The World Harmony Run has started in Europe! Our international team, consisting of 8 runners, lit the torch in front of the Belem-Tower in Lisbon, Portugal, to start its 8-month journey through 45 countries. The starting ceremony in Portugal was a great inspiration, both for runners and for local people.

We had the best company you can get: lots of children! The kids made a great effort to promote friendship and harmony among people: they painted banners and made all kinds of things. The children ran with us for the first 200 meters of the day’s stage, which was 145 km altogether.

After another stop at the City Hall, we left Lisbon and started our journey. Portugal blessed us with a blue sky and a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Running along the River Tejo, and through forests of cork and olive trees, we finally reached Fatima: a world-renowned sanctuary. What a great first day!

Thursday 3 March: Torch Blessing in Fatima

Our second day and we are still enjoying the weather! After a torch blessing in the famous pilgrimage place of Fatima, we headed for Figueira da Foz, reaching the Atlantic Ocean. To our surprise, a large group of elderly people received us and ran with us a for couple of hundred meters. After a great run through the city we finished in Montemor.

Friday 4 March: Montemor - Coimbra - Gouveia

We started in Montemor in front of the City Hall. The mayor and 200 kids waited for us and took us on a 6 km run from school to school. Such a great start to the 3rd day! Later we reached Coimbra with its famous University. In the pedestrian area 100 small kids waited for us excitedly to join us in running towards the City Hall.

After Coimbra we entered the mountainous region of Portugal: good hill work in beautiful countryside for another 110 km, and again blue skies! We finished the day in Gouveia.

Saturday 5 March: Guarda, 100 km

Finish of the Run in Portugal. We started in Gouveia under perfect running conditions - our Czech Runner Mirek even ran a marathon! Then we reached Guarda, the highest city in Portugal (1056m altitude). Despite the fact that there was no school on that day, a group of kids ran with us through the city.

We finished the day in Vilar Formoso, where the local soccer team gave us a hearty welcome. That’s the end of a great run through Portugal! Thanks to everyone!

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