Феб. 20, 2025 Live from the road

Whakatane - Kawerau

Reported by Benjamin Louche, Daniel Rubin 215.0 km

Ruth and John generously accomodated the men's team for two nights. To say we felt right at home is an understatement! Thank-you Ruth and John. The herb and vegetable garden complemented our meals with freshly picked avocados, tomatoes, carrots, passionfruit and more.

Getting ready to go!

Running to Otakiri School.

Grahak Cunningham came from Perth especially to join the Peace Run. He has the distinction of having won the longest certified foot race in modern history, the 3100 mile race. His experience and composure helped the team immeasurably. Here he speaks to Otakiri School students about the international scope of the run - it reaches many countries and thousands of students every year.

Students at Otakiri School show they are fit and can run.

Principal Richard Gillespie has the distinction of representing New Zealand football as a goalkeeper at masters international level. His team made it to the final of the Seniors World Cup, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to an England team with a lot of Premier League experience.

Te Mahoe school formally welcomes the team in Maori and Grahak responds by explaining the significance of the torch.

Fun skits that have a poignant lesson - does this represent a peaceful action or could he have been a better person?

Teacher, Dallas, shows the students how to run - much to their delight.

Fast!

Dallas explains the symbology of this Pittosporum Tree and also how the various mountains gained their names from Maori traditional stories.

Kawerau South students take great delight in watching the 4 minute video promo.

Firmin Lodge is a world class venue for hosting teams, schools and adventure camps. They were outstanding hosts by providing their facilities for the whole team to cook, sleep and refresh for the final push to Rotorua. Thank-you Firmin Lodge for generously supporting the Peace Run!

Torch carried by
Benjamin Louche (France), Bhadrika Beumer (Netherlands), Boijayanti Gómez-Badillo (Puerto Rico), Daniel Rubin (New Zealand), Don Kerr (New Zealand), Grahak Cunningham (Australia), Harita Davies (New Zealand), Mark Harvey (New Zealand), Nirakara Lincoln (New Zealand), Pransukh Marks (United States), Preetidutta Thorpe (New Zealand), Vera Sevastiyanova (New Zealand).  
Photographers
Boijayanti Gómez-Badillo
The torch has travelled 215.0 km from Whakatane to Kawerau.

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