New Yorks 47 Mile Run 27/08/2009

At the stroke of midnight
On that sacred eve,
60 runners stood together
With 47 miles to acheive.

Gathered at the starting line,
Rapt in soulful meditation.
To honour Sri Chinmoy
With this unique birthday celebration.

"Runners are you ready?"
Actually am I? I don't know!
But before I could play with doubt
"On your marks, get set, GO!!"

We bunched together at the start
Then Vajin took the lead.
Living up to his name,
Running like a Gandharva's steed.

Many ran the marathon yesterday
And for my stiffness to be cured,
It took running a few miles
For my muscles to feel fluid.

Running below the stars was enchanting,
Feeling the vastness of creation.
Although aware of the late hour,
I frequented the aid station.

Stopping for chocolate, watermelon, grapes,
All the weary body could cleave.
The Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team had provided
All a runner could want or need.

The moon traversed across the sky
And dawns smile I began to adore,
When who should I hear was about to finish,
But my own brother in-law!

In 5 hours 27 minutes
Vajin finished with quickened pace.
With the the 2nd best ever time
In the 31 year history of the race.

In second place, also from Christchurch,
Was our 100k champion, Tim.
Followed by the first woman, Dipali,
For her 28th straight win!

At this point I realised
If I picked up more speed,
I might go under 9 hours
Although it'd be a squeeze.

I kept up the intensity
And crossed the finishing line,
9 Hours 13 Seconds
Was the official race time.

I had to smile and laugh
As it was still a personal best.
So gratefully I biked home
To take some needed rest.

By Ujjwala Mettrick