On 26-27 September 1981, the second Sri Chinmoy 24-hour track championship was held at Greenwich, Connecticut. It proved to be a record-breaking event, with 40 runners taking to the start line, up from just 6 runners at the 1st event in 1980.
The race began with a short meditation by Sri Chinmoy.
Sahishnu Sczesiul, a SCMT race director wrote:
“The 24-hour event was catching on, not only around the US but worldwide, as athletes chose to test themselves at various distances and in set-time events, like the one-day and even 48-hour affairs. On the extreme end of the sport existed the revival of the six-day races from the late 19th century, as well as point-to-point races from cities, or across states, or even across countries, as history would later reveal. Our humble 24-hour races began serving the running community by offering inspiration to the athletes, as well as building standards for race administration and implementation, especially in the care of the athletes during the races.
Sri Chinmoy begged us to treat the athletes with the utmost respect and with a sincere concern for their endeavors. To this day, the ounce of care has been essential in the formation of good feelings among athletes in sport.” - Continue reading at www.srichinmoyraces.org
Cahit Yeter won the race with 155 miles. This set a new North American 24-hour record, national record, course and event record, and moved him into sixth place of all time in the world for 24 hours.
Sue Medaglia laid claim to a new women’s world track record with 126 miles 763 yards. She eclipsed the mark set by Sue Ellen Trapp of 123 miles 593 yards. Sue also became the first woman in history to pass the 200 km barrier, reaching the mark in 23:41:08.
In 5th place was Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team’s own Steve (Arpan) Deangelo, with 125 miles.
The race became a real collection of ultra-distance running legends. The awards ceremony was graced by ultrarunning legend Ted Corbitt.
Also the great Australian runner Robert de Castella, who went on to win Gold in the men’s Commonwealth Games marathon in 1982, had just won the BMW 15K, and came to speak with Sri Chinmoy at the awards.
Overall, there was a great feeling of enthusiasm and excitement about the growth of the 24-hour races in the US.
Bob Marshall, one of the runners who finished 14th with 106 miles, wrote an article in Ultrarunning magazine in November 1981. This is a quote from his article:
“There is always something special about Sri Chinmoy and his group. Through ultra-marathoning I have found what I consider to be an unparalleled inner contentment, yet I can only wonder in awe at the peace and love radiating from each of the Sri Chinmoy followers. At the far corner of the track two young women sang beautiful lyric songs about running and living. On nearly every lap I was greeted and cheered by name. When it was dark, the track was lighted with dozens of candles in white bags, which cast a mystical glow around the far turns.”
“The combination of the 24-hour event and Sri’s race support group produced an unforgettable event, and fitting surroundings for the world-class performances which resulted.”
“At the award ceremony I felt as if we were all winners; it was tremendous! We sat in a circle and shared the moment—perhaps the first time that 24 runners bested 100 miles in a 24-hour race. World and national records were set by masters and junior performers. Sri Chinmoy composed a song that the group sang to us. Van Deusen and Yeter shook hands; Cahit had broken Bob’s American record for 200 km, as well as his national 24-hour record. Sri Chinmoy presented the awards. I had my brief moment, barely able to stand and accept Sri’s hand. Suddenly it was over—the greatest 24-hour race ever held on American soil. I’ll be back.”
Related
- 1981 24 Hour Race at SCMT