It is four weeks since the 3100 Mile Race began, and the field of eight runners is engaging the challenge with aplomb, regardless of weather conditions or the vagaries of electric outages (thanks again Dear Mr Principle for swaying the race toward solar energy use). Nirbhasa Magee has been running the race of his life so far, grabbing the Day leader mantel again with 68.05 miles. He and six others all ran past 60 miles, including a rejuvenated Ananda-Lahari Zuscin. The Slovakian tallied 66.9 miles, and looks focused on the task at hand. He is only 12 miles behind his best performance at 3100 miles, set in 2006. After four weeks of running and focusing, the results below show steady growth and consistency in effort throughout. The top seven are all on pace to finish. Good luck to all, as the last three and a half weeks are revealed.

Averages per day; miles/kms…….

Ashprihanal Aalto- 66.444 / 106.931

Nirbhasa Magee- 65.464/ 105.354

Vasu Duzhiy- 63.249/ 101.789

Smarana Puntigam 62.426/ 100.465

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin 61.955/ 99.708

Harita Davies- 60.838/ 97.909

Todor Dimitrov 60.289/ 97.026

Ushika Muckenhumer 53.429/ 85.986

Race Director's updates

It did not rain today. All eight runners breathed a sigh of relief. Blisters are the enemy of the super long distance runner. Everybody gets them at some point, no matter how comfortable the shoe, how protective one gets with his or her feet. It is early recognition of hotspots and awareness of response to said warnings from the skin that determine success in avoiding disaster or setbacks. Moisture, particularly extended rain, causes the most blisters for any runner. Our runners this year have done well to avoid hotspots, lubricate the feet, and use tape to limit the friction and pain that accompany blisters. Doctor Garima Hoffmann and Super Mario Cardenas can take a bow here for all their great work.

There were a few runners at the front setting blistering paces for sure. Nirbhasa Magee and Ananda-Lahari Zuscin traded the mantle of Day Leader until the final hour, Mr Zuscin selecting to walk the last few miles in his day to save his legs a bit. Nirbhasa continued his consistency program by running 68.05 miles. He has run over 64.2 miles every day for the last two weeks, and has whittled ten miles off of the lead of Ashprihanal Aalto, down to just over 30 miles. Still a gap, but not impossible to acquire over another two and a half weeks to go before Mr Aalto becomes impossible to catch.

Nirbhasa Magee-1700 miles- 26:00:50:47

Vasu Duzhiy- 1700 miles- 26:17:02:34

Harita Davies-1600 miles- 26:95:43:15

Todor Dimitrov-1600 miles- 26:09:18:00

Books you might find interesting...

Sport and Meditation

Inner secrets to get the most out of training and competing

Race Director's updates

The day started with lingering clouds, southeasterly breezes, and moderate, middle 80º F temps. This was a recipe for good production from the Group of Eight. Late in the afternoon a passing shower was the beginning of the wet weather to come. On cue, the storms entered the area with stiff breezes and light rain, which turned to stormy weather in minutes, but only faint lightning, and zero thunder. The runners pursued on, changing to raingear, light umbrellas to bigger fellows, and then finally, survival gear. Nirbhasa Magee broke best in the rain, reaching 65.85 miles to gather the Day Leader colors. Vasu Duzhiy was one lap behind, with Smarana Puntigam a few more laps back. Harita Davies and Todor Dimitrov ran well through the rain, never stopping until it was time to go home. The whole group passed another test, have become toughened through adversity, and seem to be dealing well with the obstacles in front. Seven of eight are still on pace to finish within the 52 days. Stay tuned, there may be a break-out day or two coming from the prime stallions in the next weeks.

