Our day started with a trip to the local whole foods shop to stock up on some healthy supplies for our lunch. We got talking to one of the staff members, and it turned out he had run with the Harmony run nearly 20 years ago- it’s a small world after all!

Kansas City, Missouri has left a lasting impression on all of us and we have been very impressed with the look and feel of the city. Quite a few of us commented on how clean the city was – we didn’t see one piece of litter on the street whilst we where there.

In part it must be due to the amount of resources allocated to the Parks Department and Sanitation, but also I think largely to the civic pride the people of Kansas City have in their city – they themselves keep it clean by bearing the responsibilities for not littering. It is certainly an example of a city in harmony.

As always the run continues as we left Missouri and entered into the state of Kansas. Today we had one ceremony in Lawrence, Kansas, but first one of the teams had to run 25 miles.

As soon as we arrived at our starting point to run it began to rain but that did not deter our oldest member of the team, Vajra who was out first. The rain started to come down lightly at first but as the clouds grew darker the heavens opened and through the morning the rain and windy conditions drenched all of us.

However, we were all unperturbed and remained cheerful, despite the challenging conditions of a busy road where the trucks hurtled past us soaking us with the spray. It was not intentional as the truck drivers often attempted to slow down and waved at us and sounded their horns in support of our endeavours. We felt today that whatever the conditions were thrown as us we remained unbreakable.

From the green of the countryside and rolling landscape we ran into Lawrence to attend the Lawrence Kansas Boys and Girls Club.

Outside the Club we met up with Bill Woody Jr. from 6News (www.LJWorld.com) who was to film the ceremony for the local satellite channel.

As we ran in with the flaming torch the children clapped and cheered us.

The children had made flags for each team member, and some members just couldn’t resist posing for a photograph with their respective flag.

Each child got the chance to hold the torch and make a wish for harmony.

Many thanks for Brian Franklin (Program Manager of Lawrence Kansas Boys and Girls Club) and his colleagues for a wonderful reception and heart-felt wishes on our journey.

It makes running in the rain and wind worth it when adults and children alike, young and old support the World Harmony Run with such sincerity and enthusiasm.

Rain was the theme for the day for all the runners, we definitely didn’t escape it! Although Maria seemed to do a good job of avoiding the heavier down pours. I had my first experience of running through water- be it falling from the heavens or spraying from the passing trucks. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of surrendering to the elements and becoming engulfed in nature.

The scenery was beautiful, and it was a joy to run through the green farmlands of Kansas.

We passed herds of cattle along the way- who also joined in the run, although sometimes in the opposite direction. All in all, it was a wonderful day spent out in nature in the heart of America.

We had another very pleasent stay at Tioga Suites in Chanute, KS. They have supported us many times now and we just love the charm of the hotel. Chanute is really interesting city!

– Mark and Becky

Distance: 99 miles

Team Members:
Arpan DeAngelo (New York), Atulya Lee Berube (San Diego), Mark Collinson (England), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Vladimir Salnicov (Moldova), Kokila Chamberlin (England), Salil Wilson (Australia), Vajra Henderson (New York), Drsalu Gruenstaeudl (Austria), Becky Xerri (Wales), Maria Manecke (Germany)

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