The New Zealand leg of the World Harmony Run kicked off with a big bang - the starter's gun at the SBS Christchurch City Marathon! We were kindly invited to join in the fun, giving runners and spectators an opportunity to hold the torch.

Some of the World Harmony Run team at the start of the half marathon

Before the start announcers interviewed team member Hayden Bell.

Hayden with Allison Roe

Former All Black Jeff Wilson holds the torch

Over 3,700 people participated in the marathon festival which like the World Harmony Run brings together people from many countries and backgrounds. During the run we witnessed a notable moment of harmony, brotherhood and friendship when one of the two leading runners stopped and waited for the other to correct his course when he missed a turn on the road.

Our team ran in both the full and half marathon. World Harmony Run team member Garbitashri Webster (above with torch) was second amongst the women, finishing in 2:56, and team member Niribili File gained first place in the category of women over 60 years. These are two runners who are expected to cover a lot of kilometers on the World Harmony Run over the next three weeks in New Zealand!