Endurance Race Concludes in Queens

The world’s longest and relatively obscure foot race has concluded, featuring 10 endurance athletes attempting a grueling 3,100-mile trek around a single square block in Queens, New York.

This year marked the 29th annual Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race, which took place between August 30 and October 20. Participants, from various corners of the globe, ran a half-mile lap around Thomas Edison High School along Grand Central Parkway daily, from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Amazingly, they averaged about 59.6 miles per day over a span of 52 days.

In total, they completed 5,653 laps—that’s like running from New York to California, equivalent to over 11 marathons.

The course featured a 10-foot incline, which some might say feels like ascending Mount Everest twice!

Sri Chinmoy, an Indian immigrant and Hindu saint who passed away in 2010, was the mind behind this race, establishing it in 1997. His goal was to create an intensely physical challenge that could foster spiritual growth and transcendence of one’s self.

“The outer running reminds me of the inner running,” he noted in an interview. “Each of us is a human being running forever on an eternal path.”

This year, eight out of the ten participants completed the arduous task, with five finishing for the first time from countries like Romania, the United States, the Czech Republic, Russia, and China. Italian runner Andrea Marcato, aged 43, took first place, finishing the 3,100 miles in 46 days, 14 hours, 37 minutes, and 45 seconds.

Vas Duzy from Russia, a three-time winner, claimed second place, crossing the line two days later.

“You know, the win and ranking were nice,” Marcato shared during an interview on day 11. “But winning this type of race is not only about skill but also involves a mental aspect that I find difficult to grasp. Maybe it’s good luck, perhaps a blessing—something beyond yourself.”

Alex Ramsey, 40, became the third American to participate, remarkably finishing on his first attempt.

As he crossed the finish line on Day 51, he waved the American flag with pride.

“Even if it feels like this race is never-ending in my mind, it can wrap up so quickly,” Ramsey said, reflecting on his journey.

His goal was to remain as present in the moment as possible throughout the event.

Interestingly, he was the youngest participant among a field with an average age of 50.