The men's team alighted from the Spirit of Tasmania overnight ferry in Geelong, and drove to Saranyu Pearson's house, where a fantastic breakfast had been prepared. A fond farewell to Saranyu's car, which had served our team faithfully for our Tasmanian sojourn – and a happy return to our Peace Run van, "Nandi".
Then followed a 21km morning run ...
Once the two teams joined forces, the whole team enjoyed the short run to our first meeting of the day at St. Margaret's Primary School. It was misty morning and warm so everyone was happy to enjoy a short run to the school.
As the team gathered for the program, we were joined by school captains, Lenny and Harriet. They kindly escorted us in to their waiting classmates. We were thrilled to experience such enthusiasm, openness and wisdom.
At the end of the program, Lenny and Harriet received a Certificate of Appreciation and artwork by Peace Run founder Sri Chinmoy from the team as a way of saying thanks, they also thanked the runners for coming, on behalf of St. Margarets School.
We then all went outside for a run around their special track! Team member Roni was excited to meet a new friend, a student from Brazil.
School Principal, Susan Park was instrumental in organising this wonderful experience for all involved.
Afterwards we embarked on the short 5km run to the next school, Fyan’s Park Primary School.
School captains, Ned, Mara, Willow, and Harry greeted us and carried the Torch in to meet all their classmates.
After ‘high fives’ from the whole student body, we were greeted by a huge downpour of rain. It has been so dry in Australia, so everyone was very happy.
Since there were nearly 400 students, kids were split into two groups so everyone could fit inside and out of the rain to be part of the peace run program.
When we all stepped outside afterwards so everyone could hold the torch, the sun was shining! Another beautiful day in Australia. Our School Captains remained with the team the whole time, School Captain and Harry offered some exceptional comments: “Thank you for igniting peace in our school.”
The team then started the journey to our last meeting of the day at St. Mary's School.
School Captains Lewie and Evie gave their words of thanks to us and led the kids in our Peace Run at the end of the program.
It was an excellent group of young people with enthusiasm, happiness and understanding of the importance of peace.
The team was then treated to a special lunch at Eastern Park ...
... home of a measured mile dedicated to the Peace Run founder called The Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile.
The Peace Mile faces a stunning view of Corio Bay and the waterfront of Geelong, named as a Sri Chinmoy Peace City.
Some of the team took the opportunity and ran this mile. Interestingly, some of the trees along this route were full of flying foxes
Then the last run of the day for the men's team was 21km from Moriac to Winchelsea.
You can immediately feel that a new runner Daniel, from New Zealand has joined the team.
The whole team is being accommodated tonight in Aireys Inlet, close to Sandy Gully Beach.
