The team started the day with a visit to Carneige Primary School where we were enthusiastically greeted by the prep, grade 1 and grade 2 students.

We lead a procession of the torch around the quadrangle, handed out the World Harmony Run stickers and gathered around the torch for a group photo.

Let's jump to the Moon!

At the same time, the second half of our team gave a presentation at The Knox School, whose impressive grounds hold classes of children spanning from years one to twelve. Our presentation was with the year four, five and six classes.

After telling them about the Run, teaching them the World Harmony Run Song, hearing their ideas about harmony and seeing all of their smiling faces; we ventured outside to give them all a chance to hold the torch and make their wishes for a more peaceful world.

The runners then had to leave the school and make their way into the heart of Melbourne – a very exciting atmosphere to run through, along the Yarra River and infront of some very diverse architecture.

We stopped for pictures with many groups of curious passers-by who all had the opportunity to hold the torch.

Finally, we had to say goodbye to Melbourne altogether and were back out on the road leading towards Geelong. The temperatures were high and plenty of water was consumed by the thirsty runners!

At 2.30pm, we arrived at Thomas Chirnside Primary School (approximately 40km outside of Geelong), to a hall full of very excited students who applauded our runners onto the stage.

They then performed a fantastic African-inspired dance with full-on drumbeats and powerful chants. Before the children had to leave for home, they filed outside past the torch and then had a sprint around the school oval with the World Harmony Runners.

Dancing, singing and a soulful moment too.

Smiles and joy abound as the students relay the torch around the school grounds.

We were then invited to take a snack (beautifully made by the school children earlier the same day in honour of Remembrance Day) in the enviable school kitchen. Prabuddha served as a very competent waiter despite his slightly undersized apron.

Sadly, we soon had to get back out on the road once more to cover the final distance into Geelong. Thankfully by this point, the temperature had dropped a little and a nice refreshing breeze helped us on our way.

Watch out for the wildlife!

We met Joe Wojcik on the road, who was very friendly and held the torch.

Thanks to our hosts from the Aberdeen Motor Inn and Riverglen Holiday Park in Geelong for enthusiastically accommodating the team for the night.

At the Riverglen Holiday Park we could not resist taking these shots of the Sri Chinmoy Street, named in honour of the founder of the World Harmony Run.

– Veeraja

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Distance: 85 km

Team Members:
Veeraja Uppal (Australia), Apaguha Vesely (Czech Republic), Kallola Brown (New Zealand), Becky Xerri (Wales), Uddyogini Hall (Australia), Saranyu Pearson (Australia), Hastakamala Diaz (Australia), Prabuddha Nicol (Australia), Kieren Pearson (Australia), Urdhacheta Yap (Singapore), Varna Schulz (Germany)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!

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