Journalists, running followers and bloggers are in the process of predication- predicting outcomes from a point of awareness, with factors both before the event, and after, with a little tweaking. Kind of like the weatherman, but usually with a smidgeon of more accuracy, although homage should be paid to extreme storm trackers. I will get to the point in a second. As would be expected, the ten intrepid runner-warriors, who braved to run in 99ºF heat and humidity all day Sunday, would be a little beat-up and rearing from such torture to their bodies and head. Yesterday, Monday, saw six runners climb back over 60 miles, with some surprising totals, considering that the temperature dropped from 99º to 95º, and the breezes from the south cooled things down a bit in the evening. Sure enough, Vasu Duzhiy extended his lead over Kobi Oren with another 66.95 mile day. Third placer overall Smarana Puntigam went past the 1000 mile mark for the ninth time in his remarkable career, and six people managed to go past the 1500 km mark, in a meaningful day.

However, the extreme storm tracker did not expect to see the whirlwind runner from the caboose of the train flash past everyone for 80.12 miles, landing in seventh place in a great performance. Ananda-Lahari Zuscin is known as the unknown quantity, the undefinable or unpredictable runner, who runs with heart and soul, and runs when his body says go. Let us hope he recovers from this day with his wide smile intact. He is the Day leader for Day 16, and impressive effort from a 14-time starter in this race. More later…

1000 miles- Smarana Puntigam- 15:17:05:15

1500 km splits:

Surasa Mairer- 15:02:55:47

Sopan Tsekov- 15:09:06:48

Ushika Muckenhumer- 15:10:40:26

Yolanda Holder- 15:13:35:03

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 15:15:01:15

Kaneenika Janakova- 15:15:30:43

Race Director's updates

The mercury was a tick away from triple digits (38ºC). The difficulty to run today was obvious. The will to continue was sapped. These are the normal reflexes of athletes of any age in a heat wave beyond the normal. Four runners made it past 60 miles, somehow defying the body’s pleas for rest, cool rooms and 1000’s of BTU’s. Vasu Duzhiy found some new gear to run with during the darkness hours, running nearly 67 miles and finishing two laps ahead of Kobi Oren, for the overall lead of the race. Vasu had trailed Kobe by nearly 20 miles only days ago. The top six are now on pace to finish, their confidence growing with each lap completed. So far they have weathered the wave, if for one more day or two.

Smarana Puntigam-1500km- 14:15:41:50

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Race Director's updates

It was bright sun, Summer in the City hot, but the runners traversed the course with caution and purpose. The top two runners, Kobi Oren and Vasu Duzhiy, both passed 1000 miles in the evening, with Kobi reaching 63.66 miles for the day. His sterling 1000-mile mark is a new Israeli national record for the kilo mile, as well as a personal best by over 33 hours. Vasu ran well throughout difficult conditions to become day leader with 69.14 miles. It was his seventh time past 1000 miles, and his second best ever. Kaneenika Janakova ran 60.3 miles to lead the three women through the difficult endeavor. The temps topped 97ºF (37ºC) for the second day in a row. Sunday looks to be the worst of the heat wave, then, somewhat cooler temps will prevail. A few more breezes would be nice as well. Hang in there, runners.

Kobi Oren-1000 miles-13:15:18:29-NR

(old record-15:01:47:49- 22July-05 Aug,2017 by Kobi Oren)

Vasu Duzhiy-1000 miles-13:17:50:28

Race Director's updates

The four day heat wave arrived on schedule, as clear skies led to warm then hot temps, with the mercury hovering around 95º (34ºC). The warnings were out- don’t spend too much time in the sun; drink plenty of fluids; avoid hot rooms with no AC, etc, etc. Of course, the runners in a multi-day just dial it down a notch or two, and wait for sections of the day to gather the laps where they may. Six people still made it over sixty miles today, with Vasu Duzhiy taking Day leader honors with 65.3 miles. He finished the 119thlap right on the nose of 1500km, a prelude to more milestones to come. Kaneenika Janakova flashed brilliance again with 62.01 miles, taking back a few laps from her other tough female competitors.

