Tavishi starts off the day's run bright and early today
We have been moving through some beautiful countryside in Kansas and Oklahoma these past few days where there are many farms depending on machines like these ones.
We all enjoy the cooler and earlier running on these lovely Spring mornings and today was less rainy.
Saranyu finds a jamming partner for harmonica practice on the road
and Akbota samples the local trade and produce stores dotted along the countryside near Bartlesville
The green and wide roadside verges are a pleasant change in the varied landscape that changes daily
The team has enjoyed chatting to the many people who stop to ask us about the run and we feel happier for these interactions and the generosity of the public.
Atul being careful to avoid injury does some yoga like stretching of the itb.
Then it's off for the first few miles of the days for the boy's team
Arpan enjoys running even after many previous pan American Peace Runs. Every year there are new experiences and new people to meet.
We finally hit the famous Route 66 and will be running along it tomorrow.
People we meet really love to hold the Peace Torch and are genuinely inspired by the run.
We were met by the Programs Manager from Tulsa Boys Home, Mike Murphy, who ran the final quarter mile with us into the magnificent property that is home to sixty four young men from age eleven to seventeen.
The Tulsa Boys Home was founded in 1918 to provide accomodation, education and opportunity to young men in challenging circumstances. The equine program here is a core initiative for team building and working with animals fosters respect, compassion and purpose as the boys tend and care for the animals.
I think Atul may win this race!
There are inspiring quotes from numerous literary sources around the walls of the assembly hall.
They provide encouragement to those facing difficulties.
The home has many beautiful artworks and sculptures dotted around the grounds
The staff of eighty six members can be congratulated for their dedication to ensuring that the young men residing at the home are given the best opportunities possible to establish themselves in a rapidly changing world.
Equine manager Kodee Robertson demonstrates how to rope and tie a steer in the spacious indoor arena.
You know you are in horse land when you come across signs like this.
The brass sculptures in the beautiful grounds are varied and interesting. We would like to thank Executive Director Greg Conway for arranging for our team to spend a day with the boys. The team are very grateful to the management and especially to the boys themselves for sharing their time with us today.
The team was greeted by a group of young runners from the Sand Springs Cross Country Club.
These cheerful and energetic young runners ran three miles with us into their township at the conclusion of our day.
The group were great fun to meet and run with and the special police escort enabled us to run on the main road which was a special treat for many of these local kids.
The brief drizzle did not dampen our enthusiasm
Mayor of Sand Springs, Mr Mike Burdge, is also the coach of this team of runners and he is the fittest and happiest Mayor that we have met so far. The team was thrilled to run with Mike and his cross country team today.
We took a short cut through the rail siding to meet with the younger town runners from the elementary school.
Several parents and teachers also joined the procession to the town square.
The little kids also had a chance to run with the Peace Torch.
The whole group makes it's way into town.
We gave a short presentation in front of the statue of the town founder, Mr Robert Page, who provided refuge for widows and orphans as a basis for a community in the earliest days of settlement.
Mayor Burdge is recognised for his contribution and participation on behalf of the whole community.
A well earned rest for two of the runners.
Parents, teachers, towns folk.
The team was treated to an excellent meal at Keo Asian fusion and we would like to thank Craig and owners Mr and Mrs Hyman for providing the team with such a great and nourishing end to an eventful day.
