The 27th annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race 3100 Mile Race began on 30 August and will run for 52 days until it finishes on 20 October. This year fourteen runners took to the start line to take part in the ultimate test of ultra-distance running.
The race was founded by Sri Chinmoy, a keen runner himself, who felt there was a strong connection between both physical and spiritual self-transcendence. As the runners testify, this is a race which brings to the fore all their inner reserves and determination; it can be life-transforming experience for both the runners and helpers.
In this year's race, the runners include Asprihanal Aalto from Finland, a nine-time winner of the race and current course record holder in a time of 40 days+09:06:21. Also returning to the race is Andrea Marcato, who has won the past four editions of the race. Another three-time winner is Vasu Duzhiy from Russia. Other returning 3100 Mile runners include Stutisheel Lebedev (Ukraine), Grahak Cunningham (Australia), Ananda-Lahari Zuscin (Slovakia), Wei-Ming Lo (Taiwan), Pushkar Mullaer (Switzerland), Nina Huang-Lan Yang (Taiwan). There are also three runners attempting the race for the first time. Budjargal Byambaa (Mongolia), Annabel Hepworth (Australia), and Radu Budan (Moldova).
As well as the eight runners, there is a crew of dedicated volunteers who put on the race, including counters, medics, cooks and the organising crew.
