It is a very precise and accurately measured piece of road. For many years trying to find the ideal course in Flushing Meadow park seemed like an endless quest. Yet just a few years ago this particular configuration seemed to be, if not perfect, than at least an ideal set up for the large number of runners who wanted a safe, flat, place to run for 10 or 6 days.
This short film is the easiest way to experience the course in its entirety. Obviously the harder way, getting a number and taking part will provide a much more satisfying challenge. Than you can see and experience for yourself its scenic length hundreds of times. Yet the one mile loop, like the race itself, is not for tourists or those who are just curious.
Taking part in any of the Self Transcendence races provides the runners with an opportunity to discover their own limits, and in so doing attempt to reach out beyond what they think is possible. Reveal within themselves, in a tangible way, that the great adventure of life is not just about reaching a goal with the physical. That once we attempt to go beyond our limitations that we can realize, soon or latter that we are in fact limitless beings.
Click to Play:
https://vimeo.com/125789349
It will be 30 years ago this week that the first real great Self Transcendence race took place, not too far from here, organized by the Sri Chinmoy marathon team. It was America’s first 1000 mile race and the runners had 16 days in which to complete the distance. It was so new that whoever won the race would automatically set the American record.
12 runners stood on the starting line that day May 1, and what was not surprising to his students, was the presence of Sri Chinmoy himself, the founder of the marathon team. He was 53 years of age.
3 runners managed to complete the distance before the cut off. The winner Don Choi, who won in 15 days and 6 hours said, “The immensity of this race is so great, I can’t comprehend it yet.”
Sri Chinmoy’s comments on his race:
Originally I wanted to run seven miles every day during the 1,000-mile race. I felt that if I tried to do 13 miles, I would not be able to continue. But at the end of the race I had completed 208 miles — an average of 13 miles a day for the 16 days of the race.
Three people completed the full distance: 1,000 miles! Here is the proof that there are a few things the mind cannot understand — when the soul operates through the heart or through the vital. To run 1,000 miles is beyond the comprehension of the mind; the mind cannot imagine it!
Perhaps now people will be inspired to sponsor 1,000-mile races.
By the first week of August I do hope to complete my 1,000 miles. I am going on, going on. God knows if I can do it!
— 17 May 1985