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.
There are three women in this year's race — the most ever, by a factor of three!
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.
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).
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.
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!
celebrates Surasa's 2,000th mile at the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race.
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.
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.
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.