As we prepare to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Peace Run in 2017, this year our global launch began with a moment of silence invoking peace. This was followed by the playing of an historic and deeply moving recording of Peace Run founder, Sri Chinmoy, speaking about his vision for the Peace Run, before the inaugural launch back in 1987. Following is an excerpt:
"This Peace Run around the world is something unique. In most cases, everything that we have received either from our friends or from ourselves has failed us. But one thing that is not going to fail us is our search for oneness-peace. While running from one country to another on this unprecedented Peace Run, we shall feel that we are transcending our capacities and, at the same time, we are inviting the whole world to feel the supreme importance of oneness."
Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run Executive Director, Salil Wilson, spoke about how the run has grown over the years and introduced Peace Run coordinators from all over the world to share some highlights from the last 29 years.
Our dear friend, former New York City Councilman Jimmy Gennaro, spoke about the importance of embodying the message of the Peace Run in our daily lives.
Our North American Peace Run officially began today. The womens team assembled before running to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, 16 miles of a 12,000 mile journey around North America.
Long time Peace Runner and champion multi-day runner, Dipali Cunningham, observes a prayerful moment before taking the first steps with this torch that will be held by countless hands over the next four months.
Running through the streets of Jamaica, Queens.
Local peace lover, Olive Kielczewski, joined the team for the first time today, meeting us as we headed to Forest Park. We were thrilled to have her with us.
We ran a lap of the track at Victory Field and were eagerly joined by a local runner. Sri Chinmoy and Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team members have raced at this track many times over the years.
Running through the park and observing the spring time blooming was beautiful.
Yasodevi from Ukraine leading the way.
A new friend.
Saranyu from Australia(waving) and Luana from Germany ran the torch from Queens into Brooklyn...
Everyone we passed wanted to hold the torch!
Just before reaching the Verrazano Bridge we met Fort Hamilton Senior Recreational Center manager, Peter Lovett. He hopes to join the run in the future.
Final steps...
Every day your pilgrim-heart
Has to journey far, very far,
To establish a peace-oneness-world
In the heart of humanity.
-Sri Chinmoy
Facing South, where we will resume our journey in a few days...
What a team!
As we arrived the clouds parted and the sun blessed us with golden light.
Peace-fragrance is charming,
Beautiful, fruitful
And perfect.
-Sri Chinmoy
