Sri Chinmoy run in Flushing

BY ADAM MISCH

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 6:06 PM EDT

Through his vision and positive attitude toward life, Sri Chinmoy, renowned author, composer, artist, and athlete, definitively affected the lives of a great many people. Moreover, the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team has become one of the world’s largest organizations for endurance events.

On Saturday, October 10, the annual Sri Chinmoy Heart-Garden two-mile race kept the spirit and name of the celebrated athlete alive. The race was held on Sri Chinmoy Street in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Kicking off the event, U.S. Olympic track champion Carl Lewis, opened the festivities by lighting the inaugural torch. Joining the nine-time gold medalist at the event was Olympian Olesya Zynkina – and 180 runners from over 50 different countries.

“Sri Chinmoy dedicated his life to inspiring others to achieve great things,” said Rupantar LaRusso, race director. “It was a very powerful event.”

Congressmember Gary Ackerman, who was unable to attend the event, said “Sri Chinmoy was our friend, our teacher and an inspiration to all of us dedicated to promoting global harmony and understanding.”

Chinmoy, who was born in India, passed away on October 11, 2007. He was 76.

He was best known for many of his inspirational events promoting inner peace – such as musical concerts, athletic events, and meditations. After his death, Chinmoy was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“He was a pretty inspiring person… with his prayers, writing and athletics,” LaRusso said. “It is something real that you can believe in.”

Chinmoy believed that life had so many intangibles that one can’t control; he created this marathon team to promote goals that one can physically achieve, as a contrast.

“New York’s running world was inspired by two great men whose vision and service left something very special to the world – Fred Lebow, the founder of the NYC Marathon and Sri Chinmoy,” said Tegla Loroupe, two-time NYC Marathon winner and UN Sport Ambassador. “It is Sri Chinmoy’s inspiration that allows me to work for peace in the world.”