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.Yesterday was another cold and blustery day, Lo Wei Ming passed 3,000km in a new personal best - 20 hours faster than the previous year.
Race director Rupantar shares a few thoughts on the 3100 Mile Race so Far
As we enter into the ‘home stretch of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race, the end is very clear for some of the runners, while others just focus on their day by day effort. Dealing with every conceivable injury, virus, and rash, these heroes of the road are living examples of Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy of self-transcendence.
Andrea is off like a rocket every morning and alternates between walking and running, despite Arpan’s urging that he run more. Susan uses her speed to go home early while reaching her daily mileage goal, a luxury few of the runners enjoy. Ashprihanal has been hampered the past few days with a hip injury and has yet to regain his championship form.
Vasu, aided by his young handler Sasha, remains focused and has been able to overcome a few small injuries and stay on course to finish. Steven has miraculously recovered from severe blisters and other injuries and still has hopes of finishing the race. Stutisheel, after a brilliant start, had to overcome a muscle injury and is back on course again.
Nina with her handler/husband Takasumi (who finished the race in 2021), has settled in with just over 59 miles a day, just enough to finish the race within the 52-day time limit. Kaneeneka and Ananda-Lahari remain positive despite several setbacks. And Nirbhasa is back on the course after a long struggle with regaining his strength.
If there has been one constant in the 26 years of this race, it’s that this race is extremely, unbelievably difficult. Every day, in every step, the race challenges the runners physically, mentally, spiritually and psychically, in every conceivable way. And you can add financially. I have had the privilege of starting the race each year and it still amazes me how the runners drag themselves to the start and once the clock strikes 6, off they go, regardless of how they feel. So, please stay tuned wherever you are enjoying the race. Still a few weeks to go. Also, if you would like to help sponsor any food for the runners, then it is very welcome.
Rupantar
Race Photos at Sri Chinmoy Ultra
Race videos at Vimeo
Photos and Videos at Instagram
More about: