Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
On a day, when the runners were inspired by Eliud Kipchoge's new marathon record of two hours, one minute and nine seconds in Berlin, our top two runners (Andrea and Ashprihanal) inched towards the half way point of 1,550 miles. All the runners have completed multiple marathons in the past 22 days, running an average of between two to three marathon distance per day. In this ultimate ultra-marathon distance race the runners keep smiling as they persevere in accumulating laps and miles.
Susan Marshall completed 1,300 miles which is a significant milestone in Sri Chinmoy Races because for many years in the 1980s and 1990s, the longest race the SCMT promoted was a 1,300 mile distance race.
We have a great video by Arpan with two women champions Kaneenika (women's course record) and Suprabha Beckjord who completed the race 13 times.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
We have two videos with Susan Marshall and Stutitsheel, who give an insight into their experiences.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Day 20 was the first really cold day of the race and it affected runners in different ways, with some struggling through physical challenges. At the top of the leaderboard, Andrea and Aspirhanal continue their big mileage with Asprihanal gaining the top daily honours with 73.5 miles, but Andrea Marcato also managed another 70 miles plus day. After a difficult patch, Aussie Stephen Redfearn is really getting into a good grove, also managing a 70 mile day, capping off an excellent week. Susan (1st place lady) has started to open a small gap over 2nd place Huang Lan Yang.
The start of day 21 was another cold day, though temperatures are forecast to rise during the day. The top 8 runners are all on course to finish, but anything is possible in this great race of self-transcendence.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
On day 18 the two leading runners Andrea and Ashprihanal both passed 2,000km with a daily total of over 74 miles, an impressive mileage for this point in the race. Stutisheel maintains his impressive week with another 65+ day. The top two women are also very close, Susan Marshall managed another 63 miles drawing level with Huang Lan Yang - both are now on 1110.7 miles.
Kaneenika Janakova is battling through some physical discomforts but successfully passed the 1,000 mile mark. (See video in slideshow). Ananda-Lahari is forecast to pass the mark today.
Report from day 18 Every Day is Special!
Every day on the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race course is a special day. Every minute, every hour is a blessing, as these runners extend themselves to their max—beginning at 6:00 in the morning and continuing on until midnight, past the evening time to retire for most. The runners continue for up to 52 days, as they push through their own physical, mental and emotional challenges, while navigating the environmental uncertainties which are out of their control.
Today, however was especially special as an honorary Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run team member, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, former freedom fighter, plus President and Prime Minister of East Timor, participated in a ceremonial lap around the course. By his infectiously cheerful and optimistic demeanour, one would never know the struggles that “elder brother” Maun Boot Xanana, as he is affectionately called, endured as he led his people to independence. After centuries of occupation by foreign powers, with fearless courage and determination, the East Timorese fight for independence came to victorious fruition in 1999.
Having participated in a historic 2013 event, where a prayerful statue of Sri Chinmoy – a peace-dreamer who founded both the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and Peace Run – was installed at the entrance to the Timorese Parliament, it was a great honour for me to meet with Maun Boot Xanana, here in New York—this time at our headquarters.
Maun Boot Xanana, who was determined to complete the lap on his own, was accompanied by several of his colleagues, officials of the g7+ Intergovernmental Organization, along the 3100-mile course. HE Xanana is also the founder of g7+, whose mission is to advocate for the voice of “fragile”, conflict-affected countries, to be heard and for the countries, which now number 20, to work together and address the issues that are at the root of their common fragility.
- By Lunthita Duthely
(from left to right) Helche Silvester, Media Officer, g7+ ; Salil Wilson, Peace Run Executive Director; Lunthita Duthely, Peace Run Coordinator (US); H.E. Xanana Gusmão; Harashita Sunaoshi, Peace Run Asia-Pacific Director ; Eulalia “Lia” Serpa, Executive Assistant, g7+ General Secretariat; Dr. Agraha, Sri Chinmoy Centre International Liason; Dr. Helder da Costa, General Secretary of the g7+ Secretariat; Ashirvad Zaiantchick, Peace Run Coordinator, Brazil; Nikolaus Drekonja, Peace Runner (Photo by Dhanu)
It was a busy day at the 3100 Mile Race, with three runners passing the 1,000-mile mark. Huang Lan Yang was the first woman to 1,000 miles, with Susan Marshall completing the milestone, just a short time later. Stutisheel managed 65 miles yesterday to also pass the 1,000-mile mark. Kaneenika and Ananda-Lahari are also within touching distance and should complete the milestone soon. Nirbhasa has been taken rest from the rest due to the exhaustion of his viral infection catching up. But, he still visits the course to offer encouragement to the other runners.
