Here in Chicago our large Peace Run Team gathers early in the morning to run (or walk) a 5 Km (3.1 mile) race called the Bloomingdale Trail Race.
Vasudha from San Diego, as well as a number of Peace Runners from other cities joined us for these exciting and busy events happening in Chicago over a number of days.
The children's shorter races were the first events of the day and drew lots of smiles and cheers from our team and the crowd.
Some parents greeted their children with smiles and the happy relief of finishing the race.
This child was not too happy to finish, or perhaps she just did not want to stop. In the end everyone was thrilled to see many children of all ages run the short races with such enthusiasm and speed.
Atul from India leads our team in the 5 Km race and finishes 7th overall of over 400 finishers.
Nayaja from Rome, Italy was our first woman runner to cross the finish line.
Some of the runners ran at a fast speed, but not necessarily in this order. One usually gets more peace and satisfaction competing with themselves and striving to reach their own personal goals.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the dynamic and peaceful energy that was on the beautiful out and back course.
Others get more joy when running casually with the Peace Torch to share with other runners.
Running and walking also can be lots of fun with less stress.
'When you're smiling, the whole world smiles with you.'
One of our main organizers here in Chicago, Sukantika, still at work while she walks the course.
After the race we had a chance to pass the Peace torch to some of the runners to share their hopes, wishes or prayers for peace and harmony. Javier and his wife share the torch after finishing the race. He is a cameraman at WGN9 TV and had filmed us running from there after the morning news program a few days ago.
Most of our team after the race with some of the organizers who were very kind to us and offered a great service to the community.
Some of our men's team were ready and eager to eat a a wonderful restaurant after the race. Lucy's is a nearby restaurant which used to be owned by our good friend and Peace Run coordinator, Pradhan.
Pradhan is seen here at the morning race where we had a Peace Run table. He seems to be trying to figure our something very important as he patiently waits for all the runners to finish.
The women's Peace Run team was quite numerous and very hungry after a wonderful morning at the race.
Salil, the Peace Run's Executive Director, offers this beautiful shirt to Natabara who was with us the whole way since we left New York. He not only ran his share of the miles but also did most of the videoing of many of our events. After the race he had tp catch a flight back to New York.
After the race and the meal there was still some work to do. Some of the runners and helpers had to prepare for tomorrow's parade by washing two of our vehicles to be in the parade which ends at the Parliament of World Religions convention in downtown Chicago.
Ahavani shows some of her beautiful paintings in her art studio. The painting on the left represents the mantra, 'Lead Me from the Unreal to the Real.' The painting on the right represents, 'From Delight we came into Existence...'
We were invited to dinner at the beautiful home of Sukantika's brother Tim and his partner Mary. The outdoor garden patio was a wonderful and peaceful welcome after a busy day in the City.
They prepared a delicious feast for us, barbecue style.
Everyone enjoyed themselves as we stayed into the night.
Before leaving we offered Tim and Mary our Certificate of Appreciation for their wonderful hospitality and great food. We also sang for them our Thank You song written by the Founder of the Peace Run, Sri Chinmoy.
Mary and Tim offer their big hearts and peaceful smiles as we left with grateful hearts.
