This morning our girls team had to split up, with some of the team going to Jerry's Plains School while the rest getting on the road early to get as many k's done before the temperature hit the 40's again. As we approached our 'short cut road' Wallaby Scrub Road we were turned back as it was closed today, making us detour around it and including a few extra k's for each team.
It was a day of beautiful lush trees lining the winding and hilly road. It gave us surprises around each and every corner. When you took off you had no idea if it was going to be an uphill run, a downhill run or something in between The only thing for certain is that it was never going to be a flat run today.
Principal Michael Frith, the staff and children of Jerrys Plains Public School welcomed the Peace Run Team to their beautiful and historic school.
Deputy Mayor of Singleton Council, Councilor Tony Jarrett, spoke to the children and welcomed the Peace Run Team to the district. In part of his encouraging talk he said “It (the Peace Run) links all of the world together. We are the only ones who can make this world a world of Peace.” Councilor Tony Jarrett was inspiringly echoing the Peace Run motto ‘Peace Begins with Me’.
Jayda and Clayton accepted the Certificate and a print of one of Sri Chinmoys paintings entitled ‘Benevolance’.
Braith who happens to be the National Under 10, 100 metre sprint Champion held the Peace Run and showed us his winning style.
Braith (National Under 10, 100 metre sprint Champion)
The team was somewhat reduced in size for this mornings visit as many of the runners had made a very early start to cover as much of the scheduled 187 kilometers before the 40 degree forecast maximum temperature was reached.
As we were running on a road between the Wollemi National Park and the Yengo National Park (both a part of the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountain Area) we were surrounded by what felt like thousands of acres of untouched wilderness.
With so many of the team training for a marathon and one training for a 6 day race we had a lot of runners ready to do some big k's. With two runners completing a half marathon with some bounce still left in all our legs we even tried to grasp a few k's from the boys team but to no luck.
87km in 39 degrees! Amazingly it was full of joy and fun and left us wanting more! As each and every day continues on the Peace Run the message of the Peace Run grows ever and ever more stronger in our hearts allowing us to see in every direction the goodness of human nature and the joy of living on this planet we call home.
Prachar completes a steep uphill three and a half kilometre section in 39 degree heat.
The trucks try to keep up with Robert.
Akrura is the oldest member of our team, but at 63 years of age he continues to put in the kilometres. He ran the final three kilometres in 40 degree heat!
Different modes of transport.
Goncalo feels the heat of the midday sun.
Robert has a special Creek named after him!
Valeriy enjoys another high mileage day!
The team van needs a good clean after the dusty roads.
A beautiful evening sunset.
Cooling off in the Hawkesbury river.
Thank you to Percy's Place Caravan Park for offering us a free space and use of their wonderful facilities.
Cooking up a treat for dinner.
Working on the schedule for tomorrow.
