New film - 3100: Run and Become

A new film 3100: Run and Become offers a powerful glimpse into the world of ultradistance running, including a special look at the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race, the longest certified race in the world which was founded by Sri Chinmoy in 1997. A project that took over 3 years to complete, the film is now being shown in screens across the United States.

The film follows the fortunes of two runners in the 3100 Mile race - Finnish postman, 14 time finisher and record holder Ashprihanal Aalto, and first-time competitor and Austrian cellist Shamita Achenbach-Koenig. Through their eyes, the viewer is brought into this unique world of self-transcendence, outer challenge and inner fulfilment. As the course director of the 3100 Mile Race states in the film, it is impossible to enter this race without changing for the better.

Interspersed with the 3100, the film also explores the spiritual significance of running from the perspective of three very different cultures. It includes the Gaolo-San bushmen in Botswana, the legendary Japanese gyoman-san running monks of Mt. Hiei Japan, and Navajo runners in the deserts of Arizona.

Sri Chinmoy believed that distance running could enable a real inner and outer transformation or as he terms it 'self-transcendence.' The 3100 Mile race has been described as the 'Mount Everest of ultra-running' - which is fitting given that in the 20 years to the end of 2016 only 37 different runners had completed the distance. Directed by Sanjay Rawal, the film focuses on the 2016 edition of the race, where record temperatures made the event even more challenging and just five of the twelve runners completed the event. (More about the 2016 race on the race website »)

Whilst the statistics of the race are mind-boggling, the film gives an insight into the very human realities and aspirations of the competitors. In particular, the film picks up on the inner spiritual dimension of the runners who need to tap into hidden reserves to both run and meet the realities of the race.

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For a full list of cities, and to request a screening in your own city, visit the official film site...