This was a really big and super inspiring day. It began at 4.15 am when we left our campground and met Joe Ward who had very kindly volunteered to run 51 of our kilometres from Newcastle to Gosford.
Joe's route.
Joe somewhere on the road.
Meanwhile a little later the women's team was in Manly meeting Mayor Michael Regan of Northern Beaches Council.
Mayor Regan gave us all water bottles.
Next they headed for a ceremony at Farmhouse Montessori Primary School which is situated in the beautiful North Head Sanctuary.
Naraa was delighted to notice Mongolia had a flag in it on the map.
We went outside for a torch passing and a run.
Suzanne - head of the school, was very happy to meet the team.
Next the boys team had a fairly spontaneous visit to the Central Coast Steiner School.
Bayarkhuu teaching the school uniform mannequins how to hold the torch safely.
Merewether Public School students were very attentive.
Thank you very much for welcoming us and sharing your inspiring spirit.
Now the fun part - Running!!!
The women's team had a few hours spare so they took the Manly ferry to Circular Quay and had a close up look at the Sydney Opera House.
Gesiane happy to be in Sydney.
Arthur Vey, on the left, was super enthusiastic to hold the torch with his ferry colleagues.
Arthur is an excellent photographer and has a great feed on Instagram.
Women's team at the Sydney Opera House.
Interestingly Sri Chinmoy, Peace Run founder, offered an immortal performance on the pipe organ in the Opera House on November 30th, 1987.
Our final school for the day was St Luke's Grammar School in Dee Why.
We were honoured to be part of their Chapel service.
Some soulful prayers which were read out at the Chapel service.
Gesiane asks if they know which country she is from.
Did someone say Brazil?
Have you heard of Guatemala\?
What about Colombia?
Thank you to Shasti (white hat) who had to leave today – you really saved the team. Gratitude for everything.
Our other super runner who joined us today was Annabel Hepworth, who is a world class ultra runner.
Annabel teamed up with Susan and Harita to run along spectacular trails which trace the edge of Sydney Harbour.
The total distance was about 52km.
On the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Annabel was 2020’s Australian Ultra Running Association’s Performer of the Year after she reached 1192km in the “Across the Years” 10 day race. Annabel has been a great friend of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team for years.
Lunch time.
Joined in parts by Harita and Susan, Annabel covered the full 52km from Manly to Bondi. This route took us around the coast of Sydney’s beautiful harbour.
Annabel went past the Opera House about 2 hours after our other womens' team visited.
Some friendly well wishers.
Sydney is the largest city in Australia but coloured by scenery like this…
We got inspiration from the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Sydney, this “city of villages,” and its picture of possibility that comes from its multi-hued palette of diverse people with unique histories and dreams.
These women gave the team delicious watermelon.
A couple of guys in a café! Thanks for your support.
Susan looking fresh after her mammoth run.
Made it to Bondi!!! Great going Annabel.
Salil explains to Gesiane the route from Bondi to Coogee.
Here is the route.
This run from Bondi to Coogee is about 7 km and is one of the most beautiful coastline runs you can do in Australia.
The route hugs the coastline and passes by many exquisite cliffs and beaches.
Coogee beach.
Salil waiting for the last team.
Gesiane and Maribel make it to Coogee - well done.
Since another team had run from Coogee to Cronulla a couple of days earlier, the womens' team headed for Sutherland Motel who had very generously donated three rooms.
Their daughter held the torch.
Harita joined the team today. Welcome.
The boys team stayed at The Entrance Backpackers.
As well, we had some camping spots at the Blue Lagoon Beach Resort. Wow, what a day!
