Our first stop was the Margaret River Park for a 5k parkrun.
Grahak, our local co-ordinator talking about the Peace Run before the start.
Some of our runners are participating. I almost missed the torch going by at the start. It was hiding behind Pathik.
Mahasatya came in 3rd!!
Alex, age 11, finishing with Muggi.
Susan was the 3rd woman!!
Dhavala got lost, but finished strong!
Nicole, the organizer and Brenda, the timekeeper do an excellent job. Many Thanks for welcoming us to your Park Run!
Next up, we had a meeting with the Scouts of Margaret River. Thomas Mitchell, Scout leader thanked us for spreading the peace. “Peace is important and I do think about the future for these guys,” he said pointing out the young scouts in attendance, acknowledging the importance of peace in the nation and community.
Local Margaret River Scouts stalwart Libby Dawson received the Torch Bearer award on Saturday morning at Rotary Park, an international award that recognises the contribution community members make at a grass roots level. She has volunteered at the scouts for over 17 years and served at many different levels in her time there.
Libby also hosted the womens team last night, although I don’t think she expected 16 runners to show up to her guesthouse to eat our dinner! But she was incredibly welcoming and even donated all of her grains when we realised we didn’t have any in our supplies.
"For us peace isn’t just an absence of wars,” said spokesperson and runner Grahak Cunningham. “It is a presence and this can take many forms; happiness, self giving, service. All things the Scouts encourage. Libby has been doing this for a long time and nothing is too much for her. The Torch Bearer Award aims to recognise those who often go unapplauded and serve their community tirelessly. She really deserves it.”
Brooke Bradstreet, Scout leader with Alex.
Scouts having a little fun.
Dunsborough runner Jess Green (the one in green) came to greet us even though she was unable to run due to an injury. Her enthusiasm carried her out the door anyway and she was excited about the potential of what we were doing. Hope she can run with us next visit.
Today we got to have one of our favourite experiences, runners joining us! Three members from the Busselton Runner’s Club and one from the Dunsborough Runner’s Club met up with us at a local bakehouse. Anita Parsons carries the torch here.
Shelley McDonald leads the way on the 10K run from the bakehouse to the Jetty.
Rogelio Reyes from Busselton enthusiastically running with the Torch.
At the Busselton Jetty, we were treated to a 1.8km train ride right on the jetty itself. At the far end, we departed the train and were then treated to an extraordinary underwater observatory. It is one of only six in the entire world.
They generously offered the whole team a ride on their solar express to the end of the jetty, where we were then treated to entrance and guidance through an underwater observatory.
Our guide to the observatory, Jacquie was passionate about sea life. She is awesome at her job and easily spread her enthusiasm!
There are 600 pylons which form this reef. It takes about 10 years for a pylon to be covered in sea life such as corals.
Windows around the observatory have a glimpse into this mysterious underwater world.
Pushpendra has a moment with a fish.
The fish get to observe us because we’re the ones in the bowl, and they’re the ones that are free.
An Old Wives fish.
The observatory is 9 meters deep and goes all the way to the sea floor.
We got to try out these 3D glasses which made us feel like we were part of the reef.
Some friends we made on the train.
After the observatory, we met with Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin. He offered some very inspiring words about the importance of peace, in particular in today’s social media world. It was well written and heartfelt. Thanks to all for your participation!
Loraine Blunt was super enthusiastic to hold the torch when we met her near Dalleyup.
As the peace run came into Dalyellup, we were greeted by the Bunbury Runners Club. It was a really good turnout and we needed it. Twenty or so great runners.This was the third time the club has responded and participated in the Peace Run.
We ran along a beautiful path, past lakes and bushland, off the busy road and then along the oceanfront. It was about 9-10 km with them. Thanks to Alan for organising the team.
Club members aim to run together three times a week. On Tuesdays there is interval training for those who enjoy speed work. Every Saturday a very dedicated group of runners will run usually around 90min, even in rain, hail or sun. And every Thursday members run or walk their own distance - 10, 5, 3km.
The Mayor kindly presented our Certificate of Appreciation to the Runners club.
When we arrived at the clubrooms we were greeted by the Mayor of Bunbury Jaysen de San Miguel who held the torch. he’s a really young mayor and has promised to run with us next time.
The Bunbury Runners Club also provide a range of running and walking events that inspire the involvement of people to enjoy the health, social and lifestyle benefits that running brings.
The runners club and Jacki put on a great spread: tea, coffee, Milo, pastries, cake, fruit, refreshments, it was delicious.
Thank you to Woolworths Bunbury for their generosity in offering a gift certificate.
Much thanks to Bunbury Seaview Apartments for a lovely luxury apartment for the women’s team this evening. We are so happy!!
Afterwards everyone watched the sun melt onto the sea right near the club rooms.
What better way to end a perfect Peace Run day
