Today we were invited to participate in the Tegla Lopoupe Peace Race. This race is attended by kids, women, men and reformed warriors. The participants are from all different tribes. Warriors that used to fight with eachother now come here to run together.

Women from Teglas tribe welcomed us with singing and dancing.

We gave some gifts to the kids before they got ready to run.

Everybody warmed up?

Let's go!

First the girls were running, then the boys. After that was the start for the women.

The torch was passed around between all runners, before they started running.

The winner of the women came so exhausted over the finish line, that the Red Cross had to take care of her.

Congratulations!

After the women, the men were running. Of course they also wanted to hold our Torch.

You had to be careful not to be run over.

After the serious running, it was time for the FunRun. With the altitude here in Kapenguria, we "Mzungu " (white people) have great trouble in running fast and far. So instead of doing the 10K race, we joined a ceremonial lap around the field.

Are they still alive?

Go Heinz!

After the running we had time to pass the Torch to everybody that came to see this great event.

There were members from all different tribes, and everybody contributed to the entertainment program. Different groups performed traditional dances and singing.

And our boys joined in!

As part of the program we gave Torch Bearer Award. Robert Matanda a Reformed Warrior was very honoured to receive an Award.

The Regional District Commisioner of Uganda also got an Award...

...as so did the District Commisioner West Pokot County, for his contribution to Peace.

Today there were different articles in the Standard, informing everybody about this special race. And even the World Harmony Run was in the newspaper.

The runners all got a certificate from the organisation of the race.

After the program on the field, we went for the evening program. The road was wet because of the rain, which made it impossible for the car to got there. So we walked.

A very large group was invited to come to Teglas house...

...where we had dinner!

Thank you, Tegla, for this wonderful day.

 

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The World Harmony Run proudly supports the International Year of Youth (IYY) and the International Year of Forests (IYF) proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.

See the recent Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice"  International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way! 

See also the UNESCO World Heritage (WH) Centre support for IY of Forests.  ... Convention for conservation of forest biodiversity. (more)

Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min 

See also:  Music Scores;  Arrangements;   Song in Non-English Languages;  Schools Arrangements and Performances

 

 

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Team Members:
Heinz Heer (Switzerland), Vishvesha Cicmir (Croatia), Vajra (USA), Yohannes (Ethiopia), Carole (France), Puneeta Friederieke Nakowka (Germany), Narmada Heer (Switzerland), Roos de Waart (Netherlands), Shatadala (Austria)

Gallery: See more images!

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