Smarana’s story is unique in the now 22 year history of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race. He is 47, but started his multi day running career a long time ago. The 3100 mile race was the perfect distance event for him. He was so motivated by the race that he came 7 times and completed the race each time. 2007 was his fastest timing, done in 48 days and 4 hours. He came again the following year in 2008 and though he made the distance he struggled.
9 years pass and a now 46 year old Smarana shows up at the starting line last year. He had health issues early on and struggled for a long long patch. “Last year was a very very very very very special race. I am very grateful for the experience.” His affection and respect for the 3100 was so strong he says that in any other event he would have given up and not continued running. Instead he stayed and ran the best he could for the complete 52 days.
“It was very rewarding on the inner world. It is very transforming for your ego and many different levels of your being.”
When I gently ask whether or not the decision to come again this year was a hard one he immediately says, “It is more a decision of the soul. I hear the knocking deep within and I just follow it. It is not a difficult thing to follow when I have the feeling that it is the right thing to do. ”
Smarana says that after coming back from the race last year he was amazed at all the transformation that had taken place within him. “What I had gone through I had made a new step and that is why I am coming back here. This is my main motivation to come here.”
Smarana quoted one of the great multi day race veterans from a bygone era, Al Howie. “Every time I come to one of the Sri Chinmoy races I leave as a better person.” He says it happens in particular in this race. “It is so long. There is no way you cannot change.”
The board at the start of Day 9
Aharan working
It is going to be a great day
The clock
Yolanda arives
William
Kobi discusses his back issues with Vajra
Rupantar readies for his daily video
Surasa
Vajra works on Kobi
Kaneenika staying warm
Things to do
Ushika arrives
The boys
Ready to go
Dipali’s Race Tips
Start Day 9
A great morning
Kobi still leads the field with 601 miles
He ran 70 miles yesterday
Today he has a new helper
Kobi stops briefly when he reaches 1000 km. He tells the photographers that the race is closer than what the board shows. Vasu’s number had not been updated.
A tremendous effort
Flower
Vasu did 72 miles yesterday
Vasu has 597 miles
It is a great competition between the 2 champions
Flower
Alexei with Vasu’s shoes
Smarana did 62 miles. He has 513 miles
Flower
Magdalena counting
Surasa did 62 miles
She has 502 miles
Flower
Sopan did 54 miles
He now has 493 miles
Feet
Running well
Flower
William did 60 miles
He has 493 miles
For some reason William thinks he is being followed by a spotted dog
Doing very well
Flower
Alan asking Alan if he has actually seen a spotted dog
Ananda-Lahari did 50 miles
He now has 480 miles
Flower
Kaneenika did 57 miles
With her crew
She now has 480 miles
An amazing athlete
Hellpers
Green leaves
Yolanda did an incredible 65 miles
She has 477 miles
With Dipali
Flower
Ushika did 59 miles
Patanga is helping him for a couple of weeks
He has 470 miles
Flower
Swamiji
Flower
Nirjharini and a contingent of cooks
Pushkar counting
Aharan reads the Daily Prayer
Click to Play:
Enthusiasm Awakeners
Click to Play:
My Inner Pilot
Makes all the decisions
Of my outer life.
Sri Chinmoy, My Christmas-New Year-Vacation Aspiration-Prayers, part 38, Agni Press, 2005
Beautiful video, Utpal! I can definitely feel the energy all the way across the Atlantic. Gratitude.
Such a thrill to see so many who have responded to the call for self=transcendence!Keeps us all on the road, on the trail. So grateful!