Beresford, New Brunswick – Saturday, June 11

Our Maritime start was wonderful and memorable and the WHR team was warmly and enthusiastically invited to participate in the annual 10K Chaleur Banque Nationale , in Beresford, N.B. by Denis St-Onge and Mario Boudreau.

Everyone involved in the race made the team feel welcome and part of the family. The WHR display was setup in the registration area and many people came to ask the team questions about the event. Runners carried the torch throughout the race passing off to each other and the final leg carried by Edgar, a 79 year-old runner. The finishing line cheering squad brought him in with great enthusiasm. Thank you to the family that carried it 5 km. Accompanying the torch was the WHR van with flags flying and theme song playing. The cheers and encouragement given at the finish line to all the participants was heart-warming. A short presentation was given at the opening of the awards ceremony followed by everyone present passing the torch to each other. The display was used as part of the stage decorations. Many people had their photos taken with the torch. All those involved, the organizers, participants, supporters, cheerers and volunteers, embodied the spirit of the World Harmony Run with their oneness, kindness, enthusiasm and friendship and it will be treasured and remembered. When the kitchen crew heard we hadn’t eaten and are vegetarians, after working for hours preparing and feeding the hundreds of participants, ran around, inside and outside, gathering edibles and drinks for us. Thank you everyone for your wonderful spirit and good luck to Patty Blanchard, the women’s winner who is off to a world championship in Spain.

Saint John, New Brunswick – Sunday, June 12:

Catch the Bug 10K road race

organizers Cheryl McConkey and team welcomed the WHR to participate. During registration and after the race, participants could see the display and torch and talk with the team. We met Brenda Tree and family from Fredericton, who’s now teenaged son had been pushed by her in a stroller through the Harmony Run in Fredericton in the 80’s. After the children’s races, children and families held the torch. Team member, Gautumi, carried the torch through the challenging course of hills, rain and wind. At the awards ceremony, the team presented the torch first to the Chief of Police who was there to present the awards, who very sincerely thanked the team for bringing this event to Saint John and for doing this.. He then passed it along for everyone to hold.

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