The boys team made an early start to complete the run in from Cuballing to Narrogin and executed this via a "parachute drop" where 3 runners are dropped out and running simultaneously on different sections of the road.
In Narrogin we met at the park opposite the Shire Chambers with representatives from both the Town Council and the Shire Council. Town Mayor Leigh Ballard ...
... and Shire President Richard Chadwick ...
... held the torch together, showing their oneness prior to the amalgamation of the 2 councils next year. We also had the respective CEO's, Geoff McKeown and Aaron Cook, town council, holding the torch together.
After speeches and singing we gathered around the 'Christmas tree', which is the focal point for all Christmas activities and holds 3 km of Christmas lights.
This much-loved tree was dedicated as a Peace Tree. The plaque is going to be fastened securely to ensure it's longevity!
Carolyn, Susan and others did a marvellous job of catering and coordinating all the participants. Thanks for a memorable visit to Narrogin.
After a fast schedule of running ...
... we arrived in Wagin District High School to an audience of 150 students.
This school had a beautiful rose lined entry to a historic building (with more recent additions).
The principal, Jo Abbott (on the right) made us very welcome.
This was our first school for this year's Peace Run and we enjoyed offering our presentation to the students.
Joining in the singing of Sri Chinmoy's World Harmony Run song.
After presenting the school with a certificate and poster of Sri Chinmoy art ...
... we followed the students outside to the Stephanie Alexander Garden where the year six boys under the supervision of teacher Sean, dug a hole and planted the beautiful olive tree dedicated as a Peace Tree.
The plaque was positioned by one of the diggers, Kaydn ...
... who then read the aphorism by Sri Chinmoy. All the other students looked on with interest.
This tree will be well cared for into the future.
From Wagin we continued south to Katanning ...
... enjoying the cool change from yesterday's hot conditions.
If only we had fresh legs it would be really easy!
At Katanning Primary School we met all the year 4 and 5 students in the library which enabled the Peace Run video to be shown. The students were tested on their geography and passed with flying colours.
The students all came outside to hold the torch ...
... had a fast run around the oval ...
... and then all assembled for the group photos. It was time for the students to go home but we had one more engagement at the Town Square ...
... where we met with Katanning Shire President Alan McFarland and the Council CEO Julian Murphy.
Following our singing and presentation we all did a ceremonial walk up the town led by Alan who passed the torch to Julian for the return walk. We learned that Katanning has over 40 nationalities in this relatively small town, many attracted because of how welcoming the community has been to earlier migrants.
Karen and her daughter, Inway, came to meet the Peace Run.
Many thanks to Amy (pictured) and Ziagul, who coordinated everything beautifully, especially the repast of sandwiches and fruit provided for the runners.
Our boys team were generously provided accommodation at Royal Exchange Hotel and managed to only get one photo of Donna who said she did not do it for the publicity.
Donna and Chris certainly made us welcome to their comfortable hotel.
Meanwhile, our girls team were thrilled to stay at Kobeelya Conference Centre.
