Passports ready for the border crossing into Ukraine.
A final photo with the border officers of Belarus. A big thank you to the officials of Belarus and Ukraine who made our crossings so effortless. They were so kind and eager to have their photos taken with us. They wished us a safe and healthy journey to our final destination in Rome in October.
Running into Ukraine. Border crossings are always very special.
A warm and enthusiastic welcome from our Ukranian runners.
The Chief of Ovruch district in Ukraine gets to hold the torch ...
And we get to hold the traditional welcome of sweet bread.
All smiles at the border.
And we are off ...
The warmth and friendship of Ukraine.
The meeting with representatives in Ovruch.
Thank you Ovruch for a wonderful tasty lunch.
All smiles after a delicious lunch.
Regional and district border crossings are very significant in Ukraine as we are greeted by local runners and women in traditional dress. This is the border of Korostenskyi district. They offer kind words of good health and a safe journey and the offering of the traditional bread.
Passing the torch to the Head of Sports of the district.
Oliveria, our Mexican runner goes all traditional in a flower head dress.
Holding the torch is always special.
The first of many offerings of flowers to the runners.
Receiving the Certificates of Appreciation of their enthusiastic participation in the Peace Run in Vaskovychi village.
Devashishu can't resist putting on the team cap.
Our local Ukranian runners helping the International Team to cover the kilometers.
Possibly ... this must be the Peace Run.
Running into Korosten.
We are entertained with a song.
The representative of Korosten greets us.
All media attention.
The children are only too eager to run out of Korosten with the runners.
33kms from Korosten and at the end of the day Oliveria and Yashodevi running strongly.
Many wait for our runners at the border of Volodarsko - Volynskyi district.
The young people are so eager to greet our runners.
More lovely bread to eat!
The students from Irshansk get the chance to hold the torch.
The students attentively listen to our presentation.
The final group photo of the day.
And then the final stretch of running into Irshansk. The Chief of the District led the way running with the torch. Thank you Irshansk for hosting the team and being such generous and kind hosts.
Traditional Ukranian smiles.
The beauty of Ukraine is everywhere - in its landscape and in the smiles and hearts of the Ukranian people.
Our first day in Ukraine ends with wonderful light from the sunset.