The problem with heat waves is they last for a few days, so the watch and warnings are still up, and our intrepid runners have to remain smart and cautious as the conditions will dictate what you can and cannot do. One thing is certain, they will all show up tomorrow, and give it a try. Stay cool, friends, in the northern hemisphere.

Kobi Oren-1500km- 12:14:08:17

Vasu Duzhiy-1500km-12:17:58:17

Race Director's updates

On the day of an even dozen, the hearty 10 runners of the 3100 Mile Race continued to move along. A muggy, overcast, sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy day it was. Just before the dinner hour a series of thunder-storms surged through the area, pummelling race course and runner at will. The biggest storm dropped an inch or two of rain within ten minutes, buffeted by stiff winds. The runners were at a distinct disadvantage, but there is no stopping this group so far. Kobe Oren again led the way for the fellas with a tough 67.5 miles. Vasu Duzhiy was a mile behind with 66.4. Kaneenika Janakova led the ladies with 63.11 miles, her best day since Day 1, her gait efficient, her focus solid, a faint smile relaying joy that she could run free again. Somehow, between all the rain and flood warnings (everyone’s phone beeped warning sounds), and the deluges, eight of ten made over sixty miles. Next up, a legitimate heat wave for four days. Stay tuned.

Surasa Mairer-700 miles- 11:03:54:15

William Sichel-700 miles-11:04:43:55

Yolanda Holder-700 miles-11:11:07:50

Ushika Muckenhumer-700 miles-11:13:09:10

Sopan Tsekov-700 miles-11:13:23:47

Kaneenika Janakova-700 miles-11:16:39:12

Race Director's updates

Kobi Oren padded his lead, and everyone else moved along nicely, as a cloudy day in June helped pave the way for a heat spell arriving on Friday. The six runners, apart from the uber top four, each passed the 1000km mark. In all, eight of ten passed the magic of 60 miles, with our top seven above the required mileage for the total needed after 11 days. Kobi was the only runner to pass 70 miles today, and he has yet to fail to do so since the race started on June 17.

William Sichel-1000km-10:00:44:34

Yolanda Holder-1000km-10:05:58:58

Sopan Tsekov-1000km-10:07:34:21

Ushika Muckenhumer-1000km-10:08:27:57

Kaneenika Janakova-1000km-10:09:53:36

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-1000km-10:10:38:20

Race Director's updates

Seven of ten made it to the level of ‘very good, you passed 60 miles’ today, as a bright, sunny day was speckled with extensive breezes and lower humidity. Kobe Oren padded his lead to 10 miles over Vasu Duzhiy. Kobe is only 11 and a half miles behind his farthest run-distance of 755 miles, in our Ten Day race in 2016, having run over 70 miles this year in every day so far. He inspired the rest of the runners to ‘keep moving’, hence the fine finishes of the day from Smarana Puntigam, Surasa Mairer, Yolanda Holder, and even Ushika Muckenhumer. The latter moved from the caboose of the group to seventh overall. Fitness is being discovered and applied. With 19% of the race completed, we are optimistic for great performances to follow. As we often tell people about this race, you never know what you have until you try. Enjoy the summer days in the Northern Hemisphere, folks.

Kobi Oren-700 miles- 9:05:54:07

Vasu Duzhiy-700 miles-9:09:20:17

Smarana Puntigam-1000km-9:12:43:47

Surasa Mairer-1000km-9:16:30:30

Race Director's updates

Seven of ten made the 60+mile brigade, as the longest running race continued its inner and outer journey. Kobe Oren increased his lead over Vasu Duzhiy from seven to sixteen laps, continuing his over 70+mile streak of nine consecutive days. William Sichel moved up to fifth place from seventh position with his sixth consecutive day over 110 laps (60.3680 miles). Yolanda Holder walked her way up to seventh position from ninth with another sterling effort of 114 laps (62.56 miles). She now has over a handful of laps in surplus, and hopefully has escaped the dungeon that is last place. The fitness level of the athletes is starting to blossom a bit; witness that even Ushika Muckenhumer ran 60.91 miles.

