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 Group of Eight are moving along nicely, reaching fitness, overcoming small injuries or blisters, and finding a rhythm that is essential for multi-day progress. The Race that requires ‘wicked’ good discipline, attention to detail, and a steely determination, also allows for ‘light’ moments, when the childlike play adds to the lap total. Every time your mind takes a backseat it seems to lessen the stress, or, at least enlivens the conversation, which, in itself, is a good thing.

Case in point, the falsified certificate of appreciation by a sneaky helper or two led to laps of cute, or innocent banter- aka- the mythical level made us all laugh. Hence, Ashprihanal Aalto quipped, while heading towards a fine 71.34 mile day, and fourth consecutive Day Leader honor, that the subject person on the falsified document was asked’ how many pushups he did. Answer: ‘All of them’.

Mr Vasu Duzhiy rebounded from a rare off day with 65.3 miles. The humble champion also reached the 1000km split for the 10thtime in his running career. In all, 7 of 8 made it to and beyond 60 miles, even as the temps climbed to the mid-80’s, with a rise in humidity as well. Finally, Harita Davies is knocking on the door of 7thplace with her fourth straight 60+ day. Smiles Indeed.

Vasu Duzhiy- 1000km- 8:17:00:55

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Race Director's updates

Five runners made it past 60 miles today, as the mercury reached 83 ºF. Humidity was only in the high 30%, so laps were available throughout. Fitness was on the rise, but much like the stock market reveals uncertainty, runners experienced corrections taken by their bodies, as the journey is still developing. Ashprihanal Aalto was Day leader for the third straight day with 65.3 miles, followed by the surging Nirbhasa Magee with 63.11 miles. Harita Davies had third best totals with 62.01 miles. She is definitely moving at a faster, more efficient pace.

Ashprihanal Aalto- 500 miles- 7:06:31:18

Nirbhasa Magee- 500 miles- 7:09:15:36

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-500miles- 7:10:49:05

Smarana Puntigam- 500 miles- 7:12:03:31

Race Director's updates

A deluge greeted the runners this morning, but the end came finally after six days of precipitation. The wind increased, the gray skies moved faster, the rain disappeared and the sun made a lasting impression on the longest day of the year. Ashprihanal Aalto took back five laps from the leader Vasu Duzhiy with his 65+ mile day, enough to lead the Day. Nirbhasa Magee moved into third place with a solid 65+ miles. He has been at about 65+ miles for every day. The clear skies, afternoon and evening, created more running opportunities. Five of eight runners jumped past 60 miles, with the top six all being on pace to reach the mythical goal of 3100 miles. Forty-six days still left to entertain and enlighten one’s inner and outer beings. Six day totals below.

Vasu Duzhiy- 436.84 mi/ 703.03km

Ashprihanal Aalto- 405.56mi/ 652.69km

Nirbhasa Magee- 401.17mi/ 645.62km

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 398.42mi/641.20km

Smarana Puntigam- 396.78mi/638.55km

Ushika Muckenhumer- 359.46mi/ 578.50km

Todor Dimitrov- 343.54mi/ 552.88km

Harita Davies- 338.60mi/ 544.93km

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.

One of the most insightful and revealing stories about the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100-Mile Race appeared on the home page of the prestigious BBC.COM this past Friday, June 21. Including interviews with past and present runners, the article gives the reader a runner's insight into why anyone would want to run for 52 days around a New York City block, and what the experience is like for these pioneer ultra runners.

The article is written by long time reporter Justin Goulding of BBC Sports, under the Sport Insight section.

From the article: "It is a race so long that runners need a haircut during it. They can get through 20 pairs of shoes. They run more than two marathons a day. For almost two months. On five hours of sleep a night."

For the complete article...

Race Director's updates

On another consecutive day of rain, Vasu Duzhiy widened his lead in the 3100 Mile Race to almost 33 miles over second place Ananda-Lahari Zuscin. The only one to give chase to Vasu was Ashprihanal Aalto. Rounding into form and overcoming bothersome blisters and the lack of extra gear, Mr Aalto had 68 hard-earned miles to Vasu’s 70.2. Ananda-Lahari thrilled anyone watching the race in the last two hours of the day as he rattled off laps of sub-six minutes, five minutes and a pair of 4:39’ers, in essence holding off a slow charging (for him) Ashprihanal for second overall. Nirbhasa Magee nudged into fourth place with another very good day of 65.8 miles. The top five men were also the only runners to go past 60 miles for the day. The last threat of rain ended with an appearance of the Sun and several rainbows. Welcome summer solstice to the Northern Hemisphere. Friday will be the longest day of the year.