Ashprihanal Aalto-1700 miles-25:08:09:10

Vasu Duzhiy- 1600 miles- 25:04:58:16

Smarana Puntigam-1600 miles-25:09:12:01

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-halfway-25:01:35:00;2500 km-25:02:30:15

1600 miles-25:17:15:03

Harita Davies-halfway-25:08:33:32; 2500 km-25:10:01:59

Todor Dimitrov-halfway-25:12:48:36;2500 km-25:13:51:42

Race Director's updates

Four six-day races, plus a day. If we were to fathom the immense distances run, and the task at hand on a daily basis, the 3100 Mile Race definitely is perplexing and too far out, for even the more zealous ultra-runners. As the 25th day developed, the runners were not concerned about anything, other than another tour of the course, and the hopeful ending of their daily journey, including lots of laps.

Armchair quarterbacks and people who make things look good on paper, or with graphs, sometimes forget how real this 3100-mile adventure is. We cannot wrap our minds around the miles/ kms collected each day, the pounding of the legs and knees, the vast amounts of food and liquids consumed, the change in appetites or desires for specific foods from hour to hour. Not to mention the paper tape, corn starch, lubricants and socks, shoes and shorts, shirts and singlets- all that are needed to keep the runners moving. Add in the countless hours of help from everyone involved: medical professionals, cooks and food specialists, dedicated lap counters, and eager friends or helpers, experienced overseers- all these make for the event to transpire and continue.

The real reason for this race is the transference of consciousness, willingness to explore unknown realms, and the revelation of human potential that is often hidden from view. In short, we are more than we appear to be.

Ashprihanal Aalto once said, “This is a race”. So beyond the philosophical, he and his fellow runners again put on a display of fitness and talent, as seven runners made it over 60 miles again, even as the mercury touched 90ºF today. Mr Aalto led the fray with 69. 14 miles, and remarked how he did not believe how well he ran in the evening. Nirbhasa Magee again attacked his task with 66.9 miles, tying his second best total from yesterday. Smarana Puntigam and Ananda-Lahari Zuscin both reached 64.75 miles, content and ready for more laps down the road. The Captain, Todor Dimitrov reached 63.1 miles and was pleased with his effort in the heat of the afternoon. Keep going runners, for you all are giving us something rarely seen in daily life, meaningful mindfulness.

Nirbhasa Magee- 1600 miles-24:09:28:53

Vasu Duzhiy-halfway-24:09:38:32; 2500km-24:10:27:09

Smarana Puntigam-halfway-24:13:48:28; 2500km-24:14:41:25

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-1500 miles-24:05:07:17

Harita Davies-1500 miles-24:12:32:17

Todor Dimitrov-1500 miles-24:16:48:20

Ushika Muckenhumer-1300 miles-24:05:27:47

Race Director's updates

There is no turning back. Some have even crossed onto the other side of the Race. The first half is indeed complete for Ashprihanal Aalto and Nirbhasa Magee, as the area has heated up a little bit. The heat had no consequence today, as a regalia of seven runners passed 60 miles- five even crested 120 laps or more. High 80’s temperatures and intense sunlight could not deter the group. Ashprihanal Aalto led all runners with 68.6 miles, and left at his usual 11:15pm for the extra beauty rest. Nirbhasa Magee ran 66.9 miles, his best total since Day 2. Vasu Duzhiy rebounded from a rare off day by reaching 67.5 miles. ‘El Capitan’ Todor Dimitrov sent shivers up and down the spines of the folks at home with a fine 65.8-mile day, his best since Day 1. Harita Davies netted 63.11 miles with steady, consistent effort and a 60+ miles streak of 23 straight days. Kudos to all, but as some say, ‘it has just begun’. And,---- ’ Gentlemen, start your engines’.

