Contributor: Susan Marshall
Christchurch woman Harita Davies comnpelted running the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 mile race in New York City for the third time.
Upon completion of this year’s race she will hold the second greatest amount of finishes from any woman in history, and remain the eighth woman to ever complete the race. Harita is one of the most spectacular yet unknown athletes to have come out of New Zealand in recent years.
The Self-Transcendence 3100-Mile Race was conceived by Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007), a spiritual teacher, athlete, artist, musician, poet and humanitarian. His emphasis on self-transcendence and the triumph of the human spirit provides the inspiration which has powered the race since its inception. Conceived of as both a physical and spiritual journey, the race allows athletes to test themselves in a format, unlike any other ultra-marathon. In order to meet their goal of 3100 miles ( 4989km) in 52 days, they must log an average of 59.6 miles (96km) per day. Runners begin at 6 a.m. and run for extended periods throughout the day, taking breaks as needed. If they want to, they can continue as late as 12 midnight when the course closes for the night. This race is not intended to be the goal for all, but provides the opportunity for a remarkable few to experience a world beyond their own conception of possibility.
Today marks the 9th day of the event, and remaining true to form, Harita has consistently logged around 60 miles daily. The challenges of the event are real, varied and Harita’s strength and resilience in facing these has become an inspiration to those around the world starting to watch her. Although few people will choose to run this particular race, we all have some inner voice calling us to go beyond our present achievements, experience, reality. While the magnitude of the event can leave some brushing it aside as impossible, speaking to Harita and the other athletes reveals that courage and faith can lead us to accomplish impossible things. Their stories echo the capacity we all have within us to fulfil our own dreams.
Please click here for daily updates of the 25th Annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race.
PERFECTION JOURNEY
Latest updates from Utpal Marshall’s excellent blog.
13 October Day 39: Inner Help
Go to perfectionjourney.org
https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/women-in-sport/300435560/a-miracle-kiwi-ultrarunner-on-track-to-knock-off-the-everest-of-road-races-for-a-third-time
Because the world
Is all one family,
All the members of the family
Should powerfully smile at
And joyfully share in
The greatness-achievements
Of one member.
Sri Chinmoy