This morning we woke up in a most beautiful and peaceful place, at the Sylvania Franciscans Centre. We were hosted with care, love and concern by the Franciscan sisters. And what a luxury, every runner had their own room!
This deer was wandering around the beautiful grounds of our accommodation.
We gathered at the stunning Queen of Peace Chapel to say our goodbyes to the Franciscan sisters, who have been incredibly hospitable and generous taking very good care of us.
Sisters and guests assembled on the steps.
We gave a presentation about the Peace Run, sang songs and expressed our appreciation.
We presented our dear friend Sister Sharon Havelak with our Certificate of Appreciation, which she graciously accepted on behalf of all the Sisters.
Each sister gave a heart-felt prayer for peace as they passed the Peace Torch.
Several of the Sisters helped us collect some soil from the beautiful garden in front of a statue of Mother Mary. This soil will represent the State of Ohio. we are gathering soil from every US state to plant a special Peace Tree in New York.
A group photo all together. Gratitude to you all for receiving us in such a special way!
St. Francis, who composed the Canticle of Creatures.
The peace runners hit the road with a big bag packed with peace cookies to share with people along the way, as Devendra, our runner from Texas, tells children when he invites them to experience a moment of peace.
Roxana refuels the Peace Torch.
Children and teachers welcome us at Perrysburg Heights Community Centre Youth Camp with a double ratio of smiles!
This is the beautiful Peace Tree we planted in 2022 which our local Coordinator, Steve Kramer, had planted and takes great care of.
"O tree o tree o tree At your feet I place my gratitude" Sri Chinmoy
We are so happy looking at children's artwork. Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the run, says that if the world would be inundated with children's drawings we would have a more peaceful world. They are all heart, so simple and pure.
What do we do before we start running? We take a moment to feel peace in our hearts. Let's do it together.
We can feel the stillness that a moment of peace brings into our whole being.
The children gift us with a fun and energetic song about peace and love.
The peace runners join in!
What an incredible honor holding the Peace Torch!
It's time to inaugurate the run with the Peace Torch!
We are moved by the love and contagious enthusiasm the teachers and workers here at the Centre have for the children. They are leading with Great Example.
From left to right: Harita, from New Zealand, has been on the team since April 16th when the run started in New York City, passing through more than 35 states until now!
Mrs. Shelly, the social worker of the Community Centre. She takes care of the needs of the children and their families, especially those most in need.
Bhaktiananda Pam Summons, our joyful local coordinator here in Ohio. She has been a great supporter of the Peace Run for over 30 years. She has met the founder of the Peace Run, Sri Chinmoy, several times!
Grace, a great and passionate teacher at the Youth camp!
Steve Kramer, kind and enthusiastic board trustee of the Community Centre who organized our meeting today.
Sharing the message of the run "Peace begins with me" while offering our certificate of appreciation and a painting for peace by Sri Chinmoy, the founder of the Peace Run, entitled "Universal Brotherhood".
On the North Inland Coast Trail.
Julie and Jay in Elmore.
Becky from Freemont asks about the Peace Run and she says a prayer for Peace and protection for us on the run.
This is Nate and his dog Jax in Elmore on the North Inland Coast Trail. Nate was born with cerebral palsy. Recently he lost a lot of weight in a positive attempt to regain his health. He says that in life we are all given our set of challenges, but Peace comes when we meet them with courage and compassion.
Harita meets C’Daryas on the trail and he immediately embraces the chance to run for peace! He ends up running over 3 miles with us in his sandals and we are so inspired by his wisdom and commitment to making the world a better place. He recently lost 50 pounds! We wish him well and hope to meet again some time!
Tavishi, from Australia, is all smiles! When you have a Peace Torch in your hands you do not need anything else to be happy!
Tavishi with The Kuhns family.
Debbie
Carlie
As we are running through Norfolk, on the way to Wooster, we meet with Joseph Jones, from the Norwalk Reflector, He's so happy to hear that the Peace Torch has been held by many famous people, like Mohammed Ali, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, and recently by Ringo Starr, the 4th of the Beatles. Here you can see him holding the Peace Torch: Live from the road June 11, 2026 | The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run
Raquel from Lisbon gets tremendous joy when running. She is able to empty her mind of thought and just be happy in her heart and body.
She is so happy after running!
"The tree of life can never be separated from the tree of love." Sri Chinmoy
Italy and Portugal enjoying their sandwiches made by the team.
The men's group is cooling down with refreshing drinks at Outpour Coffee in Freemont.
What a great day we just had! We are so touched by the big heart Americans have!
