Kids on the road

Days begin early on the World Harmony Run. There is always much to aside form moving the team down the road. Meetings have to be organized, plans finalized, and basic needs such as food and water must be met. But days seem to start especially early here in Ethiopia. Whether it is actually the case or not, the sun seems to rise a little earlier and set a little sooner. People begin moving about and doing business before sun-up, and soon after sundown the streets calm considerably.

Today we are in the countryside, so there is no city life – only rolling hills covered with the remnants of harvested wheat, cactus hedge-rows and an occasional gathering of godjos, round mud-walled huts with conical thatched roofs. Without the lamination of western modernity that is so bristling in the city, the countryside wears its history openly. Little seems to have changed here in a long time. The morning hubbub out here is a barefoot child herding a few cows off the road or people walking along the road on their way to. . . somewhere. And along comes the World Harmony Torch. The sight of a runner flying along the road carrying a flaming torch draws many wondering faces.

When our project is explained to them by one of the Amharic speakers in the group, there is always a nod of approval. From the elders we have received ritual blessings and prayers. From the young, happy and curious participation by running along for a few steps. In the villages our job is a little tougher. When we stop we are routinely the center of much attention. Crowds gather to see who or what will step out of the bus. Children and teenagers gather to look and to practice their English by asking about our goals and where we come from. We and this torch are the day’s excitement, and it is a great opportunity for us to connect in some very small way with these people. Either way, we face a challenge bringing this message through this symbol to such a place. Gratefully, we are accompanied by local runners who know the place and the people as well as three organizers who have a deep connection to the country. Solomon, Aklilu and Teferi are able to communicate our mission to them easily. Without them though, those of us from Europe and America would be lost.

Our itinerary today takes us through the town of Assela, the hometown of legendary runner Haile Gebreselassie. We made a stop at the town stadium, a dirt track surrounded by a grassy slope. This is the place where Haile trained while aspiring to become the runner he is today, though he has become much more than that to these people. It is far from the hyper-modern facilities where western athletes work, yet it serves its people well. We are met there by many young athletes who are happy to carry the Harmony Torch around the track. We, as well, are pleased to honor this place with this symbolic round and this friendly gathering of aspiring athletes.

Bekoji entrance sign

Our next stop is Bekoji, famed as the birthplace of great runners. There is even a sign at the entrance to the town that reads: “Welcome to Bekoji, home of great runners.” It is from here that so many world champions and Olympic gold medalists have come. Tirunesh and Ejegayehou Dibaba, Derartu Tulu and Kenenisa Bekele have made this place both famous and proud. There are even songs and chants about these runner-heroes, “Our light Derartu, our light Tirunesh….” Here, in the Bekoji sports field we are welcomed by a group of young athletes who hold much promise and hope for this community. They received us very ceremonially, lined up on the left and right and clapping in rhythm as we approached. As we spoke about our run, our goal of linking people in friendship, harmony and cooperation, they warmly welcomed the feeling that was offered.

A small group of them came along with us to give the team fresh legs as we left Bekoji. I had been told that I would be amazed by the Bekoji runners, and that was true. They were easily able to cover distances of 10-15 km over rough dirt roads and hills in times that would be a dream to the rest of us. Try 10 k in 34 minutes holding a torch over these rough and rocky roads at an altitude of over 2000 meters. Needless to say, we covered our day’s distance in no time. This was a tribute to the value of swiftness on life’s journey. We can all move forward, and eventually, with aspiration and dedication, we can develop the capacity to fly and to reach the Goal sooner than at once.

We are so grateful to everyone who participated in today’s journey. Not only could we not cover the distance without their contribution, but our togetherness and shared joy are central to the World Harmony Run.

~Jeromy

Here we began the Run at about 6am. We ran in the direction of Awash, Melkassa, Dera, Itaya, Gonde and Assela, the birthplace of Haile Gebrselasie, 5000-10000 meters and 2nd place in the London Marathon in a time of 2:06. There we met Gitachio Demessia, a facilitator arranged by Sports for All. From Assela High School, we were taken to the Assela Stadium to meet Sports Commissioner Mr Gemada and children. There the Harmony Run torch was held once more and another ceremony performed. Six more runners joined and eight left for the return to Addis. At Assela we had lunch at Haile's cafe, then proceeded to Segure, Lemu and on to Bekoji, where we held another ceremony.

Bekoji is also the home of Deratu Tulu, two-time Olympic champion (10000m), Kenenisa Bekele, 5000-10000 record holder and x-country champion. Also Tomareth Bekele, his brother, and Messeret Tuffa 5000-10000m runner. The welcome ceremony was conducted by Sports Commissioner Mr Sesaye Demesie. Six more runners left for Assela, and were replaced by another eight. The run from Nazaret to Assela was about 75K.

~Manatita

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