Our morning began with an early meeting with the mayor of Vlasim outside the town hall. He commented that although the World Harmony Run is not a race, you will all win this noble race of harmony and peace.

The countryside, weather and the relaxed atmosphere were ideal for all to enjoy. The skies were a deep blue and the sun shone intensely throughout the day, giving a sense of clarity and sharpness to the natural surroundings of forested slopes, steep hills, meadowlands, and open and expansive fields of white poppies.

Butterflies fluttered around the hedgerows and so many could be seen in the meadows. The picture was one of a rural idyll, and each runner was in awe of the breathtaking beauty.

At the town of Naceradec we met a boy and girl who held the torch and ran with us to the scenic and grand church.

At around midday we met a group of children at the small village of Cervena Recice. This meeting had not been planned but as they had seen our runners on the road they wanted to meet the International Team. The Team quickly caught up with them and we told them all about the Run. They had many friends in different countries - in Croatia, India, England and Netherlands. During the meeting a television cameraman and reporter arrived to film the event. This was also quite by chance. The television station, Prima (the second largest commercial television station in the Czech Republic) had initially been contacted but had not responded. It was only through someone ringing them up who had passed the runners on the road that they decided to come.

These children were fantastic and loved playing the game of guessing which country each runner comes from. They were very good at geography. When each child held the torch you could really feel their inner wish and hopes for harmony being put into the flame of the torch. It was extremely touching to observe. The cameramen filmed the children joyfully running with the torch, and Ondrej, Mark and Jadranka gave an interview. When it goes on air, this event will reach potentially a third of the country. From this coincidental meeting we hope to get more media attention so that the World Harmony Run's message can touch many more people.

Our next ceremony was in Pelhrimov. In lies in the western part of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, in the region among the three hills of Kremesnik, Svidnik and Straziste, the highest of which being Kremesnik (765m above sea level). We entered the centre of the town, which is an urban preservation area and it's large square with water fountain. There are such a variety of styles of architecture represented in Pelhrimov that make it such a picturesque and attractive town.

Outside the town hall we met the mayor who admired the ideals of our journey, and he treated us to tasty baguettes and drink. One very interesting fact about Pelhrimov that he mentioned is that it is a "Town of Records". Each year there is an international festival in Pelhrimov where people come to transcend themselves and break world records. The mayor presented us with a Czech Book of Records and a history book on the town. He had one final treat in store for us. He led us to the Museum of Records and Curiosities. The museum maps the unique achievements by Czech and world record breakers. In this institution, a unique one within the whole of Central Europe, we were able to see everything concerning the world of records, curiosities and the international festival "Pelhrimov - Town of Records". It was certainly something different.

From the town square we headed up the steep hill out of the town to the foothills of Kremesnik. It was sheer bliss for the fit and the brave of us to run through the very steep forest trails in the afternoon heat.

The trails were uneven and rutted, but in places covered with soft pine needles. In the forest it was quiet and shaded, but now and then the dappled sunshine pierced through the thick tree canopy. Further uphill is the "Miraculous Spring" with a periodical stream of slightly radioactive water, which is believed to have curative effects. Along the upper part of the route at regular intervals there were twelve crosses and pictures depicting Jesus Christ, leading up to a church on the summit.

At the summit we all climbed the viewing tower where there were spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Petar decided to go higher than the final platform and climbed up a ladder.

From here it was downhill running, and Ondrej visited a part of the forest where he spent many childhood summers at a camp. He found the exact location but there was no summer camp, just a clearing of meadowland in the forest, and he said that everything looked so different.

Whilst the majority of the runners took time to cool off in a nearby lake a ground headed on the final 20 km of the day to Telc. All refreshed, everyone joined up to run the final stretch where we ran beside the large ponds and through the archway to the large square of Telc. Telc is a historical town, which has been registered on the UNESCO cultural heritage list in 1992, and is famous for its well-preserved, beautiful square and castle. In the square and courtyard there are baroque and renaissance buildings and wonderful arcades.

In the centre we met a representative of the Cultural Department of the city hall. Inside she treated us to delicious jam cakes and refreshments.

After our evening meal her colleague gave us a wonderful guided tour of Telc. It is one of the most beautiful cities outside Prague.

We all look forward to meeting the mayor of Telc tomorrow where we will give a ceremony in the city square. And so ended another wonderful summer's day on the World Harmony Run.

Distance: 111km

Team Members:
Anete Klavina (Latvia), Bogdan Copil (Romania), Daniel Schenke (Germany), Jadranka Grbic (Serbia & Montenegro), Jarek Werner (Poland), Mark Collinson (England), Marlen Bernhard (Germany), Ondrej Vesely (Czech Republic), Petar Mihaylov (Bulgaria), Petr Machacek (Czech Republic), Svetlana Gorshkova (Russia), Valentine Bebik (Ukraine), Zoltan Theobald (Hungary).

Harmonemail:
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