Running Beyond the Marathon: Insights Into the Longest Footrace in the World

Founded in 1997 by fitness guru Sri Chinmoy to exemplify the endless possibilities of the human spirit, the Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race is held every year on a concrete footpath around an 883 metre block in Queens, New York. It is the world’s longest and most gruelling foot race.

Running 18 hours a day, from 6:00am to midnight, for 51 days, runners must average a minimum of 60 miles a day (96.6km) to complete the distance. This involves circumnavigating the block 5649 times. Over the duration of the race, runners wear out fifteen pairs of shoes, and their feet swell an extra two sizes. In a typical New York summer, temperatures can reach 40 degrees centigrade with 85% humidity. Competitors must contend with boredom, fatigue, torrential deluges, extreme pain, injuries and sleep deprivation—but most of all, they have to deal with themselves. Outwardly for their efforts they will receive a plastic trophy and a t-shirt; inwardly, they make a lifetime of progress.

Loaded with training tips, anecdotes and race stories, join four-time finisher Grahak Cunningham as he takes you on the journey from his first race in 2007 as a multiday novice to his ultimate victory in 2012, and discover what he learnt along the way.