Today is Day 36 of the 30th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence 3100-Mile Race. The world’s longest road race. The race leader Andrea Marcato has completed 2,421 miles averaging 69.2 miles per day. The nine athletes have 52 days to complete the distance which requires averaging 59.6 miles per day.
To understand this race, one must first define Self-transcendence – the human capacity to go beyond your own ego and personal needs to feel a deep connection with a larger whole, such as humanity, nature, or a higher purpose.
Self-Actualization
Developing your own unique potential.
Becoming the best version of yourself.
Self-Transcendence:
Moving past person identity.
Serving a cause or connection larger than yourself.
I always had respect for the athletes taking on this challenge and looked at this race as an extension of my father Ted Corbitt’s legacy in ultramarathon running history. I, however, never fully understood the race until visiting the site in 2019 and began watching the Perfection Journey videos done by Utpal Marshall documenting the athletes’ responses to questions like why run this race. The race always inspires me to do better in all aspects of life.
In Navajo culture running is a sacred spiritual practice and a form of active prayer rather than mere sport. This is certainly the spirit of Sri Chinmoy who conceived this race.
Take a listen to this 15-minute video from the 2025 participants describing the experience:
Some quotes from the runners over the years:
A spiritual and inner journey.
Helps me make spiritual progress.
It’s a pilgrimage.
Going beyond your own limits.
Try to do better and improve your capacity.
This is my meditation.
We can give people hope.
Read the attached Runners World article titled: “What It’s Like to Race 3100 Miles On a Half-Mile Loop in New York City” to learn more about this unique race.
There have been only six American to ever finish this race.
Supabha Beckjord – 13-time finisher
Harita Davies – 4-time finisher
Edward Kelly – 2-time winner/finisher
Arpan De Angelo – 1-time finisher
Yolanda Holder – 1-time finisher – walked the entire distance.
Alex Ramsey – 1-time finisher
Run and become.
Become and run.
Run to succeed in the outer world.
Become to proceed in the inner world.
— Sri Chinmoy
Gary Corbitt
Archivist: Theodore Corbitt Institute
October 4, 2026