65.3 miles- another Day Leader. Nirbhasa Magee continued to excel as each and every milestone has become a stepping stone for a new personal best at each longer distance.

Vasu Duzhiy-1600 miles-23+12:21:17

Nirbhasa Magee-1550 miles-23+15:52:46; 2500 km-23+16:41:53

Kaneenika Janakova-1500 miles-23+14:52:46

Harita Davies-1400 miles-23+06:50:09

Yolanda Holder-1400 miles-23+06:54:17

Race Director's updates

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin sprinted out to a fast pace for a sticky humid day, and after 7 hours had accumulated 70 laps. More sensible running prevailed later, as the air thickened and a thunderstorm washed the course clean. Vasu Duzhiy remained solid throughout and eventually led Day honors with 65.3 miles. Nirbhasa Magee continued his fine run with a 64.7 mile day, reaching the halfway point nearly a day behind the leader. Ananda-Lahari finished with 60.9 miles, his first foray into triple digit laps in nine days. Harita Davies and Yolanda Holder continued their friendly jousting, staying just four minutes apart at the 1400 mile mark. The final tally was an identical 59.81 miles-each.

Vasu Duzhiy-1600 miles-23 days+12:21:17

Nirbhasa Magee-1550 miles-23+15:49:08; 2500km-23+16:41:53

Kaneenika Janakova-1500 miles-23+14:52:46

Harita Davies-1400 miles-23+06:50:09

Yolanda Holder-1400 miles-23+06:54:17

The 26th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race

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