Kobe Oren-1000km- 8days:04:23:27

Vasu Duzhiy-1000km-8days:06:04:57

Race Director's updates

Kobi Oren and Vasu Duzhiy continue to amaze, as both men are averaging 75.18 and 74.71 miles per day, respectively (120.99, and 120.23km). Today was Vasu’s time to lead, as he reached 72.44 miles, taking back four laps from Kobi’s 11-lap lead. Both men have run at least 70+ miles every day of the race. The other striking development is that Yolanda Holder walked 119 laps today-65.3 miles, which led the ladies, and more importantly, placed her two laps ahead of even par through eight days of multi-day competition. She is now in ninth place and only five laps away from the deadlock at seventh place. There appears to be no stopping the ‘Walking Diva’ as she calls herself. We’ll see what the reigning women’s record-holder and the former women’s record-holder might say about that.

Race Director's updates

With cool, overcast but non-threatening skies overhead, the Group of Ten continued their search for more miles/kms, albeit the sooner the better. Kobe Oren wasted no time revealing his intentions, rattling off 6:00 minute or faster laps. At the start he was three laps behind his new rival Vasu Duzhiy, yet within the midday break he had passed Vasu and was headed for a big day. With less than eight minutes before midnight, he had carved out 79.02 miles and a six-mile lead. Vasu continued his own streak of running 70 miles each and every day with a sterling 71.34 – mile effort, yet his was, indeed, silver compared to Kobe’s solid gold day. Surasa Mairer led the ladies with 63.1 miles, and moved into fourth place overall. William Sichel continued a memorable few days with another 99km total, moving up to sixth overall.

Pedestrian Yolanda Holder walked 60.36 miles to move out of the basement dwelling, known as the last place on the scoreboard. She is only nine laps away from level par, and her excitement is building with each mile covered.

Race Director's updates

Seven of the ten runners made 60 miles or more today, as cloudy skies and hazy sunshine gave way to passing showers after dark. Kobi Oren from Israel ran a fine 75.73 miles, slicing four laps off the slim lead held by Vasu Duzhiy. Overall, Vasu leads with 453.85 miles(730.41 km). William Sichel from Scotland ran his third consecutive day of 119 laps-65.3072 miles (105.1 km). Surasa Mairer continues to lead the ladies with 376.47 miles (605.88km) after six days, but the most impressive rebound was by the only walker in the race- Yolanda Holder, who reached 63.11 miles, her best day of the race so far. She has accumulated 351.78 miles(566.13km) for six days, and is starting to get closer to even par for a finish possibility in August.

Race Director's updates

The longest day of the year in terms of sunlight had a big following, as seven of ten athletes reached 60 miles and beyond. The humidity was a bit lower, the fitness of each runner was on the rise. Vasu Duzhiy and Kobi Oren continued their assault on lethargy by running 74.08 miles (119.23km) to carry the rest behind them. William Sichel had his second straight 65.3-mile day, which was the third best total overall. He has moved from ninth to seventh. All three women met or slipped past the mileage requirement for the day. Six people reached the 300-mile mark today as well. Tomorrow should be an interesting one, if only for the six-day totals and the discussion that will surely accompany it.

Smarana Puntigam-300 miles= 4:07:35:29; Sopan Tsekov-300 miles= 4+11:18:19

Surasa Mairer-300 miles=4:13:47:54; Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-300 mi= 4+12:48:15

William Sichel-300-miles=4+16:54:17; Kaneenika Janakova-300 miles=4+17:26:16

Race Director's updates

The runners felt a little surge of energy, as the persistent heat from the sun was less noticeable, but also because it was graduation day, not once but twice, as traffic was everywhere, and students wearing their caps and gowns flooded the campus and sidewalks of Thomas A Edison Technical and Career High School. The school has a prominent presence along the 3100 Mile Race course, and the administration has kindly and enthusiastically allowed our little race to flourish for over two decades.The multi-day runners were entertained a bit by the frolic of post graduation and the flow of students and parents, dressed in Sunday best, mixed in with our runners on the .5488 of a mile running course.