Ashprihanal Aalto-1550 miles (halfway-23:03:41:27; 2500km-23:04:26:22

1600 miles-23:16:40:48

Nirbhasa Magee -1550 miles (hallway-23:14:37:17; 2500km-23:15:19:27

Race Director's updates

It started out with rain and clouds, humidity and coolness. By afternoon, the clouds disappeared, the temps normalized at 85 to 86ºF. For a summer in Queens, NY, this is almost optimal running weather. Ashprihanal Aalto took advantage of the gift and cranked 70.24 miles out of his strong, supple legs. He is happy to be pain free from top to bottom, and later today, Tuesday, he will reach halfway and beyond. The last six days have shown a solidifying of his position and adaptation to the high mileage. It is a joy to watch. Meanwhile, the normal excellent runners continued on with their journey and its revelations. Nirbhasa the machine has set a high bar for himself, and he is reaching for his maximum best effort. No bad days on his scorecard. He is five laps ahead of his pace from 2017. Meanwhile, Harita Davies has fashioned a cushion of 22 miles, having passed 60 miles for 18 straight days of effort. She has climbed to within 25 miles of fifth place, and is only getting better. First timer Todor Dimitrov has kept the demons at bay and is riding the effort wave. He is adjusting to the lack of extended sleep and general fatigue well, whilst fashioning a small cushion of four and a half miles. ‘El Capitan’ is representing Varna, Sofia and Bulgaria well. Stay tuned, as today two men will pass halfway.

Ashprihanal Aalto- 1500 miles- 22:08:38:58

Race Director's updates

The breezes were light but steady, the temperatures were warm but not too hot, the runners were feeling okay and not bothered. In all, six of eight made it past the heavenly gates of 60+ miles. Ashprihanal Aalto claims he was not feeling that well in the first six hours of the day, but found the magic in the latter afternoon to reach 69.14 miles just before stopping at 11:14 pm. The man has many gears, and when he feels good, we get a glimmer of the capacity. The other runners feed off it, and strive to do all they can. Nirbhasa is on some kind of mission, for he has not had a bad day since the start. He is currently 120 miles ahead of even pace. He just cannot match the pursuit of excellence that Mr Aalto possesses.

Harita Davies- 1300 miles-21:08:33:46

Todor Dimitrov- 1300 miles-21:13:49:04

Race Director's updates

The fine line for go or no go usually falls on Day 21. By this time, the intrepid runner has determined that he or she is all in on the 3100 goal, whether or not they finish. If not, the thought or decision to pull out of the race is devastating. Four and a half weeks still remain. Can your body, heart, determination and fortitude stay intact for the whole way, even though we are all under the impression that it is ‘one day at a time’!! It is a real revelation to see the runners move through each day with new purpose, new hope, and new inspiration. Otherwise, why bother.

Ashprihanal Aalto had purpose today, enough to continue his Day leader streak with nearly 67 miles. He was one lap better than the super consistent Nirbhasa Magee, who will not back down from his goal to be the best he can be. Vasu Duzhiy may be feeling the effects of running this event for eight straight years, but he still gives it a go when the sun goes down. And not least by any means, Harita Davies is over 11 miles ahead of her finishing pace from 2017, and looks in great form. She has a 21-day streak of over 60+ miles reached, which has become a strong pillow of laps to lean on as the days go by. By all means, dear runners, carry on!!

Harita Davies-2000km- 20:10:27:53

Todor Dimitrov-2000km- 20:14:01:56

Averages per day; miles/kms…….

Ashprihanal Aalto- 66.4048/ 106.868

Nirbhasa Magee- 65.072/ 104.723

Vasu Duzhiy- 63.4256/102.073

Smarana Puntigam 62.824/ 101.106

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin 62.432/100.475

Harita Davies- 60.420/97.237

Todor Dimitrov 59.741/96.143

Ushika Muckenhumer 53.677/86.386

Race Director's updates

High clouds blocked some of the hot sun, the temperature not getting above 87ºF. This was a set-up for some fine quick running by the group of eight, led again by the trio of runners at the top. Vasu Duzhiy ran to midnight with 68 miles and a bevy of fast laps the last few hours. Nirbhasa Magee, firmly in second place, had his best day since day 4 with 66.4 miles, making a crisp 1300 miles by days’ end. And Ashprihanal Aalto sauntered past 70.7 miles, working on form, and a pair of new Adidas Boosts in fave colors. His best accessory was his Chinese sun hat, shaped similar to a lampshade, making him a fashion icon, at least in his own mind. In all, six of eight flipped past sixty miles, even with the humidity at 80% for much of the evening. The group moves on, regardless of performance today, for tomorrow is, indeed, another day, another opportunity to reach new heights, or have new experiences. Keep it going runners.

