Day 534

June 16th, 5:49 AM

June 16th, 2013



11 minutes until the start of the 2013 Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race! For more info on the race, check out my posts from last year's contest, or, better yet, read this beautiful piece by Sam Shaw.

Day 534

Zeroed out

June 16th, 2013



The leaderboard enjoys its last few moments of tranquility before the runners start rapidly accumulating miles.

Day 534

Go!

June 16th, 2013



There are three women in this year's race — the most ever, by a factor of three!

Day 534

The concrete racecourse

June 16th, 2013



This humble, plant-filled sidewalk crack serves as the start/finish/lap line.

Day 534

Completing the first lap

June 16th, 2013



Almost 0.018% of the way there!

Day 534

Thy legs shall carry thee

June 16th, 2013


Day 534




This block, bordering the Self-Transcendence 3100 racecourse to the south, is also hosting a race today: an annual Father's Day marathon that, like the 3100, is organized by the disciples of Sri Chinmoy. From my visit last year:

Unlike its famous branded November counterpart, this New York City marathon is a rather modest affair. The runners show up, quietly lap the block until they hit 26.2 miles, and then head home. There's no self-congratulatory fist-pumping at the finish line; the closest thing I saw was one girl who, after completing her last lap, stopped to pick up a bunch of plastic cups that had been knocked over and scattered on the ground nearby.

Day 534

Back at the racecourse

June 16th, 2013



The miles are piling up already!

Day 534

Still at it

June 16th, 2013



As you may remember from last year's race, Atmavir likes to bounce a ball while he circles the block!

In case you were wondering, the women on the left are tallying laps. And the RV they're sitting beside is one of the vehicles where the runners can go to rest or take a short nap during running hours (6 AM to midnight).

Day 540

De-toed

June 22nd, 2013



Just dropped by for a quick beginning-of-the-day visit to the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race. Many of the runners cut the toes out of their shoes to relieve pressure, reduce friction, and let in some fresh air.

Day 540

Week 1 drawing to a close

June 22nd, 2013



Just a couple of hours left before the end of Day 7 at the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race. As you can see, Atmavir is already approaching 500 miles!

Day 566

The ringing of tiny bells

July 18th, 2013



celebrates Surasa's 2,000th mile at the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race.

Day 566

Portable shade

July 18th, 2013



Ashprihanal, now in first place, is sporting an amazing hat (much better shot here) as a defense against the sun's brutal assault. The high today was 99-100 degrees, and the runners just kept going.

Day 566




past the world's coolest tire cover.

Day 580

Baladev and Sarah

August 1st, 2013



are enjoying the rain — a welcome break from the oppressive summer heat — at the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race. Vasu has taken the lead since our last visit, and he'll finish tomorrow. Unfortunately, I'm going to miss it, as I'll be out of town for the next few days.

Day 585

The final finish

August 6th, 2013



I just got back into town and missed Nidhruvi crossing the finish line of the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race by about five minutes. Twelve runners started the race this year, and she's the last of the eight who finished. I spent more time at the race last year, and saw a few finishes, so you can peruse my 2012 race photos if you want to get a better sense of this astounding annual event. And for an in-depth and awesomely photographed look at this year's contest, check out Utpal Marshall's blog, Perfection Journey.