Enthusiastic team members from across Canada gathered in St. John's Newfoundland for some exciting Peace Run events and to enjoy the pristine beauty of the East Coast.
We kicked everything off with a 1-km run led by Florence Barron, an 87-year old legend in the running community!
Age does not daunt Florence Barron as she reaches for her running goals. Notably, last October she finished the "Cape to Cabot" 20km road race (a challenging, hilly trek from Cape Spear to Signal Hill) for the 11th time at the age of 86.
Her running career began at the age of 59, with her winning the "Tely 10" 10-mile race in her age category with no training. She eventually joined a running club and became hooked.
Now she participates in all of the summer races in Newfoundland and many out of province, including several races in Nova Scotia.
Florence has signed herself up for a race every single weekend this summer!
We were thrilled that 22 members of the Athletics NorthEAST Running Club came out to the event!
We were also greeted by a local TV camera.
Local St. John's coordinator Brahmacharini Michelle Rebidoux immediately thought of Florence when she sought out someone from the community to honour with The Torch-Bearer Award. She gave a speech highlighting Florence's incredible life and accomplishments.
Karnayati Morrison, our team member from Toronto who did her first marathon at the age of 50 and several ultra-marathons since that time, presented Florence with the Torch-Bearer Award medal and a Peace Run gift pack.
Florence's incredible athletic achievements are matched only by her inspiring attitude. She has often said that running is her therapy and that running helps you to live your life and forget your age.
In addition to her running, Florence is involved in volunteer work and in 2014 received "The Order of the Red Cross" for her 50 years of service.
In 2023, Florence was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.
Purnakama from Winnipeg and Sarita from Halifax got everybody dancing as Purnakama, who is an elementary school music teacher, taught everyone the World Harmony Run song.
The torch was passed around for all to reflect on peace.
Members of the running club also offered kind words and lively stories about the ways in which Florence has impacted them.
Malika, a local team member from St. John's, took a moment to hold the torch.
The next event was a passing of the torch at the St. John's War Memorial.
The team had a chance encounter with former MP Charlie Angus, being greeted here by Kriyavati, our team member from Montreal.
He held the Peace Torch and offered some lovely words;
"I'm honoured to hold the Peace Torch, here particularly at the grave of the Unknown Soldier... We need Peace more than ever..."
Soldiers from 1st Battalion of Royal Newfoundland Regiments holding the Peace Torch.
We met Elias, a young man visiting from Montreal, who enthusiastically held the torch.
Next stop: Signal Hill!
People of all ages were eager to hold the Peace Torch and add their own hopes and dreams for a peaceful world.
"Peace and Love are the two most important things in our life." -Sri Chinmoy, Peace Run Founder