Ashprihanal Aalto- 1300 miles- 19:10:33:20

Nirbhasa Magee- 2000km- 19:02:27:15,

1300 miles- 19:17:57:44

Vasu Duzhiy- 2000km- 19:10:06:13

Smarana Puntigam 2000km- 19:11:31:23

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin 2000km- 19:14:39:21

Race Director's updates

The Day belonged to remembrance, national pride, colors of the flag, hot dogs, and American history, as the group of Eight stalwarts moved forward on the Fourth of July. The race leader Ashprihanal Aalto led the parade of American heroes played by the rag-tag runners past the Enthusiasm Singers to begin the festivities, albeit for a few seconds along their journey of the bright summer day. Mr Aalto also again led the scoring on Day 19 with 67.5 well-earned miles to gradually extend his lead over Nirbhasa Magee to 23+ miles. The field kept its promise to show up another day, making it back to back results with seven runners over 60 miles. The low to mid-nineties ‘ temps forced everyone to be careful, but nice evening breezes cooled things down. Ashprihanal passed the 2000km split for the 15th time in his career. That is an amazing stat, but is just the beginning of the litanies of praise directed to the Finnish runner.

Ashprihanal Aalto- 2000km- 18:14:00:08

Ushika Muckenhumer-1000 miles-18:07:42:20

Race Director's updates

It was a somewhat overcast, sticky kind of day, not too hot, definitely not cold enough to elicit remarkable performances in the 3100 Mile Race. The accumulation of miles must have a negative effect on these veteran runners, right? Not. Don’t tell them that. Determination, and a little better health spawned a whole new level of group performance. Seven of eight made it past 60 miles for the day. Okay, similar to two days before, right. No sir. The overall leader, Ashprihanal Aalto, reached 71.3 miles, and was nearly 9 miles arrears. Smarana Puntigam ran 120 laps, 65.8 miles, but gave up nearly 14 miles to the chap behind him. Second place Nirbhasa Magee and third placer Vasu Duzhiy reached 117 laps, consistent, good running. They conceded almost 16 miles to the cyclone behind. A fit, and growing more confident Anada-Lahari Zuscin, the wild card with elite credential possibility, threw down an 80.12 mile day, just to let people know that his heart was beating. 146 laps is no joke, but rather superb running and excellent pacing. This performance only opens the possibility for more good performances- from everyone. Everyone, even Ushika Muckenhumer, is now sleeping and dreaming- wondering whether their number is clinched by the stars above or picked to be a Day Leader. You cannot predict, only wonder…

Happy Fourth of July, people. All of us on the SCMT are grateful we live in a country that allows our strange little race to exist, and sometimes shows the world of the incredible potential of its denizens, here and from all over this world. And a deep bow to all those patriots before, from previous generations, who saw Liberty as a Reality, free from Tyranny.

And finally a big shout out to the Head Principal Mr Moses and Assistant Principal Cleave of Thomas A Edison Career and Technical School for allowing us to go green and tap into their Solar collector.

Be safe and Happy.

Race Director's updates

With a sticky, hot, New York City summer day descending on the 3100 Mile Race, the word caution started to get mentioned in the menu of things the runners needed to accomplish. Along with salt tablets( Heat Guard), hydrating drinks, cold watermelon, and lots of ice cream to be consumed. The healthiest, most fit runners ventured into that grey area of push, but not too hard, run how you feel, and get the laps under your belt while showing restraint. Ashprihanal Aalto needed no calculated plan, just a prayer for fewer bathroom stops and more fun running. He obliged with 65.3 miles, and the Day leader tag once more, albeit only a thin lap more than Nirbhasa Magee, but nearly 35 minutes more rest time. Harita Davies climbed into sixth place overall with another fine 62.56-mile day. Aalto, Magee and Davies were the only runners to gap 60 miles today, the rest of the field used the caution laps available to stay safe. Even Ushika Muckenhumer, dealing with shin splints for over six days, showed a better step forward.

