sep. 4, 2018 Live from the road

Derry - Donegal

Reported by Colm Magee 81.0 km

The Peace Run Team arrives in Belfast on Monday evening. And what can be better than a wholesome delicous meal for hungry runners. Thanks very much to Wagamama Belfast for their generosity in providing a wonderful meal for the Team.

Not only did the Team eat well but they slept very well also. Thanks very much to Jury's Inn for providing accommodation for the boys team.

And many thanks to the Europa Hotel for hosting the girls team. It is the kindness and generosity of the people we meet that make this seven month journey possible.

Early in the morning we travel to the City of Derry and set off on our first run of the day. The team is delighted to be in the Island of Ireland. For many of the team members it is the first time to visit.

Our first school visit is to Lisnagelvin primary school.

Principal Torrens gives the team a very warm welcome and we take a group shot with a large group of pupils.

The children have prepared a very colourful piece of artwork which is presented to the team.

"Each of us a single note, together we create a masterpiece"

The children run enthusiasticly with the torch. Principal Torrens is happy to join for a few laps also.

The next school of the day is Longtower primary school and we are greeted with 'high fives' as we enter.

The children learn all about our long journey through Europe.

Bansidhar from Hawaii teaches a traditional Hawaiian dance

A heartfelt moment.

It's time to run!

The Vice-Principal accepts a certifcate of appreciation on behalf of the school.

Descending to the River Foyle.

Our next rendezvous is at the Guildhall where the Mayor of the City of Derry, John Boyle is delighted to meet the international Peace Run Team.

We take a walk with Mayor to the Iconic Peace bridge which functions both as symbolic artwork and very practical means of bringing the people of the City together in oneness and understanding.

The beautiful Guildhall lies behind us.

Mayor Boyle strives in his own life to share the message of mutual understanding, respect and harmony with all the inhabitats of this beautiful City.

And then it's time to hit road and we run like the wind to the town of Strabane.

The children from Strabane primary school are waiting eagerly for us!

We take a photograph at the school entrance with Principal Thompson.

Many eager students listen intently.

It's time for some funny plays. the children burst into laughter as we dramatise senarios of disharmony and then of Peace.

The Peace tunnel!

More 'high fives' on the way out!

The last school visit of the day is St. Catherines where Principal Wilders is waiting to greet us.

When we enter the assembly hall we are greeted by so many happy faces...just like this one!

One big kid with many little ones.

A deep wish for Peace.

Holding the torch is always a precious moment.

Amelendu from Australia is so strong that he can hold up a team member with one hand!

Pierre from France soakes his feet in the stream.

Enjoying natures gifts.

Running bliss!

The flags of Donegal are flying high as we enter the town.

Mayor Kennedy of Donegal receives the torch and greets us at our stopping point for the day.

A smile says everything.

Two athletes from the local basketball team hold the torch.

We are delighted to be met by Deborah Bonner and the Donegal Dragons who do amazing work to raise awareness about breast cancer. Deborah set up this wondeful foundation and has been doing amazing work in the community ever since.

We stop of at a local Indian restaurant where a friendly tiger is waiting to meet us.

Torch carried by
Amalendu Edelsten (Australia), Anita Costa (Portugal), Anita Ramljak (Croatia), Anubha Baird (Australia), Banshidhar Medeiros (United States), Colm Magee (Ireland), Daniel Ignovski (North Macedonia), Devashishu Torpy (Great Britain), Drishalu Grunstaudl (Austria), Goga Petrovcic (Croatia), Mandra Laing (New Zealand), Mena Seguy (France), Olivia Lopez (Mexico), Paramanyu Lebedev (Russia), Pierre Lantuas (France), Tomaz Pivec (Slovenia).  
Photographers
Paramanyu Lebedev
The torch has travelled 81.0 km from Derry to Donegal.

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