300 Miles split

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 4+05:46:33

Ashprihanal Aalto- 4+07:36:59

Smarana Puntigam- 4+06:55:00

Nirbhasa Magee- 4+07:38:52

Ushika Muckenhumer- 4+17:33:40

Race Director's updates

The band of Eight have had their share of bands of moisture the last three days, today being the 98% humidity day and night. Vasu Duzhiy continued on, oblivious to the weather or a sense of struggle. He, being fit enough to throw down 71.3 miles on the fourth day, leads Ananda-Lahari Zuscin by nearly 24 miles. Ashprihanal Aalto struggled again, reaching a modest 57.6 miles whilst slipping to fourth overall, with the trailing runner Nirbhasa Magee only three laps behind the Finn. Smarana Puntigam looks fit again, and with a 62.5 mile day has risen to third place. Only four runners reached 60 miles. Several runners have blister issues due to relentless moisture and little time to heal. Normal for a slog fest, but a bit unusual for this very long competition. Luckily, there are still 48 days to go.

Vasu Duzhiy- 300 miles- 3:17:15:51

Race Director's updates

Yes, it is the start of a significant heat wave in the New York area, one in which we have not seen in several years. The runners had been advised of the news, and watched as Big Bertha, the famous oversize receptacle for runner immersion was hauled into place by three men in the middle of the afternoon. It helps to cool down a fatiqued runner. The sun was intense all day, with southerly winds bringing in humidity drenched clouds from time to time. Ashprihanal Aalto wasted no time in running at a brisk pace for hours at a stretch, hiding the fact that he has gotten into shape and his maladies of back and leg injuries are now gone in the rear view mirror. Nirbhasa Magee gave chase, but the wiry Mr Aalto ended up staying for the whole 18 hours and securing 73.53 miles, his best day total since Day 1. He even found a feather to adorn his Chinese sun hat, dubbed the ‘Lampshade’. Meanwhile, seven of eight made it past 109 laps, 59.81 miles, the dividing line of positive outcome.

Tomorrow will be worse, and all personnel are on weather alert. This group of runners is veteran and strong-willed. I hope they use caution and stay healthy and safe. We shall see what Ma Nature has cooked up.

Ashprihanal Aalto-2200 miles- 33:02:08:47

Nirbhasa Magee-2200 miles- 33:08:38:47

Vasu Duzhiy- 2100 miles- 33:04:10:24

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-2100 miles- 33:08:03:10

Smarana Puntigam- 2100 miles- 33:17:15:53

Todor Dimitrov- 2000 miles- 33:04:49:45

Race Director's updates

Ponchos, large umbrellas, puddles galore, and a steady to heavy rain lasting over eight hours could not stop our eight heroes. But these things did slow the wagon down a little. Vasu Duzhiy led the way with 69.6 strong, steady miles, and limited his stretching breaks, instead taking a rare nap to conserve energy. Ashprihanal Aalto looked a little better today, reaching 66.4 miles, patching up rare blisters, and dumping his Hokas in favor of his old faves, the Adidas Boosts and Blasts. By evening he looked a little better. The temps stayed just around 70 degrees. Five runners made it past 60 miles. Still a long way to go.

Vasu Duzhiy is averaging 77.38 miles/day

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- 72.62 miles

Ashprihanal Aalto 71.34 miles

Smarana Puntigam 70.42 miles

Nirbhasa Magee 67.86 miles

Ushika Muckenhumer 64.57 miles

Todor Dimitrov 60.36 miles

Harita Davies 59.08 miles

Race Director's updates

On a sometimes grey, overcast day, Vasu Duzhiy, the two-time defending champ, showed his fitness in a significant way, posting 79.02 miles to grab the lead. Ashprihanal Aalto looked a little sluggish and bothered a bit by a swollen right eye. He lost 30 laps to the Russian. Ananda-Lahari Zuscin from Slovakia also slipped by with another solid 74.08-mile day, and into second place. Smarana Puntigam, the returning Austrian record-holder, came within one lap of Mr Aalto as well. Thus it was as if the three men had almost formed a pincer movement on the poor Finn as he went home early. But, being only Day 2, it was just a tease. Everyone knows that if Mr. AA can weather the storm and gain fitness, in a week or two, he just might unleash his amazing capacity… or not. It all depends if he wants to.

Meanwhile, Nirbhasa Magee fashioned a 68.6-mile day to move from seventh to fifth. Only Kiwi Harita Davies missed reaching 60 miles, but not by much. She is in such great spirits that her fitness may come sooner than last time, and with a great support crew, she just might set a new best. It could even be a clean sheet for the entire group, but, this writer and the staff may be a bit too optimistic for that to happen. But, like the runners, we can at least dream the dream, right? Stay tuned!

