World Harmony Runners representing 70 countries carry torches and flags enter Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City as part of an international celebration of the World Harmony Run.

400 runners with torches blazed into Dag Hammarskjold Plaza across from the United Nations today, August 24, to celebrate the international World Harmony Run. Members from the American Team concluded their journey through all 50 states and representatives from 70 countries were there as well. In Europe the Run will continue through October. The World Harmony Run is an international relay traveling around the world this year to promote goodwill and friendship. Passing a flaming torch from hand to hand participants feel part of a global effort and connect with others who share a similar desire for world harmony.

World Harmony Run founder, Sri Chinmoy, leads a moment's reflection on World Harmony as representatives from the United Nations community look on.

A festive ceremony gathered a crowd of over a thousand as they cheered the runners who had just run from Battery Park through Midtown. One of the highlights was the New York City Housing Authority Chorus and their rendition of the World Harmony Run theme song, composed by Sri Chinmoy , founder of the Run. Sri Chinmoy received the lead torch and appreciated the runners as well as encouraged those who will be running in countries later this year. Also present were a number of United Nations Ambassadors who applauded the international efforts taking place worldwide.

Members of the New York City Housing Authority Youth Choir perform as part of the celebration.

The international team of 13 runners who ran 11,000 miles across America was thrilled by the enthusiasm of citizens along the way who ran, walked or simply held the torch. Their journey began in New York City in April and visited schools that received them with special assemblies, sharing the ideals of international friendship and understanding. The Run also met community groups along the route to recognize their activities that promote goodwill at grassroots levels.

United Nations Permanent Representative of Grenada, Ms. Ruth Rouse, addresses the audience.

U.S. Team Captain Arpan DeAngelo of Queens, NY saw how Americans embraced the Run, “Everyone was eager to make friends and ask questions about other parts of the world. And when they held the torch, they said it made them feel like they were part of something special, something big.”

United Nations Permanent Representative of Macedonia, Mr. Igor Dzundev, addresses the audience.

The summer months were some of the hottest on record but did not deter the dedicated runners. Anja Kanther from Germany said running in the scorching heat was worth it, “It was some of the hottest conditions I have ever run in, but America is so vast and beautiful. The people in America are so friendly and supportive of international friendship it was wonderful. I want to come back!”

United Nations Deputy Permanent Representative of Serbia and Montenegro, Mr. Sinisi Kruljević, addresses the audience.

The event is organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team , the world’s largest organizer of ultra-distance races. Sri Chinmoy , founder of the World Harmony Run, is an athlete, philosopher and humanitarian who believes that sport is a powerful instrument for promoting global harmony.

United Nations acting Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine, Mr. Andriy Nikitov, addresses the audience.

The World Harmony Run involves concurrent events in 70 different nations throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand . A total of 25,000 miles(40,000 km) will be covered and over one million people are expected to participate. One team is traveling 8 months through 45 European countries.

New York City Councilor Jimmy Gennaro holds the torch aloft.

Former Religion Editor at NBC Dr. Amritananda Russell Barber addresses the audience.

Former Executive Director Shambhu Vineberg congratulates the organizers on the achievments of this year's event.

Founder of the World Harmony Run, Sri Chimnoy, poses for a photograph with Salil Wilson, Director of the World Harmony Run.

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