“The body needs proper training so that it will be fit to receive the message of the soul. If the body is strong and healthy, it can receive the message of the soul unreservedly, and we can become a perfect receptacle, a perfect instrument. At that time the soul’s aspiration and the body’s aspiration go together.”

Sri Chinmoy, The body, humanity’s fortress, Agni Press, 1974

Sri Chinmoy was an impressive athlete, and his commitment to training motivated his students to push their own limits by taking part in and organizing events. He was a top athlete in the spiritual community where he grew up, took part in many races organized by the Marathon Team. He completed 22 marathons and five ultra races and also competed in the World Masters Games in 1983 and the World Veterans Games in Japan in 1993.

“The outer life and the inner life always go together. The outer running inspires us to dive deep within. Again, the inner running, which is prayer and meditation, tells us to keep the body in perfect shape…we need them both in our day-to-day life for our inner and outer satisfaction.”

The Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race was conceived by Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007). His emphasis on self-transcendence and the triumph of the human spirit provides the inspiration which has powered the race since its inception.

The self-transcendence aspect is particularly important in ultrarunning. In our experience as runners, there comes a point in a race when one’s physical prowess has reached its limit. To continue on, the runner must rely on his or her own inner determination, to tap into the infinite spiritual power that is within us all, which Sri Chinmoy calls the soul, the representative of the ultimate Divine Being.

For those runners who are Sri Chinmoy’s students, the 3100-Mile Race represents an affirmation of his teachings on self-transcendence, an opportunity to manifest the hidden potential of the soul in a practical and dynamic way.

The Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race was created by Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007). His focus on pushing beyond one’s limits and celebrating the strength of the human spirit has been the driving force behind the race since it began. In ultrarunning, self-transcendence is especially important because there comes a point when a runner’s physical strength is exhausted. To keep going, the runner must rely on inner determination and tap into the limitless spiritual power within, which Sri Chinmoy called the soul, a part of the Divine Being. For runners who are students of Sri Chinmoy, the 3100-Mile Race is a way to live out his teachings on self-transcendence and bring out the hidden potential of the soul in a real and active way.