Race Director's updates

Eight seasoned runners left the startline Sunday morning at precisely 6:00am, answering the call of the 23rd Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race whilst drawing a crowd of nearly 150 people to the confines of the Joe Austin Playground, the perimeters of Thomas A Edison Vocational Career Technical School, and a placid 84th Avenue in Jamaica, Queens New York. The runners were mostly seasoned veterans of the extreme multi-day experience in running, having traversed the concrete colossus that is this race course (.5488 of a mile/883.2079 meters) nearly 5649 times in each year for over two decades. The group was led by the Finnish eight-time winner Ashprihanal Aalto, the course record holder and World leader all-time for this distance (3100 miles in 40 days+09:06:21). He was followed by defending three-time champ Vasu Duzhiy from Russia, and Slovakian Ananda-Lahari Zuscin, he of five finishes in this difficult race. Mr Aalto ended up running to midnight with 85.06 miles, three laps clear of Mr Vasu’s 83.41 miles. Ananda-Lahari held on with 82.32 miles. The weather was temperamental all day, ranging from hot sun to overcast, to spitting raindrops to bright skies and humid conditions. By day’s end, all had topped 70 miles except for the lone lady Harita Davies, who reached 68 miles before ending her day. Tomorrow is another day; the currency of choice is laps collected, and saved like pennies in a piggy bank. The aspiring runner knows their value; his or her effort demands their full attention, else the Goal is far away. But just one day at a time is the steady approach. Good luck to all runners out there.

In the Media

About the author:

Start of the 2016 Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-MIle Race

Heather Hansman's October 26, 2018 online Outside film review of Sanjay Rawal's documentary film, 3100: Run and Become, examines the 'philosophical side of long-distance running". The film explores the importance of running in the Narajo community, the 'marathon' monks of Japan, Kalahari Bushmen of Africa and the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race. The film centers on Finnish runner Aalto Asphrihanal and the 2016 3100-Mile Race. (Photo: start of the 2106 3100-Mile Race. Asphrihanal Aalto, first from right).

From the article:

"It's hard to show transcendence, especially the kind that comes from the devotional practice of moving your body, but that's what director Sanjay Rawal was trying to capture he filmed runners around the world."

About the author:

In Martin Fitz Huber October 26, 2018 Outside magazine article, "The Existential Torture of a Race with No End", the utlra race Big's Backyard Ultra is compared to the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race. Both races present incredible hardshiphs to the runners but their increasing popularity show that their are runners out their still looking for greater and more difficut challenges.

Outside Magazine article

Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race home page

In the Media

About the author:

In Lisa Colangelo's review of '3100: Run and Become', a documnetary film by Queens native Sanjay Rawal, the reviewer begins the article by offering the quesiton: "Why would anyone run 3100 miles on one city block for 52 days in a row". The film answers this quesiton by comparing the importance of running by the Kalahari Bushmen of Africa, the 'marathon' monks of Japan, the Navajo running community and the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race. The film centers on the 2016 Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race and world record holder Asphrihanal Aalto. (Photo: start of 2016 race. Asphrihanal Aalto, first from right in blue shorts and light blue top).

The film is currently being shown at the Village Cinema East in downtown Manhattan.

For the full article in amNew York...

For the home page of the Sri Chinmoy 3100-Mile Race

Race Director's updates

On a really hot, humid day, Ushika Muckenhumer, 50, from Salzburg, Austria rambled across the finish line in 50 days+07:34:46, joining the podium in his first attempt at 3100 miles. Ushika averaged 61.614 miles per day (99.158 km), and is now ranked in 30thposition on the all-time list, which features 43 runners, men and women combined. Tuesday should have an action-packed evening, with three finishers set to reach 3100 miles before midnight. Women’s former record-holder and champion runner Surasa Mairer will undoubtedly take the women’s title again. Sopan Tsekov and Kaneenika Janakova will finish late in the evening, but finish they must, and finish they will. The rest will go as far as they can before midnight. Ballpark times for Surasa start around 6:30 pm (1830)

Sopan Tsekov-3000 miles-50:04:32:00

Kaneenika Janakova-3000 miles-50:04:55:54

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-2800 miles- 50:13:25:04

Race Director's updates

Ushika Muckenhumer is poised to make it to the finish of 3100 miles, after reaching 61.46 miles today. He needs a mere 48 laps to reach the rarefied air of a 3100 mile finisher. We expect Ushika to finish between 1:30 to 2:30 pm local time. His tremendous faith in the grace from above and the skillful pacing of each transition from morning to daytime to afternoon to evening has led him to a remarkable performance. He has kept his sense of humour as well, see evidence re: the multiple arrivals of jokes, in both German and English languages, on printed emails each day.

