Run and Become

Every summer, the longest certified footrace in the world is held in Queens, New York. It invites contestants to “run and become.” The author of Hebrews makes a similar call in chapter 12. 

Picture Mount Everest.

Earth’s highest mountain rises 29,029 feet above sea level. First conquered by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, it now attracts many climbers every year — some of whom die in their attempts to reach the summit.

But what about “the Mount Everest of ultramarathons”? That’s a little harder to picture, although the race was run earlier this summer, from June 16 through August 6. Called the “Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race,” it is the longest certified footrace in the world.

Held in Queens, New York, the event challenges athletes to run 3,100 miles in 52 days. The runners begin at 6 a.m. every day and run for extended periods, taking breaks when needed. To meet the goal of 3,100 miles, they must run an average of 59.6 miles per day. Throughout this long and rigorous race, they try to set records and gain spiritual insights.

A documentary called 3,100: Run and Become examines the philosophical side of...