Getting our official race numbers as we get ready to carry the Peace Run Torch in the Harmony Science School 5 Km race, called the Tiger Dash, in El Paso.
A large group of mostly local runners on the start of the 5Km race along with nine members of our Peace Run team.
...and they're off. Carrying the Torch is Nastya from Ukraine. Along the way we passed the Torch to many of the runners who were running near us and wanted to share in the excitement of running for peace and harmony as they carried the Peace Torch.
Many runners enthusiastically carried the Peace Run Torch and led the way for a few moments before happily passing it on to others.
Peace happens one person at a time and tends to bring a smile to the faces.
Mark Dorion, our local coordinator who worked tirelessly arranging these events for our team, finally gets to carry the Peace Torch in his hometown of El Paso.
Two of the 'elder' members of the team, Arpan and Pujari, enjoying a relaxed pace on a beautiful day in El Paso, Texas.
Salil, our Executive Director, leads us in this Peace 'Fun' Run for a while as well.
Devendra, our official photographer, finally gets photographed as he enjoys carrying the Peace Torch.
It is always such an uplifting experience for our team members to get to run with other runners as they carry the Peace Torch.
After the runners finished the 5K race we gave them the opportunity to hold the Peace Torch for a moment and make a wish or prayer for peace and harmony.
Luis Martinez, a local ultra marathoner who does solo multiday runs to raise money for social causes, was thrilled to finally share his goodwill with the Peace Torch and Peace Runners. He has been following us online for years and was so enthusiastic and grateful to join us today in this 5K run.
Most of the finishers, including many of the top finishers, shared their goodwill and smiles after the race as they passed the Torch.
This cute little dog ran the whole 5k as well and gave joy to many of us.
Some friends and family members also ran together, demonstrating the oneness and peace that this kind of healthy activity can cultivate.
After the awards we offered a short ceremony and presentation to the runners, including some skits and singing of our Peace Run and Harmony Run songs composed by the Founder of the Peace Run, Sri Chinmoy,
We offered our Certificate of Appreciation to the Vice Principal of the Harmony Science School for organizing this race and allowing us to be a part of it and the festivities afterwards.
Peace runners along with some of the helpers, staff and runners, offering their happy smiles after a wonderful event.
After the 5k morning event we visited the running store called 'Up and Running'. Thanks to Mark Dorion, far left, and some of the staff pictured here in the center, we were able to get some good deals on running clothes and shoes . We also signed up for another race for tomorrow, a 4-mile or 8.5-mile trail race called 'The Jackrabbit Classic', organized by Mark Dorion with help from 'Up and Running'. This will be the 20th edition of this difficult but scenic race through the foothills of the Franklin Mountain Range in western El Paso, Texas.
Some of the 'Up and Running' staff share their goodwill and smiles as they share the Peace Torch. This is what the Peace Run, and running in general, is all about. We are grateful to all those who brought smiles and shared peace with us today here in the wonderful city of El Paso, Texas.
