Our day begins with some prayers high up on the Mesa Verde in Colorado.
We then begin running 16 miles to the town of Cortez.
As we enter Cortez, Natabara meets a curious cow.
Erika from Sweden offers us free coffee.
The Thai restaurant that served us dinner the night before.
Everyone from the Thai restaurant comes out to run a few yards.
We were greeted so warmly by Mayor Dennis Spruell, members of the Cortez city council and the community of Cortez at the City Hall.
Mayor Dennis Spruell said some very touching words about peace. He gave us a wonderful introduction to Cortez, its character, community and spirit.
We met some very enthusiastic community members who all felt deeply about peace.
A very nice local reporter came to cover the story.
We felt truly embraced by the Cortez community and deeply appreciated every moment of our visit.
Onwards we run from Colorado to Utah
Singing the Colorado song as we leave this beautiful state.
Luisa collects the soil.
Benjamin Bunny holds the Colorado soil we will use to plant our tree at the end of our 50-state run. We will use soil from every state of the USA.
The majestic rocks of Utah begin to dominate the horizon
Practicing some songs
Gatisheela runs
The beauty of nature out here made us all very happy
Dinah and Arlinda from Monument Valley came out with a cooler filled with drinks to keep us going.
We met this lovely family who already knew about the Peace Run coming to their town. They will meet us to run many miles together tomorrow.
At the Navajo Nation's Aneth Chapter House we are warmly greeted.
We sang the World Harmony song together
Esther and Sweta chat about running
Danielle shares a warm smile and introduces herself
Lavern Joe from Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) is an ultra-runner and feels this cause for peace is highly important. She was ready and eager to run with the Peace Run team for the whole day.
Here is the new team, Peace Run t-shirts and all, ready to run!
Lavern Joe from UNHS leads the way
Maria takes the torch. an excellent young runner and cyclist. We were honored to run with her.
Arriving at the UNHS Traditional Hogan, we were welcomed by Sean Begay.
We all gathered in the Hogan for a very special Cedar Blessing ceremony.
Introducing ourselves
Wyatt Keith joined us and shared some poignant words about where he comes from.
The torch-bearer for the whole ceremony.
Clayton Long conducted the ceremony, sharing with the team the values and meaning behind the prayers and traditions of the Navajo People in this area. We felt something very profound in this special space and with such sincere and warm company.
Noah and Kyle, Sean's twin sons gave very moving words about where they are from and what peace means to them.
What a blessing to spend the day in the company of these Navajo people in Aneth. we were deeply touched by their warmth, generosity, and enduring connection to their ancestral homeland. Their stories, traditions, and profound respect for the land offered a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved across generations. We are truly grateful for this memorable experience.
