At the break of dawn, some of our men team members left Newcastle to reach Pretty Beach and meet with Joe Ward, a member of the Australian Ultra Running National Team, who ran this 108km section through the night
When we met Joe, he passed the Peace Torch to us in a true relay style. We were ready to continue onwards.
Joe shared his inspiration and enthusiasm about the Peace Run with everyone he met
Some delicious breakfast and fuel before we set off on our 30km run
We bid farewell to Joe and expressed our mutual gratitude. Joe was thankful for the opportunity to carry the Peace Torch through this section of the Route around Australia. We were grateful for his help in covering a great number of kilometres
And off we go...running towards beautiful Manly Beach
We met many enthusiastic people along the way
We met a retired firefighter who also ran along the path and then decided to check the safety of the torch flame. "Friends, everything is fine, you can safely run further!"
We are running for peace, she is singing for peace. Peace can be created in many ways
Welcome to Manly, Sydney
Upon arriving in Manly, we stumbled across this lovely lady. She had previously learned about the Peace Run through her running coach, who is none other than Joe Ward, our ultra marathon runner who had just passed the Torch to us earlier in the morning. The world is a small place
Today, the girls' team started the day with a jog by the ocean as the sun rose on the horizon. The brave ones had a dip in the ocean
The students expressed what peace means to them through speeches, poems, interviews and drawings
While some of the men's team were running, the rest of the team visited Hamilton Public School. We were greeted with incredible enthusiasm and cheers by the students, teachers and even parents. They had a magnificent program to welcome the Peace Run, and the school choir moved us to tears with their heartfelt singing for peace and friendship
A moment of peace together
"Hey, but this torch is not so heavy considering how many wishes it carries!"
The principal of Hamilton Public School, Meredith Lindsay, holding the Peace Torch
The school captains received our certificate of appreciation alongside Sri Chinmoy's artwork entitled "World-Harmony". We were extremely touched by your incredible participation, attentiveness and preparation in receiving the Peace Run at your most wonderful school! We will bring you with us in our hearts as we keep running
Music teacher Tania Mullard
Peace wish relay
The school kindly treated us with pastries
The Carrington Public School was our next visit
Getting ready before the school ceremony
The children showed their curiosity and joy in receiving us. We introduce ourselves through the country guessing game. Children were very eager to find out where the runners come from
Take a moment to find peace inside your heart
It is often children's most awaited moment....holding the Peace Torch
There are moments in life that are worth capturing
We symbolically passed the Torch to the school
After school, we had time for volleyball and lunch at the beach
Later, we went to meet Tessa at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. She was so happy to meet the Peace Run team and have the Sanctuary dedicated to peace as a Sri Chinmoy Peace Sanctuary. Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is now part of a worldwide family of landmarks dedicated to peace alongside the Niagara Falls and Mount Everest - places dedicated to peace and global friendship.
We hope that the people who visit these places can feel an ever-growing inner peace and inspiration to bring into their daily activities
Thank you, Tessa, for contributing to world peace in your unique and selfless way by taking care of the flora and fauna in perfect harmony, unity and oneness with the people visiting this Sanctuary
"If there are tastier eucalyptus trees in the Czech Republic, I'll go with you"
I live in Australia with a Tasmanian passport
Look me in the eyes when I talk to you
It's okay. We'll stand here and bask in the sunshine