Sopan Tsekov has charged into fifth place with a solid 60.9-mile day, and feels ready to reach the finish line on tuesday. He has done remarkably well in the high heat index days, such as the past few. Surasa Mairer went past 3000 miles for the fifth time in her illustrious running career. She has managed to hold onto fourth place overall for nearly three weeks.

Surasa Mairer-3000 miles-49:17:22:31

William Sichel-2800 miles-49:06:45:46

Smarana Puntigam-2800 miles-49:09:44:31

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-2700 miles-49:01:47:19

Race Director's updates

The last slow moving, drenching rain of the race lingered, like clouds on the mountaintop, only to reveal the dreaded hot and humid weather that is summer in our fair city. The seven faithful warriors of the spirit answered all the calls, it is just that they are almost spent, running on fumes, or just plain tired from the previous 48 days. Somehow, a rejuvenated Sopan Tsekov had the best day of the seven with 60.91 miles. He was seen smiling a bit amongst the rain and sunbeams. It does not matter the weather, if you are in a groove. He moved into a virtual tie with Kaneenika Janakova for fifth place. Meanwhile, Ushika Muckenhumer passed the magical 3000 mile barrier, only a mere 100 miles away from completeing his task. Ever grateful, Ushika is on a course for a Monday finish near the lunch hour. Keep tuned for more accurate prognostications. Keep cool, friends.

Ushika Muckenhumer-3000 miles-48:14:36:15

Surasa Mairer-2900 miles-48:03:41:23

Kaneenika Janakova-2900 miles-48:10:46:23

Sopan Tsekov-2900 miles-48:11:09:33

Race Director's updates

Okay, so you may have seen today’s results before reading this daily account of what might have happened in the long race just hours ago (Friday), and thought you saw a typo or serious mistake in the day leader totals for Day 48. Well, I am here to defend the printed and published result- yes, a man did run 89.45 miles on Day 48, after having run 2551+ miles in the previous 47 days. The gifted, quiet, observant, running savant- Ananda-Lahari Zuscin- reached 89.4544 miles, and hopped on his electric bike and went home, satisfied with his effort. He has great running talent, and frankly, this observer feels he can run with the elite- if he wanted to. It is like Barry Sanders in the NFL – he retired just shy of the all-time yardage mark, with still great years left in his legs- because he wanted to. In my estimation, Barry was the greatest ball-carrier/runner elusive athlete that brutal sport has ever seen. Ananda-Lahari is not the Barry Sanders of multi-day racing, but he runs like a gazelle, and is humble, quiet to the core, and runs to his own inner drummer. And when he reveals his talent, it is awesome to see. He is smooth as silk, and can run quick for hours and hours. He ran more miles this day than he ever did on this course, even when fresh on the first day of any of his 14 years at the 3100 Mile Race. God blessed this man. He knows it, too.

Ushika Muckenhumer-2900 miles-47:02:31:28

William Sichel-2700 miles-47:11:36:51

Smarana Puntigam-2700 miles-47:12:29:10

Race Director's updates

Welcome to the Main page of Results and Race Directors Updates.

We are excited about the 23rd edition of the 3100 Mile Race, which begins this

Sunday, June 16.

Eight runners from seven countries will toe the line at 600am everyday for 52 days.

The determination in your heroic effort

Will permeate your mind and heart

Even after your success or failure

Is long forgotten.

– Sri Chinmoy

Race Director's updates

Forty-six year old multi-day runner Kobi Oren, from Kiryat-Tivon, Israel reached his dream goal of 3100 miles today, finishing in second place in 46 days+03:24:48. This was the third fastest first-time performance in the 22-year history of the event. Kobe became the first Israeli to run 3100 miles, and is now ranked 12thworld-wide in the super-long footrace out of 42 finishers, men and women. The father of four gave a glowing tribute to all that helped him, and even cited the uniqueness of the distance and the difficult venue as steps leading to a fuller awareness of himself. He is a well-known competitor in international races, and has been quite successful. A throng of well-wishers and race supporters were moved by his eloquence as he spoke of feelings of gratitude to all that inspired him, including his fellow runners in the race this year. We wish Kobi well and long life, for he was determination in action.

Surasa Mairer-2800 miles-46:10:09:00

Kaneenika Janakova-2800 miles-46:16:38:38

Sopan Tsekov-2800 miles-46:17:27:46

Ananda-Lahari Zuscin-2500 miles-46:01:31:56