Team A

The World Harmony Run Team began this Sunday at the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race in the glorious surrounds of the Auckland Domain.

After a short presentation, members of the team took the Torch on a lap of the course to the enthusiastic support of the other competitors and the gathered spectators.

Then we continued our journey south as the World Harmony Run once again broke into full stride after a rest day in Auckland. With no official ceremonies to take place, we were able to enjoy the freedom and expression of the open country.

Rolling hills and lush green valleys dotted with cows, lambs and the odd turkey stretched before us as each member in our team took their share of the daily mileage. This is the Waikato region, steeped in history and cultural significance with rural vistas to catch any breath.

Prachar Stegemann from Australia, led off with all the grace and confidence of someone 20 years his junior, such was the inspiration he was feeling in this beautiful landscape. "It looks like something out of The Lord of the Rings movie," he remarked. And by the end of his 15 km stint, so did he.

Nigel Webber from Australia is totally enjoying his time in New Zealand:

As Budhsamudra Knox from Auckland dashed up and down the lung-burning hills, he found an unexpected audience in a herd of cows.

So curious they were as to what this puffing animal on two legs was doing, they decided to join him along their fence-line for around two hundred metres, bouncing along, their eyes magnetised to the World Harmony Run Torch and their tails wagging him onward. It was a very mooving experience for all.

Afterwards, Uddipan Brown started to enjoy the "nice" uphills and downhills.

We then had the good fortune to stop the van at the top of a driveway while we waited for Uddipan to finish his turn.

And in this driveway our ever-alert Hungarian, Gabor Horvath, spied a very cool sports car. So after a quick chat with the owner Rob and his wife Rita we took a few snaps and then Rob graciously took Nigel and Prachar for a spin!

Rob had built this car himself from parts supplied by Fraser Cars Ltd of New Zealand.  This really was an exhilarating experience for the boys from Australia as their lives flashed before them on the twisting corners of this country back block. Now Nigel really can confirm that he truly has lost his marbles.

Meanwhile, our photographer and plant-lover Gabor was enjoying a guided tour of Rita's beautiful and fascinating garden.

Rita shows the view from her backyard

Our thanks to Rob and Rita for their wonderful and spontaneous hospitality that typifies the friendly and good-natured people of this region.

Further on we came across local farmers Henry and his mate Dennis out for a little Sunday jog, a mere 18 km they said as they happily posed with the Torch. Being marathoners and ultra-runners themselves they seemed to easily identify with the spirit of the World Harmony Run.

Henry and Dennis holding the Torch

After we finished we encountered Nipura Brown and Erika Pongracz from Team B.

Nipura

Erika

Sheep

All in all a great day with pleasant weather, stunning views, fresh breezes, curious onlookers, great food, new friends, and small blue cars.

– Budhsamudra Knox

Team B

Our combined girls' team also started this morning at the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race in the Auckland Domain.

After finishing our jobs as marshals, counters and photographers at the races, we were transformed into World Harmony Runners again in the afternoon.

Inspired by the Self-Transcendence runners we were all keen to start running.

Sophie Anderson made light work of a hill and enjoyed the company of the local cows.

The Huntly Power Station towers over the Waikato River and dwarfs Sophie as she runs past. The magnificent Waikato River starts its journey at Lake Taupo in the middle of the North Island and winds its way up the North Island, supporting local industries and many leisure activities before emptying into the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato, just south of Auckland.

Erika Pongracz running into Ngaruawahia.

Niribili File, Kallola Brown and Plabita Butler refuelling during a five-kilometre run.

Rupashri Brown running past a gate into the formal Marae of the Maori King, Te Arikinui Tuheitia in Ngaruawahia.

Niribili's van met up with Peter and Miriam Dixon who breed alpacas near Hamilton. The alpacas are from South America and are related to the camel family.

– Nishima Knowsley

Team Members:
Erika Pongracz, Gabor Horvath (both Hungary), Nigel Webber, Prachar Stegemann (both Australia), Niribili File, Ujjwala Mettrick, Plabita Butler, Brenda Lincoln, Rupashri Brown, Kallola Brown, Nipura Brown, Nishima Knowsley, Sophie Anderson, Budhsamudra Knox, Uddipan Brown (all New Zealand)

Gallery: See more images!