Running the Race

The world’s longest certified footrace is the Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race. It’s held in New York City over a 52-day period. Begun in 1996 by Sri Chinmoy, the Self-Transcendence is a remarkable feat, held annually between June and August. Instead of running a straight 3,100 miles, however, runners actually run 5,649 laps around a single city block in Queens, New York, that is just .5488 miles around. Runners must average nearly 60 miles a day to complete the race within the 52-day limit—which takes upwards of 18 hours a day.

Over the course of one day, a runner will consume 10,000 calories, consisting of things like eggs, mashed potatoes, and tofu. And, as can be imagined, each runner will go through as many as 20 pairs of running shoes during the whole race.

Since its inception, fewer than 30 people have completed the race. One of those 30, Madhupran Wolfgang Schwerk of Germany, is the record-holder. In 2006, he ran the race in 41 days and 8 hours, averaging 75 miles per day.

The Bible often compares the Christian’s journey to a race. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth: “Do you know that those who run a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

God invites us to follow His lead and aim for the prize—the same prize Jesus pursued—the salvation of souls. But it’s not a short race, requiring only a short burst of speed. As we daily respond to God’s grace, we can gain strength to run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Key Bible Texts

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 KJV)