At the head of the race, Asprihanal and Andrea are reaching new heights of self-transcendence and consistency in their daily mileage. Asprihanal was the day's leader with 74 miles, with Andrea also maintaining an excellent pace with 72.9 miles. It makes for a fascinating race.
Every Day is Special!
Every day on the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race course is a special day. Every minute, every hour is a blessing, as these runners extend themselves to their max—beginning at 6:00 in the morning and continuing on until midnight, past the evening time to retire for most. The runners continue for up to 52 days, as they push through their own physical, mental and emotional challenges, while navigating the environmental uncertainties which are out of their control.
Today, however was especially special as an honorary Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run team member, His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, former freedom fighter, plus President and Prime Minister of East Timor, participated in a ceremonial lap around the course. By his infectiously cheerful and optimistic demeanour, one would never know the struggles that “elder brother” Maun Boot Xanana, as he is affectionately called, endured as he led his people to independence. After centuries of occupation by foreign powers, with fearless courage and determination, the East Timorese fight for independence came to victorious fruition in 1999.
Having participated in a historic 2013 event, where a prayerful statue of Sri Chinmoy – a peace-dreamer who founded both the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team and Peace Run – was installed at the entrance to the Timorese Parliament, it was a great honour for me to meet with Maun Boot Xanana, here in New York—this time at our headquarters.
Maun Boot Xanana, who was determined to complete the lap on his own, was accompanied by several of his colleagues, officials of the g7+ Intergovernmental Organization, along the 3100-mile course. HE Xanana is also the founder of g7+, whose mission is to advocate for the voice of “fragile”, conflict-affected countries, to be heard and for the countries, which now number 20, to work together and address the issues that are at the root of their common fragility.
- By Lunthita Duthely
(from left to right) Helche Silvester, Media Officer, g7+ ; Salil Wilson, Peace Run Executive Director; Lunthita Duthely, Peace Run Coordinator (US); H.E. Xanana Gusmão; Harashita Sunaoshi, Peace Run Asia-Pacific Director ; Eulalia “Lia” Serpa, Executive Assistant, g7+ General Secretariat; Dr. Agraha, Sri Chinmoy Centre International Liason; Dr. Helder da Costa, General Secretary of the g7+ Secretariat; Ashirvad Zaiantchick, Peace Run Coordinator, Brazil; Nikolaus Drekonja, Peace Runner (Photo by Dhanu)
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
A rainy day failed to dampen the runner's spirits and later in the day a rainbow covered the course. The runners continue to make good progress with Vasu Duzijy and Stephen Redfern passing the magic 1,000 mile mark.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
On day 15, Asprihanal and Lo Wei Ming successfully passed 1,000 miles. Vasu Dhizhiy and Stephen Redfearn will pass shortly. Huang Lan Yang and Susan Marshall are separated by a close margin and making good progress, passing 900 miles yesterday.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Asprihanal Aalto has had a very good week, frequently running over 70 miles, and he is closing in on leader Andrea Marcato, who is still managing very good mileage, after one difficult day in midweek. In the middle of the pack, there is a lot of consistency with runners striving to keep up with their daily target of 60+ miles. We are nearly one third of the way through the race, but runners are just focusing on one day, one step at a time.
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.
At the end of Day 12, Andrea Marcato maintains his lead at the front of the pack with 863 miles. In second place, Aspirhanal Aalto is getting closer and really getting into a good rhythm with a few days of 70+ miles. Loe Wei Ming in 3rd place maintains a very consistent pace of around 62-63 miles. Vasu has also had a good consistent week. Huang Lan Yang leads the female runners with 740 miles, with Susan Marshall just a few miles behind. All runners are in good spirits and cheerfully adapting to the challenges and events of this great race.
