Peace Run carries message of unity through North Central Washington

LEAVENWORTH — The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run carried a message of peace as relay runners traveled through North Central Washington on June 25 and 26.

The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run is a global torch relay that aims to offer everyone a chance to express their longing for peace. Since its founding in 1987, the run has visited almost every country on earth — over 160 nations and territories — and involved more than 7 million participants.

The Peace Run was inspired by visionary Sri Chinmoy, who once said, "How can we have peace? Not by talking about peace, but by walking along the road of peace." The run serves an opportunity to give citizens a dynamic way to express their own hopes and dreams for a more harmonious world.

“You find that people all over the world that are similar, they have the same hopes and dreams, and like they want to find peace in their lives and have love in their lives,” said Peace Run Executive Director Salil Wilson, who has been running since 1987. “That finds expression in different ways…But at its core, it's the thing that unites us as a human family.”

This year’s U.S. route is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary by visiting all 50 states. A team of runners began the 10,000-mile journey in New York City on April 16, each taking turns running about six to 10 miles at a time. Runners come from all over the world, including the U.S., Hungary, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Mexico and Scotland.

After making their way down the East Coast, across the South and up the West Coast, the runners are now beginning the northern leg of the trip back to New York, where they are expected to finish in August. The run will continue in Alaska and Hawaii in September. The European Peace Run began in Helsinki, Finland, on May 18, making presentations in 13 countries.

“The torch goes around the world, passing through different countries, different peoples, different cultures, different religions, and we have one common thing…That we really want to see and have a better world,” said Washington-based runner Daulot Fountain, during the team’s June 25 stop in Leavenworth.

From Seattle, the Peace Run traveled along U.S. Highway 2, making stops in Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Waterville as it continued on toward its next major stop, Sandpoint, Idaho. In each community, the runners met with local residents, leaders and organizations, ensuring everyone gets a chance to hold the Peace Torch.

“All these connections are made, and it kind of breaks through any barriers of, ‘I don’t know this person, they don't know me,’ and we become friends,” said Fountain.

The Peace Run has covered nearly 30 states so far, taking runners through major cities, national parks and communities across the country. Along the way, the team has met thousands of people, including musician Ringo Starr in San Jose, California.

“The highlights are the people. You can see beautiful scenery, and it's amazing, but when you're meeting people and connecting with them at a really fundamental and deep level, that's what sustains us, because it's so encouraging,” said Wilson.

Wilson said the run has shown the international runners a side of the U.S. that differs to how the country is often portrayed in the news.

“America is a really influential country in the world, but the world needs America to be at its best…We're finding that there's so much hope and optimism and goodness in America, and that's really reassuring and inspiring,” said Wilson.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media