Kobi Oren and Vasu Duzhiy continued their dance of high-mileage as each has been over 70 miles the first three days. As cooler temps held for the most part, running became a little less of a struggle, and more of a new found joy. Later in the evening Kobi Oren and Vasu passed 300 miles, as the latter extended his lead to seven laps overall. Smarana Puntigam continued his excellent adventure in search of more meaning and inner peace, not to mention 66.4 hard-earned miles. Sopan Tsekov continued his best mileage start ever in his seven attempts at 3100 miles, cashing in at 65.85 miles before midnight. Surasa Mairer led the women once more with another 100km of fun and work. Scotsman William Sichel rebounded from a low total day due to GI distress by running 65.3 big miles. Seven of the ten made it to 60 or more miles, and nine of the ten are on par to an eventual finish. The runners are getting into shape. The thought of a big number of finishers has entered into the talk of the race. Who knows for sure, but we optimists dream the dream, just like these pioneers are doing, day by day.

Vasu Duzhiy-300 miles= 3:16:40:01

Kobi Oren-300 miles= 3:17:18:45

Race Director's updates

With picture postcard summer weather in the area, but few clouds, the stalwart ten runners continued their journey. Kobi Oren sliced two laps off the four–lap lead of Vasu Duzhiy with a fine 72.99 mile day. This was Kobi’s first Day leader appearance. Vasu was not too shabby himself, reaching 71.89 miles. This little competitive jousting at the top of the leaderboard has helped the other runners. Smarana Puntigam ran 64.21 miles to remain in third place, Surasa Mairer widened her lead in the women’s list with 62.56 miles, and Ananda-Lahari Zuscin ran another solid outing with 65.85 miles. After three days, eight of the ten runners are still on pace to finish. Of course, this extremely small sample size forgets that seven full weeks remain in the race. But hope springs eternal for the multi-day runner. ‘You Gotta Believe’.

In multi-day races there are fluctuations in performance, feelings of highs and low, abject despair, and undiscovered elation. These races reflect the struggle to survive another day, to assess effort but not to associate with the pain and sweat, but rather, conserve the energy for the next group of laps, or hours, or even stretches of days. Take a power nap, or stretch the stiff legs, and try again. After the quick turnaround of Day 1, with all the excitement and echoes of cheers, Day 2 arrived, with our gang of ten ready to test the waters again. Kobi Oren, a mere cache of a few seconds ahead of his new found rival, Vasu Duzhiy, again asserted his penchant for groups of fast laps. He must have felt quite well as the hours ticked away and the effort and result were still piling up. Vasu, using multiple leg stretches during his three breaks, hung close to Kobi by evening, reaching a virtual tie by 8:00 pm(20:00). Just about then a small passing storm, with faint thunder but drenching showers, swept over the race circuit.

William Sichel, the reserved Scotsman, was seen dancing among the raindrops as the smell of ozone punctuated the air. Vasu saw an opening, and by 10:00 pm fashioned a lead of a lap and a half. When Kobi finally finished for the day with 20 minutes to go, Vasu went all out to carve three laps in less than 19 minutes, including the final lap in 5:38( about 7 min. mile pace). Vasu reached 158 miles, four laps ahead of Kobi. Smarana Puntigam maintained a solid effort to reach 141.59 miles. Surasa Mairer led the ladies with a 62.01 miles, the only one of three to remain better than par. In all, eight of the 10 stalwarts went pass 60+ miles. Not bad for a Day 2 on a warm, humid monday. More later..

