After a hearty breakfast and a warm expression of gratitude to Namanita Muss for her generous hospitality—and to her friend Ann for her kind support—the teams set off for another inspiring day.
By 9 a.m., two events were already in full swing. In Bendigo, the team met Councillor Tom Prince, who carried the Peace Torch for approximately 5 km, leading the team out of Bendigo along scenic running and bike paths, marking the first leg of the day’s journey.
The men’s team was also joined by local runner Greg Wilson, the Australian National record holder in the M70+ division for every ultra running event from 6 hours up to 48 hours. Greg originally planned to help guide the team back to his home town of Kyneton, but ended up staying for the whole day's running!
Meanwhile, in Eaglehawk, the other team visited St. Liborious School ...
... where two student representatives proudly led the Peace Run into a welcoming ceremony.
The team was deeply impressed by the students’ knowledge of the Peace Run’s international team and thoroughly enjoyed a lively and thoughtful Q&A session.
Following the assembly, everyone gathered in a large circle outside their chapel, taking turns to hold the Peace Torch.
Teachers led a symbolic lap around the students ...
... who then—full of energy and enthusiasm—ran a spirited lap with the team around the field.
With cheers and well wishes, the students sent the runners off ...
... as the Peace Torch continued its journey toward Melbourne.
Greg Wilson fit seamlessly into the men's team for the day – and they were most grateful for the many km he contributed to the cause!
Greg immediately made friends with all of the team ...
... and especially with fellow ultra-distance runner Ashprihanal Aalto from Finland, who holds the World Record for the world's longest certified footrace, the Sri Chinmoy 3100 Mile Race – in a time of 40 days, 9 hours, 6 minutes and 21 seconds!
In 1986 – the year before Sri Chinmoy founded the Peace Run – Greg Wilson was a member of a 20-man team from the Army, who ran the entire circumference of Australia (including Tasmania), in a 19,000 km relay to raise funds for the Cancer Council. He brought a fascinating scrap book with media clippings from that epic journey and shared many anecdotes – their team averaged 4-minute kilometres for the entire distance!
Greg's fresh legs were invaluable to the team – as was his local knowledge of the best route, saving the team from relying on GPS directions.
Some of Greg's local friends stopped to say hello when they saw him running along with the Peace Torch.
Greg was chosen to carry the Torch into the team's next appointment, at Our Lady of the Rosary School in his home town of Kyneton. Greg had already visited the school and spoken about the Peace Run with the students a week before the Torch's arrival, so he was greeted warmly by all.
The students there had spent time learning about the Peace Run, creating their own Peace Torches ...
... and running with them.
Two beautiful murals showcasing the students' artwork on peace adorned the school hall.
As the team introduced themselves, students were invited to guess where each runner was from. One was quickly recognised—local running legend Greg Wilson—but while the students only had to guess the country of most of the team members, for Greg they were challenged to guess exactly in which local town he grew up – North Woodend!
The four School Captains – Laurel Bloomfield, Poppy Young, Max Beattie and Archer Todd ...
... were invited up to receive the Peace Torch ...
... as well as a Certificate of Appreciation for the school's involvement, and an artwork by Peace Run founder, Sri Chinmoy.
A highlight of the visit was the introduction of one of the Peace Run’s esteemed patrons, Arnold Dix. Last year, Arnold played a key role in the successful rescue of 41 Indian miners trapped beneath a mountain in the Himalayas. He shared a moving message about the power of teamwork, emphasising how the heroic rescue was made possible through the efforts of not only those on the front lines but also countless others working tirelessly behind the scenes—feeding, housing, and supporting the mission.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the Peace Run was honoured to present Arnold Dix with the Peace Run Torch-Bearer Award—an accolade he so richly deserves. The four School Captains came forward to present him with a certificate and medallion, marking the moment with pride and admiration. Like a knight receiving his knighthood, or a priest his ordination, Arnold knelt to accept this honour from the children with humility and gratitude.
To conclude the celebration, the students presented the Peace Run team with their own artwork, which will be hand-delivered to Rome for the Colours of Peace Exhibition at the Colosseum later this year. All then joined in a rousing rendition of the School Song.
Amy Hume was on hand to report on the occasion for "The Midland Express."
The event ended with students joining the runners outside to hold the Peace Torch and run a final lap before bidding the Torch farewell ...
... as the runners embarked on the day's final leg into Sunshine.
As the Peace Flame approached its destination for the evening, this enthusiastic student was keen to hold the Torch for a moment.
This evening, the team was treated to a home-cooked meal at the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Mebourne, hosted by Kishore and Prashanta Cunningham. This sublime statue of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Peace Run and inspiration of the team's purpose, stands offering the Peace Torch in its own lotus garden at the entrance to the Centre.
