photo by Arpan
Everyday the 3100 mile race course is visited by many neighbors from the local area. Some of them come specifically to see the race and cheer on the runners, others come to the area as part of their daily routine to get exercise or play in the fields.
There are quite a few playgrounds within the half-mile circumference of the race course including baseball and cricket fields, basketball and handball courts, and a fully equipped playground for children with climbing bars, swings, slides and water spraying fountains for the hot days.
Even some of the local dogs like to come and watch, offering their own form of peaceful encouragement. It is always a welcome sight to see our neighbors and other visitors from farther away take the time to stop, watch, ask questions or even cheer the runners on. Whether alone, with their families or pets, even one person can make a difference in the friendly and inspirational atmosphere of the race which is itself based on friendly oneness and inspiration.
The concept of ‘Self-Transcendence’ demonstrated through the runners and helpers in this race is not based on the competitive approach of proving how much better you can do than your neighbor. But rather it is based on improving what you can achieve with your own capacities in any field. Through running and walking for many miles
these runners are trying to challenge themselves to achieve more than they thought possible in their own lives while inspiring others to do the same in their own lives. When our neighbors, friends and even strangers come by to share in that feeling it gives everyone great joy and even inspires the runners to keep going as they all face many difficult challenges in their quest for self-transcendence.
photo by Arpan