The procession returned to Okazaki Park to go back to the main stage for the Peace Run team, and two members from the Patrol Run to be sent on our way for our 10km Peace Run through the area.
As we made our way down to the river we meet other runners doing a similar route as us. The joined us for a while to run with us and hold the Peace Torch.
The Patrol Run ('Pato-Ran' for short in Japanese) is a nation-wide network of volunteer runners who run in different neighbourhoods to reduce crime and enhance safety.
Each member volunteers their time to go on these 5km Patrol Runs about 5 times a month. There are Patrol Runs in 25 prefectures in Japan.
Running along the river there were so many people out enjoying the day.
夏期の風物、鴨川にせり出したデッキ席のたくさんのお客さんがフレンドリーに手を振ってくれました!
Our run took longer than expected as we stopped along the way for people to hold the torch and meet the team.
After refuelling with some water the Peace Run team turned and ran back to Okazaki Park.
折り返し地点の川端七条で給水して記念撮影!
Seeing a new way to cross the river none of us could resist jumping over the rocks.. I think a few of us kind of wanted to fall in, any excuse to cool down in that inviting river!.
鴨川の楽しみの一つ、石飛で対岸に渡ること!
As we returned to Okazaki Park we were welcomed back by the hosts of the event to cheers from the onlookers.
To finish the day we took time to thank the Patrol Run volunteers who helped arrange today's events for us. Mr. Torimoto, its leader in rainbow socks, is a trainer and even took care of leg conditions of some of the team members! Harashita met members of the Patrol Run back in October during a community get-together at Sakyo Ward Office, where we promised to collaborate somehow, which came to fruition in this fun and meaningful way!
The final procession with the Peace Run leading everyone around the park one more time.
今日のイベントもそろそろおしまい。皆で公園内を最後に一周します。
Clad in a traditional costume of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, the north most island of Japan. The event is a true celebration of people from all walks of life.
Finally the Peace Run was invited back to the main stage to explain in more details about the Peace Run, sing our Peace Run song and World Harmony Run song, which some of the dancers there danced to. The songs gave everyone joy.
Harashita offered a certificate of Appreciation to the organisers of the event. Kindly taken by one of the younger members of the festival.
ピースランからの感謝状を受け取ってくれたのは主催者 At-Kyoto の小さな「新代表」です。
The main organisers of the event from At-Kyoto: (from right) Mr. Suzuki, Ms. Takeda and Mr. Kazuma. Harashita met Suzuki-san and Kazuma-san back in October 2017 during a community event at Sakyo Ward Office, and they immediately encouraged Harashita to make Kyoto Peace Run a reality.
These women in the traditional clothes of Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, danced so cheerfully along with our World Harmony Run song!
アイヌの民族衣装を着た方々。テーマソングに合わせて踊ってくださいました。
A few times during the Peace Run in Kyoto, we were treated to tasty Japanese meals at Sujata's Restaurant in Hyakumanben, near Kyoto University.
ピースラン中、何度か百万遍のスジャータ・レストランで夕ご飯。
She has been running her restaurant since 1986, and it now offers vegetable ramen and Indian curries. In early days of the Peace Run Sujata organized a number of events in Kyoto and its surrounding areas.