Posted on the Ultralist:
Date: Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:37:03 -0400
From: Mark Dorion
Subject: Oct. 11 Ultra Memories/ Sri Chinmoy/ News
OCTOBER 11 ULTRA MEMORIES/ SRI CHINMOY
Just four years ago a great force in worldwide ultramarathon and sports event organization, SRI CHINMOY, passed. While current-day U.S. ultrarunners may be unfamiliar with “Guru” Chinmoy’s contributions to ultrarunning over the past three decades, suffice it to say he was the energy and idea-man behind various U.S. championship ultras, record-setting venues (Rae Clark’s 1990 US record 12:12 100 mile on the Unisphere loop STILL stands), and ground-breaking modern-day long distance events of 6, 7 and 10 days, 1,000 and 1,300 miles, and of course the world’s longest certified ultra, the annual Self-Transendence 3100 mile in suburban Jamaica Hills, Queens, New York. Just this past April one of the most impressive North American ultra performances of the year occurred in the 10 day race, where US resident Kaneenika Janakova broke world record holder Dipali Cunningham’s race record AND beat back some world class Ukrainian men runners (including Sarvagata Ukrainsky, winner of the 3100 mile in an impressive 44 days+).
Sri Chinmoy and his worldwide Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT) were known for their well-organized ultras, but also orchestrated triathlons, run-swims, track meets, race walks, shorter 2 to 7 mile races, and the list goes on. Just this past Sunday (Oct 9) a special all-comers 2 mile race was held in historic Flushing Meadows, an enormous park where one drive is actually named for Sri Chinmoy, and a 180 yard-round flower garden circle (well-known to ultrarunners who circumnavigate it in various ultras) was started by him. On Thanksgiving weekend a large 5Km will be held in the vicinity of the famed Unisphere (this is the huge metal globe seen in the movie MEN AND BLACK, during the US Open Tennis, and in various other TV and film segments). And planning is already underway for the 2012 Self-Trans. 6 and 10 day extravaganza– the USA’s MOST international ultra.
On Tuesday October 11, Mahasamadhi (anniversary of one’s passing) services and talks will be held at Aspiration-Ground, a beautiful, lush meditation and reflection garden designed by Guru in Queens. It will be a sad occasion for me, but I will take some flowers and then go for a run with some friends. Wherever you are on Tuesday, take a moment to reflect not just on Sri Chinmoy, but on all visionaries who have created events and venues for ultrarunners to pursue their dreams.
“Encouragement is the heart of a new journey.” –Sri Chinmoy
Best wishes to all ultrarunners.
Sincerely,
Mark Dorion
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