Sometimes you have to respect the weather, and don’t fall victim to it. The runners certainly dealt with it smartly.

1000 Mile Splits

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 16:21:54:37

Harita Davies- 16:12:12:25

Tdor Dimitrov- 16:13:30:36

Race Director's updates

The air was moving around, making it more advantageous for running in the sunny weather. Temps might have reached the mid-80’s F, but if you could navigate the hot sun, you could put up good numbers. Sure enough, seven of the Eight made it past 60 miles. What was also memorable, Todor Dimitrov and Harita Davies moved into the plus column with fine 64.7 mile and 63.6 mile days, respectively. The top four indeed set the tone today by reaching the 1000-mile split. Ashprihanal Aalto went through that landmark for the 16thtime in his career, which is amazing in its own realm. Both Ashprihanal and Vasu Duzhiy also reached Day Leader status, but Mr Aalto gets the nod, as he went home a full 33 minutes before Vasu reached 67.5 miles today.

The top guys have withstood various maladies on the way to the Kilo mark- Vasu enduring blisters on both feet and a sore Achilles; Ashprihanal still is fighting GI problems and diarrhoea episodes. The resolve of both men, and all the runners is palpable and admirable, as their noble cause continues. Five weeks and a day remain…

1000 Mile Splits

Ashprihanal Aalto - 15:03:23:57

Nirbhasa Magee - 15:06:43:31

Smarana Puntigam - 15:13:24:24

Vasu Duzhiy - 15:13:29:59

Race Director's updates

After nearly six days of sub-par (for him) efforts, Vasu Duzhiy made a valiant move to reach 66.4 miles and remain in contact with Nirbhasa and Ashprihanal at the top. He pulled along impressive performances from Smarana Puntigam, Nirbhasa Magee,Todor Dimitrov and Harita Davies. Six of eight tripped the 60+ miles barrier, which is a signal of many runners entering good fitness levels, and becoming better running machines. Ashprihanal has almost reached the level of recovery from GI tract syndrome and other assorted injuries that will ignite his true talent. It is just a matter of time. Tomorrow may show four men reaching the 1000-mile mark. Stay tuned..

1500km splits:

Ashprihanal Aalto- 14:02:10:37

Nirbhasa Magee- 14:05:57:30

Smarana Puntigam- 14:11:55:23

Vasu Duzhiy- 14:13:13:04

Race Director's updates

As half the field has all kinds of issues, and the other half is worrying about the same issues happening to them; somehow, five of eight runners made it past 60 miles. Nirbhasa Magee led the way with 64.2 miles, as the three-day warm spell was reduced to a big thunderstorm, and then the clearing of air and humidity drop made faster running viable for the ones not dealing with, in no particular order: shin splints, blisters, sore Achilles injuries, gastrointestinal disturbances, aching hips, and finally heat effects. Still, everyone kept moving forward. Harita and Todor were virtually tied after 13 days, and are still tied after 14. They both had their best days since Day 1 (115 laps-63.11 miles). Smarana Puntigam moved into third place overall and is rounding into good form. The breaking in period is almost over. It is time to run and run some more, every day. Two weeks in.

900 Miles splits:

Ashprihanal Aalto- 13:09:46:40

Nirbhasa Magee- 13:14:48:51

Race Director's updates

Today the heat index rose a little, the temps held above 90º F for several hours, but south-east shore breezes cooled things down a little. The difficulty of this very long Race, coupled with the flippant New York ‘Hot Town’ summer, set the stage each year for drama, and changes, changes. Right on cue, the leader Ashprihanal Aalto, after taming the course and heat on Thursday, hit a roadblock of fatigue and heat-related weakness today, as he only reached 48.8 miles. Nirbhasa Magee, his consistency intact, gained nearly 14 miles on the Finn, reaching 63+ miles for the first 13 days of the race. Day Leader honors went to Smarana Puntigam who tallied 63.66 miles, the Austrian having a fine race so far. Ananda-Lahari Zuscin is playing his cards well so far, running until the mid-evening, then taking to walking to the finish each night, and conserving his legs. The top five are all on pace to finish, and the lower three are no slouches either. But as is often said, what goes up, must come down. Good luck to all runners, and watch out for heat exhaustion in the bright sunshine of summer.

800 Miles

Nirbhasa Magee- 12:01:36:19

Vasu Duzhiy- 12:08:01:30

Smarana Puntigam- 12:09:16:20

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-12:12:35:50

Race Director's updates

A strong summer sun and little cloud cover moved into the Northeast, and the 3100 Mile Race was not exempt from Ma Nature, but it could have been worse. 92ºF is manageable. Instead, five runners made it past 60 miles, led by the Finnish mileage savant- Ashprihanal Aalto and his sixth consecutive Day Leader aka… 71.34 miles. Nirbhasa Magee moved into second position overall with a solid 64.2-mile day, and the uber-talented Ananda-Lahari Zuscin bounced back with the same amount. Todor Dimitrov held off the relentless Kiwi Harita Davies by one thin lap when the clock struck 12:00 midnight. The overall fitness is appearing, but the intense sunshine demands caution, and an advantageous pullback of effort is worth it, until the evening allows for moving along in the final hours without impediment. We will see who has done the best tomorrow.

800 mile times:

Ashprihanal Aalto- 11:13:23:31

700 mile times:

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin -11:02:36:18

Ushika Muckenhumer -11:14:06:31

Todor Dimitrov -11:16:21:21

Harita Davies -11:16:22:41

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.

The 23rd Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race was covered by Time TV, a Bengali news channel. The broadcast was on June 26, 2019. For the video clip.

Race Director's updates

A clear, sunny day turned a little hot in the late afternoon, reaching 90ºF. It was not nearly as dangerous as the heat-storms in France (44C- 120ºf), but most everyone felt the summer grip, as the humidity was near 67% by early eve. Late afternoon sea breezes saved the day, as did Heat Guard pills, watermelon, ice cream and shade. Ashprihanal Aalto did not need any shade to cool him down, he was creating his own breezes, while he extended the lead, ending the day with a solid 65.6 miles. Nirbhasa Magee was his own consistent self for another day, reaching within 5 laps of second place. The first four went past 700 miles. Fitness is growing, but everyone still needs improvement moving forward. We are waiting for that scintillating big day of mileage to appear. Who will be the wearer of that hat, that mantle of transcendent excellence?

Ashprihanal Aalto-700 miles-10:04:48:46

Vasu Duzhiy- 700 miles-10:10:04:28

Nirbhasa Magee- 700 miles-10:12:07:41

Smarana Puntigam-700 miles-10:15:49:10

Ushika Muckenhumer-1000km-10:05:38:55

Todor Dimitrov-1000km-10:10:50:22

Harita Davies-1000km-10:11:18:48

Race Director's updates

The super long multi-day races have side-stories, sidebars, and micro worlds flashing about as a runner seeks his high water mark. Today’s ramblings reflected the change at the top. Vasu Duzhiy, leading the Race since Day 2, slipped up with a 46.6-mile day- considerably below his 69.39 miles per day average thru nine days. The onset of blisters and a sore Achilles led to the backoff. Conversely, after being the Day Leader for four consecutive days, Ashprihanal Aalto regained his familiar position at the helm with a 68.6-mile day, making five straight seem normal again. His fitness is beginning to show, his experience is a given on the plus, plus side. Plus, all the other six runners topped 60 miles for the day. Everything points to the entire field going forward which will be a sight worth watching. We have not had a blanket finish nor a group tape breaker in the longest race. Maybe this is the year. I might be too optimistic, but a runner and a writer has to dream. Keep watching, folks… six weeks to go.

1000km Splits

Ashprihanal Aalto- 9:02:25:50

Nirbhasa Magee- 9:07:27:08

Smarana Puntigam- 9:11:38:54

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 9:14:28:06