Andrea back from an off day
Race Director's Snippets from Day 12: When the morning crew arrived at the race on Wednesday, Day 11, one of the handlers noticed on the daily print out of the runner’s mileage that Andrea had only done 53 miles the previous day, Tuesday. We all thought that there must have been some typo. Since the start of the race, Andrea did not take even one break! We tried contacting Medur, who is in charge of the daily mileage results but there was no reply. Arpan, Andrea’s main helper, was out of town for 3 days, but, low and behold, he arrived at the race around 7 am Wednesday morning. It turns out that Andrea was feeling very sluggish on Tuesday, as he was on his own most of the day. Andrea did not want to bother Arpan about his problem as he knew he was out of town, so he reached out to some of his friends around the world, literally. As it turned out, these friends contacted Arpan about Andrea’s sluggishness. Arpan immediately called Andrea and told him not to worry about his mileage and be happy, exactly the same advice Guru had given Arpan in one of his two attempts at 3100 miles. So Arpan returned to Queens late that night, and gave Andrea another pep talk, some calcium and magnesium, and a thorough massage of his legs.
Andrea was back on the course the next day (Wednesday) as good as new.
When we are having a bad day there is no scoreboard that reflects our struggle, that everyone can see. But for the runners, their bad day is there for the whole world to examine, as was the case with Andrea. The Master’s advice: not to worry and be happy.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Andrea back from an off day
Race Director's Snippets: When the morning crew arrived at the race on Wednesday, Day 11, one of the handlers noticed on the daily print out of the runner’s mileage that Andrea had only done 53 miles the previous day, Tuesday. We all thought that there must have been some typo. Since the start of the race, Andrea did not take even one break! We tried contacting Medur, who is in charge of the daily mileage results but there was no reply. Arpan, Andrea’s main helper, was out of town for 3 days, but, low and behold, he arrived at the race around 7 am Wednesday morning. It turns out that Andrea was feeling very sluggish on Tuesday, as he was on his own most of the day. Andrea did not want to bother Arpan about his problem as he knew he was out of town, so he reached out to some of his friends around the world, literally. As it turned out, these friends contacted Arpan about Andrea’s sluggishness. Arpan immediately called Andrea and told him not to worry about his mileage and be happy, exactly the same advice Guru had given Arpan in one of his two attempts at 3100 miles. So Arpan returned to Queens late that night, and gave Andrea another pep talk, some calcium and magnesium, and a thorough massage of his legs.
Andrea was back on the course the next day (Wednesday) as good as new.
When we are having a bad day there is no scoreboard that reflects our struggle, that everyone can see. But for the runners, their bad day is there for the whole world to examine, as was the case with Andrea. The Master’s advice: not to worry and be happy.
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.
Andrea back from an off day
Race Director's Snippets: When the morning crew arrived at the race on Wednesday, Day 11, one of the handlers noticed on the daily print out of the runner’s mileage that Andrea had only done 53 miles the previous day, Tuesday. We all thought that there must have been some typo. Since the start of the race Andrea did not take even one break! We tried contacting Medur, who is in charge of the daily mileage results but there was no reply. Arpan, Andrea’s main helper, was out of town for 3 days, but, low and behold, he arrived at the race around 7 am Wednesday morning. It turns out that Andrea was feeling very sluggish on Tuesday, as he was on his own most of the day. Andrea did not want to bother Arpan about his problem as he knew he was out of town, so he reached out to some of his friends around the world, literally. As it turned out, these friends contacted Arpan about Andrea’s sluggishness. Arpan immediately called Andrea and told him not to worry about his mileage and be happy, exactly the same advice Guru had given Arpan in one of his two attempt at 3100 miles. So Arpan returned to Queens late that night, gave Andrea another pep talk, some calcium and magnesium, and a thorough massage of his legs.
Andrea was back on the course the next day (Wednesday) as good as new.
When we are having a bad day there is no scoreboard that reflects our struggle, that everyone can see. But for the runners their bad day is there for the whole world to examine, as was the case with Andrea. The Master’s advice: not to worry and be happy.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Food for the runners!
