The day before the event Peace Runners visit a statue of the founder Sri Chinmoy, which graces the gardens adjacent to Lake Taupo. Since the early years of the Peace Run, a succession of mayors have come out to the support the event. Recently Taupo Mayor David Trewavas welcomed the team with all the hospitality and friendliness which Taupo is renowned for.
Nga Tawa Diocesan School in Marton have, as DP Vicky Powers wrote, a "weekly whole school run/walk for holistic wellbeing – moving body and mind – every Monday straight after school."
Unfortunetly the Peace Run team was unable to make it to this 3km run. In their oneness with the upcoming Peace Run the students ran and with all the qualities of peace, love and joy.
Heart signs from the girls running for peace are from right to left – Year 13's Adejah (Head Girl), Bethany (Head of Sport).
Eva and Georgia in Year 11 give their sign of "Yes! we're running for peace".
The running track goes around the school perimeter fields and the horse paddock of the Equestrian Academy.
Vonette Pearce once again provided wonderful homely accomodation for the women on the team.
Thanks to our good friend Sally Dallas for hosting the lads. She provided sumptious food sourced from her delightful garden.
Thank-you to Countdown Palmerston North for supporting the Peace Run with a gift voucher. Pictured is store manager Werner with the international team. We are looking forward to nourishing ourselves from the excellent produce instore.
Sue and Jason of the Manawatu Striders proudly lead the Peace Run through the streets of Palmerston North, for the opening of the Peace Run on the Square.
Kaumātua (maori elder) Wiremu Te Awe Awe is also a Palmerston North City Councillor. He welcomes the team with a blessing.
Running into the Square with the Manawatu Striders are members of the Peace Run team, Caslav(Bosnia), Ananda-Lahari (Slovakia), Harita(NZ) and Roxana(Italy).
Ananda-Lahari Zuscin is a legend in the ultra running world, having entered the 3100 Mile Race (the longest race in modern times) 19 times! Harita Davies has the distinction of completing the race 4 times! Runners must average over 90 kilometers a day to complete the race within 52 days.
The Saintly Strummers from the Pathways Presbyterian Church created a lovely atmosphere with their smiles and melodious tunes.
Yoko's first Peace Run event - she is from Japan.
A group of Brazilian exchange students are enthralled as they spontaneously come to the occasion.
Vonette Pearce is the recipient of the Torch Bearer medallion, for her unstinting work bringing members of her community together in the name of peace. Her concern for her community and the world around her has helped bring us all together today.
Kaydee Zabellin, councillor, gives a lovely speech, clearly revealing a deep understanding on the importance of peace in the community. Her fellow councillor, Brent Barrett spoke equally well on the significance of peace. He cited Martin Luther King's quote, "True peace Is not merely the absence of tension; it Is the presence of justice" . Sri Chinmoy said something similar: "Peace does not mean the absence of war. Peace means the presence of harmony, love, satisfaction and oneness."
Kaydee invites us to an ancient forest that her family has preserved on her property. The sense of peace here is palpable.
We are led on a garden tour of her charming vegetable gardens, and encouraged to pick chard, herbs and whatever is ripe for our mobile pantry.
Foxton Primary School are the first school to host the Peace Run team. We ran a lap of the football fields with these enthusiastic students.
Where do we feel peace, I wonder?
Students Tureia and Amais with a Certificate of Appreciation from the team, held by Roxana. Yoko is holding a gift of artwork by Sri Chinmoy, titled "Love The Animals". Thank-you for having us at your school.
Sharing the torch!
The school values are imbued with the essence of peace along with positive and healthful living practices.
Foxton Primary plant a native Puka tree on their school grounds along with a special Peace Tree plaque.
Whanau (family) at the Motuiti-Pa Marae greeted the team with a beautiful pōwhiri. Pictured from left to right with the team are Ehita, Mere Rauhihi, Hinewai, Lance(at the back) and Teherua. The team are deeply moved to stay in this meeting house that has been with the Rakawa sub-tribe for so many years. Ehita explained the symbolism behind the intricate tukutuku panels inside the room which are made from native pīngao and other materials.
