On this beautiful spring day, the 27th of April, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Peace Run. The Run was founded on the 27th of April, 1987 by Sri Chinmoy. Since then millions of people have held the Peace torch and have made a step for Peace in their own lives. May the next 30 years see the spirit of Peace and Harmony spread to every corner of the world.
The team gathers for a busy day of presentations and running. We start with three school visits in Tullamore.
The girls practice their plays.
The first school of the day is Tullamore Educate Together.
A moment of Peace.
The children guess the nationalities of the runners.
We do some hilarious plays for the children.
Happy faces look on in delight.
Then it is time to pass the Peace torch and to make a wish for Peace.
Cathy, the school Principal, takes a moment to hold the torch.
Alex, our Irish team member, leads the way.
Next up is St. Josephs National School. They have a gaurd of honor with flags ready for us as we enter the school.
The children have drawn colourful doves for the occasion.
A sea of blue!
What country am I from?!....
...This boy knows the answer!
A Dove made with Love.
Holding the torch with honor.
We begin to run as we feel a few raindrops...
...but we can't escape the rain. The children are not bothered in the least!
The joyful teachers of St. Joseph's.
Principle Dowling is delighted to hold the torch. She remarks on how important it is for the pupils to cultivate the qualities of harmony and understanding.
The grand canal which runs all the way to Dublin...just as the Peace Run Team runs all the way to Dublin today.
The third school of the day is St. Philomena's national school.
We spot on the wall: 'Different but bestfriends'.
The students are very bright and ask us engaging questions.
Birds eye view!
Run!
Runners are running, Tulips are blossoming. Our photographer Paramanyu captures a great shot.
We wave farewell to the Pupils of St. Philomenas as we start our run towards Dublin.
The boys team meet with Paula, who hosted us for a wonderful meal the night before.
She is delighted to run with the torch and is really moved by the message of the run.
Shyamala, our Scottish runner, gets going.
A big thank you to Mangan's Centra in Edenderry who provide a wholesome, nutrious salad for Lunch.
The green fields of Ireland.
Quick stop for lunch.
We stumble upon some birthday banners. A pleasent coincidence considering today is the 30th birthday of the Peace Run.
In the evening we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run with a birthday cake. Happy Birthday Dear Peace Run!
And it also happens to be the birthday of our German team member, Prabhata. Happy birthday Prabhata!
Thank you very much to Bridge House Hotel who kindly hosted the girls in Tullamore.
And thank you very much to Tullamore Court Hotel who accommodated the boys! We enjoyed the nights sleep very much.