Race Director's Snippets In just one 30 minute period this morning, so many experiences were presented to me. I spoke with a local mom who was just standing there in a bright yellow shirt with a giant smile on her face as she watched the runners pass her by. It turns out that she is planning on running the London Marathon and just came out to the race for inspiration. Another local runner, a long-time follower of the race came by to see his friend Vasu, as he speaks Russian. Another long-time follower of the race stopped by with a boatload of cookies, cheese and mayo sandwiches and peanut butter sandwiches, AND THE CRUST WAS CUT OFF the sandwiches! Can you imagine that she did this? Last year she stopped by with literally a carload of goodies for the race. So many big shots, medium-sized shots and small shots pass the race daily. So many experiences that can enrich your life happen at the race. Those of us at the race are so lucky to be a part of Sri Chinmoy's longer than the longest race.
Rupantar, Tuesday, September 10
Day 9 Summary. At the end of day nine, Andrea Marcato is leading the pack with 671 miles, running consistently over 71 miles. Aspirhanal Aalto has edged into second place with Lo Wei Ming in third place but still running consistently strong. The women are close together with Huang Lan Yang 1st lady at 557 miles. Susan Marshall and Kaneenika Janakova are very close behind. After both suffering illness, both Stutisheel Lebedev and Nirbhasa Magee have had two strong days with both runners managing two days of 65+ miles which is helping them to catch up with their target.
We have three two videos from Arpan featuring Ananda Lahari and a video about some of the supporters of the race.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Day eight lists
Andrea Markato 597 miles
Lo Wei-Ming 565 miles
Ashprihanal Aalto 565 miles
Stephen Redfern 529 miles
Vasu Duzhiy 527 miles
Huang Lan Yank 497 miles
Ananda-Lahari Zuscin 485 miles
Susan Marshall 487 miles
Kaneenika Janakova: 485 miles
Stutisheel Lebedev: 458 miles
Nirbhasa Magee: 330 miles
We have three two videos featuring Ananda Lahari and a video about some of the supporters of the race.
The weather was pleasant all day, owing to the last two weeks of summer. Since Day three, Andrea Marcato, the two-time winner of the event, has maintained the endless quick moves necessary to dominate a long race on a short course. He completed 134 laps which totalled 73.5392 miles. He has remained 25 miles ahead of Lo Wei-Ming in second. The 15-time finisher of the 3100 Mile Race-Ashprihanal Aalto - has gradually started to move up the list in search of the untouchable promised land. He has gained on much of the runners, but Mr Andrea is surely pushing the pace throughout the 18 hours available.
Day 7 the Lists:
Andrea Markato 527.59 miles
Lo Wei-Ming- 502.63 miles
Ashprihanal Aalto 491.72 miles
Stephen Redfern 471.96 miles
Vasu Duzhiy 465.93 miles
Ananda-Lahari Zuscin 436.29 miles
Huang Lan Yank 433.55 miles
Susan Marshall 427.56 miles
Kaneenika Janakova: 424.77 mies
Stutisheel Lebedev: 392.86 miles
Nirbhasa Magee: 265.07 miles
We have three videos from Arpan in the slideshow. 2nd Kaneenika, 3rd Susan Marshal, 4th, Stutisheel.
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Excellent weather on day five helped the runners to continue their good progress. At the top of the leaderboard Andrea Marcato slightly extended his lead. All runners are averaging over the magic 60 miles, apart from late starter Nirbhasa Magee who is seeking to make up for lost time.
Today's videos from Arpan in the slideshow feature an interview with Nivedak, a counter and helper for Andrea (3rd video)
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Day four saw Andrea Marcato nudge ahead at the top of the leaderboard. Nirbhasa Magee joins the race and the other runners maintain a steady pace.
Today's videos from Arpan in the slideshow feature first time runner Huang Lan Yang (2nd video) and lap counter Balarka (3rd video)
Tejvan organises short-distance running and cycling races for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team in his home city of Oxford. He is also a very good cyclist, having won the National hill climb championships in 2013 and finished 3rd in the National 100 Mile Time Trials in 2014.
Day three was dominated by the rain, but the runners keep up their good start with early pace-setters Lo Wei Ming and Andrea Marcato both finishing the day with 235 miles. After missing the first three days due to illness, Nirbhasa Magee is able to start the race today.
In the above slideshow we have videos by Rupantar and Arpan and photos by Alakananda. Scroll to the right to see all the videos and photos. Also view links for more, including videos on the Instagram feed.
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.
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.
The 3100 mile race has just started! More to follow!
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.
Videos of Saturday's race briefing and Sunday's start by Padyatra and Rupantar, and photos by Alakananda
