Living Proof That Age Is Not a Limit

In this episode of Courage Talks, I talk with Trishul Cherns, the legendary Canadian ultramarathoner who continues to redefine what's possible in endurance sports.

Now 68 (born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1957), Trishul has built one of the most extraordinary careers in ultrarunning history—spanning nearly 50 years since his first ultra in 1978.

Major Achievements & Background

• Completed his 400th ultramarathon in November 2025 at the NYC Trail Mix 50K in Staten Island, N.Y.—a staggering milestone that includes 217 road races, 50 on track, and 133 on trails.
• Previously reached his 300th ultra in 2021 and has accumulated tens of thousands of racing miles (over 73,000 km reported in earlier records), with some single events stretching to 1,000+ miles.
• Holds more than 110 Canadian national ultrarunning records, many in multi-day events, including standout performances like 221 miles in 48 hours and 538 miles in six days.
• A pioneer in multi-day ultramarathons, he has completed the iconic Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100-mile race three times, averaging ~61 miles per day on concrete loops amid extreme heat and minimal sleep.
• President of the Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners (GOMU), where he organizes world championships to preserve and grow this niche discipline.
• Assistant race director for the Great New York 100 Mile Running Exposition, an urban adventure showcasing New York City's boroughs.
• A certified massage therapist for decades, Trishul credits his knowledge of biomechanics, recovery techniques, and a disciplined vegan diet (anti-inflammatory and recovery-focused) for his durability—most recently winning a 48-hour ultra at age 66 while beating runners decades younger.
• Deeply spiritual, he moved to New York in 1977 to study meditation with Sri Chinmoy, who gave him his name "Trishul" (meaning "ignorance-piercing trident"). He views running as a manifestation of spiritual practice, drawing parallels to Shaolin priests using kung fu.

Episode HighlightsIn this heartfelt conversation, Trishul opens up about:

• His spiritual journey: How meditation and inner peace fuel resilience during grueling races, helping him stay present amid hallucinations, foot swelling, and sleep deprivation.
• The touching story of Dharma, the dog who spontaneously joined him for 100 miles during the 1988 Sri Chinmoy 1,300-mile race and became his beloved companion—plus a profound tale from the Mahabharata that ties into the deeper meaning of "Dharma" in his life.
• The power of a plant-based diet in reducing inflammation and enabling fast recovery, allowing him to compete at elite levels well into his late 60s.
• Lessons from racing legends like Yiannis Kouros and Ted Corbitt, and how he balances physical training with mental fortitude and spiritual stillness.
• His unwavering message: "Age is not a limit"—he still feels 30 inside, aims for 500+ ultras in the coming years (and dreams of 1,000 lifetime), and encourages everyone to "go for the stars" no matter their age.

Trishul's story is a masterclass in courage, self-transcendence, longevity, and living with purpose.

Whether you're an athlete, someone navigating life's challenges, or simply seeking inspiration to push beyond perceived limits, this episode reminds us that true endurance comes from within.