Race Director's updates

The Twenty-Second Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race began precisely at 6:00 am sunday morning on the famous .5488 of a mile (883.2079 meters) course that has been used for the last 23 summers by the SCMT, designated as the longest certified footrace in the world. Ten runners from seven countries stood for the call to run up to 18 hours a day, for a maximum of 52 days, in hopes of reaching a new level of awareness, and aceing the test of ability, staying power, fortitude, and perhaps a helping of luck to reach such a ponderous goal. Temperatures were moderate in the morning, modulating up to the high 80's by afternoon (28ºC). Ananda-Lahari Zuscin of Slovakia was the early leader, hoping to increase his total of finishes to half a dozen. Kobe Oren and Vasu Duzhiy revved up to overtake Mr Zuscin , as both men pushed during the late hours, right up to midnight, only seconds apart, as their 152nd lap denoted 83.42 miles completed(134.25km). Smarana Puntigam from Vienna Austria was pulled along, willingly, to a solid 75.73 mile day. Scotsman William Sichel posted a fine 70.8 miles as he returned after a four-year absense. Surasa Mairer from Vienna Austria and Kaneenika Janakova from Brastislava, Slovakia were within a lap of each other just before the end of day curfew. The warm temps will stay for two more days before relief arrives, just in time for the start of summer. Good Luck runners, we will be watching you.

Race Director's updates

In multi-day races there are fluctuations in performance, feelings of highs and low, abject despair, and undiscovered elation. These races reflect the struggle to survive another day, to assess effort but not to associate with the pain and sweat, but rather, conserve the energy for the next group of laps, or hours, or even stretches of days. take a power nap, or stretch the stiff legs, and try again. After the quick turnaround of Day 1, with all the excitement and echoes of cheers, Day 2 arrived, with our gang of ten ready to test the waters again. Kobi Oren, a mere cache of a few seconds ahead of his new found rival, Vasu Duzhiy, again asserted his penchant for groups of fast laps. He must have felt quite well as the hours ticked away and the effort and result were still piling up. Vasu, using multiple leg stretches during his three breaks, hung close to Kobi by evening, reaching a virtual tie by 8:00 pm(20:00). Just about then a small passing storm, with faint thunder but drenching showers, swept over the race circuit.

William Sichel, the reserved Scotsman, was seen dancing among the raindrops as the smell of ozone punctuated the air. Vasu saw an opening, and by 10:00 pm fashioned a lead of a lap and a half. When Kobi finally finished for the day with 20 minutes to go, Vasu went all out to carve three laps in less than 19 minutes, including the final lap in 5:38( about 7 min. mile pace). Vasu reached 158 miles, four laps ahead of Kobi. Smarana Puntigam maintained a solid effort to reack 141.59 miles. Surasa Mairer led the ladies with a 62.01 miles, the only one of three to remain better than par. In all, eight of the 10 stalwarts went pass 60+ miles. Not bad for a Day 2 on a warm, humid monday. More later..

In the Media

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.

For people who happen to be fans of both the New York Times daily crossword puzzle and the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race (we know you're out there!) the January 17, 2018 puzzle was a double treat.

The Times ran a short article going through some of the clues of that puzzle. The clue for 27 across was 'Marathon leader'. As co-puzzle author (and NYT crossword debutante) Alan Southworth relates, he was wondering if people unfamiliar with ultramarathoning would get the answer (Ultra). Looking into the matter, he came across the the 3,100 Mile Race which has been the subject of much discussion ever since. The photo in the article shows Yolanda Holder en route to completing the race in her inaugural effort in 2017, the first person to do it solely by walking. The Times ran a lengthy profile of Yolanda in July, which you can read here...

For more on the 3100 Mile Race, you can always visit the homepage...

Inspiration

About the author:

Nirbhasa is from Ireland. He is an enthusiastic multi-day runner, having completed four times the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race - the longest race in the world.

Most ultra-runners have to balance training for many hours a day with the demands of their regular life, and Jayasalini Abramovskikh is no exception, working at least 9 hours a day at her job as an economist. Jayasalini has run our 6 and 10 day race many times, and in 2014 became the first Russian woman to complete the 3100 Mile Race. She talks how she keep her really long runs for weekends and public holidays, how she varies her training, and (interestingly) how she prefers to undertrain rather than overtrain.