Aklilu, Eric, Gordon, Jeromy, Jalal

For the third time, the annual Austin leg of the World Harmony Run has relayed the torch around this great city.

Gordon, Jeromy and Eric get the ball rollin’.

At our early morning start we met our dedicated torch bearer, Gordon. He has run this morning leg each of the 3 times the World Harmony Run has come to Austin. He’s a fast racer here in town, and we’re thrilled that he volunteers to come out to share the experience with us.

Gordon, waiting for us slow pokes.

We were also surprised and blessed with the presence of Eric. Eric drove an hour from Killeen, where he’s stationed at the military base, to get here by the 6 am start. It takes discipline to do that to go run. We’re extremely grateful to you, Eric. We’ll be here next year when you get back from Iraq.

Eric muscled the torch oh so gently.

Our route took us through the city’s neighborhoods, pastures and hills. And then some more hills. In fact, no section of town failed to bless us with hills. Not flat that Austin, no.

Aklilu gets a flat section, and loves it.

Jeromy enjoys the hills just as much. . .

. . . and Jalal keeps ‘em going. Bravo Jalal!

On the stretch down the east side of the city, the tired torch runner was (easily) overtaken by University of Texas track athlete, Jessica. Out for her daily training run, Jessica mercifully slowed down to carry the torch. She really felt inspired by the torch, by the scope of the global relay, and by it’s message. We appreciate your spontaneous enthusiasm, Jessica. We needed it right about then, and the world needs it always.

A fresh Jessica helps out a tired Jeromy.

Just moments later, we met up with John. John is also with the university, but as an assistant professor and post-doctoral researcher. He claimed to not be a runner, but he carried it forward powerfully by virtue of his eagerness and joy.

John getting his rhythm.

John ran the torch right to the very end of the relay with his old friend, the very elated Aklilu.

51 miles done! Thanks John!

Our gratitude to Austin, and we look forward to the city embracing the run next year with a huge turnout of enthusiastic runners!

– Jeromy

Distance: 51 miles

Team Members:
Jeromy Cheatham (USA), Aklilu Gebrewold (USA), Jalal Clemens(USA)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!