Packing up last night's campsite...
The morning began bright and early, with Peace Run Victorian coordinator, Uddyogini Hall, who joined the team last night in Albury, setting off from the accommodation ...
... the Peace Torch crosses the Murray River, which marks the border between New South Wales and Victoria ...
... to Gateway Island and the iconic sculpture.
There, the Mayor of Albury, Mayor Mack, warmly received the Peace Torch on behalf of the city—a long-time supporter of the Peace Run, having participated during its last journey around Australia in 2013.
Mayor Mack then passed the Torch to our new friend, Mayor Gobel of Wodonga. Their exchange beautifully embodied the spirit of the Peace Run, with a genuine sense of camaraderie and unity shared between them, representing not only 2 cities, but also 2 States.
After meeting the Peace Run team and learning about the journey, the two Mayors took the first steps of the Wodonga leg together, symbolically launching the next stage of the Torch’s path around the country into Victoria.
As the Peace Torch made its way through Wodonga—along bike paths and through riverside parklands—many curious and kind-hearted locals paused to ask about the Peace Run, some even joining in to run or ride alongside the Peace Torch. These spontaneous acts of connection and support reflect the essence of the Peace Run: creating a more peaceful world through simple, shared moments of goodwill.
The Peace Torch then continued its journey toward Wangaratta, with several kilometres still to cover ...
... before meeting Deputy Mayor Harvey Benton and Councillor Dave Fuller outside the council chambers. Upon receiving the Torch on behalf of the city, the Deputy Mayor joined the team for a walk through the local park, sharing stories about the area's rich history.
During the visit, a local radio station conducted an interview with one of the runners, while the Wangaratta Chronicle was on hand to capture the event for an upcoming article.
By 11:30 AM, the Peace Run team made its way to St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School. The students had beautifully decorated the entrance with balloons in the Peace Run colours, and lined the path holding handmade posters and welcome banners. Deputy Mayor Benton led the team into the school grounds, where everyone gathered in the hall to learn more about the Peace Run and its global journey. During the assembly, three school captains were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and artwork of Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Peace Run.
Afterward, students and runners joined outside to share the Torch and take part in a symbolic run together. The school then generously provided lunch for the team.
With lunch quickly enjoyed, the team set off again to complete the final stretch to Shepparton. The scenic, though occasionally hilly, road led them into town, where three teams worked efficiently to cover the remaining distance in time for a warm welcome.
Upon arrival in Shepparton, the team was greeted ...
... by Mayor Shane Sali, Deputy Mayor Anthony Brophy, Councillor Kieron Eddy, his son Jackson, and Mariloa for a celebratory lap around Victoria Lake.
To wrap up a big day on the Peace Run, the team was treated to a generous gift from Gino Pizza and Pasta, who kindly provided four delicious pizzas to enjoy at Queens Gardens before we headed to our accommodations.
We were fortunate to be warmly hosted by three wonderful accommodation providers. Russell from Aspen Lodge Caravan Park offered a comfortable cabin for part of the women's team, while the Rodney Motor Inn in Mooroopna took great care of the men’s team.
The remaining women runners were graciously accommodated by the Peppermill Inn.
