After a rainy night it dawned on a chilli morning in the valley of Salgotarjan.

Expecting a long programme offered by the city, after a short jog our large team of runners arrived at 8.30 on the main square.

A big group of excited kids with many country flags gathered to joyfully recieve the World Harmony Hero Runners.

We were recieved by an outstanding program. One of the best performances were the World Harmony Run Song performed by scoolgirls combined with dancing.

We had a cheerful audience.

And we had a professional program-leader who happened to be also the main organizer of the whole Salgotarjan event. Thank you Lajos Simon!

Balavan, Maria Szalokine with the torch (Mayor of Salgotarjan), Grgo and Linda dancing around with the kids to the rythm of a classic Hungarian children-song. Can you imagine a better start for a day of 90km running? Big or small, we are all children after all...

Gabor Fenyvesi vice mayor of the city gratefully receiving the Torch Bearer Award. Salgotarjan gave us the heart, and we tried to give our small gifts in return. We all felt we must come back to the city as soon as we can.

some more dancing - this time by adults.

After the ceremony the kids of the local orienteering runners team Joined us till the city-sign. The 2km jog was a piece of cake for them! Then we had to hurry to the border to meet with our Slovakian brothers.

A happy country-coordinator receiving the torch from us. We wished Marek good running, many kids, and nice ceremonies - we were sure they will have it all in Slovakia.

Fond embrace for Anita, our runner to represent Hungary in Slovakia, and on the final in Czech Republic. Can she ever say "no" when it is about the World Harmony Run? No!......

After saying Good Bye to Hungary, the international team entered Slovakia: Country - number 38.

– Mate Szekely

Distance: 8 km

Team Members:
Balavan Thomas (UK), Vladimir Salnicov (Moldava), Alladin Teherani (Iran), Klaus Schulz (Germany), Petr Hlava (Czech Republic), Sumahat Strohn (Germany), Anita Borics (Hungary), Roos de Waart (The Netherlands), Grgo Skenderovic (Serbia), Israel Cordeiro (Brazil)

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