A TEAM of runners from across the globe arrived in Bulahdelah last week, bringing with them a message of peace.

The local leg of their 3,500-kilometre journey from Brisbane to Adelaide commenced in Forster.

MidCoast Council Administrator John Turner accepted the torch of peace on behalf of residents, before it was passed onto the Bulahdelah community.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in Australia, Team Captain, Amalend Edelsten, said the purpose of the run is to promote peace and inspire a brighter future.

“The whole idea is that peace starts with each individual spreading it from individual to individual,” he said.

“We feel that we are like couriers, carrying the good wishes and hope for peace from each community and carrying it to the next.”

Arriving in Bulahdelah after a stop at The Grandis, the torch was passed to Carol Poniris, who was celebrating her 12th Birthday.

“By holding the torch, people can make a wish and help in the mission of achieving world peace,” Amalend said.

“The children are the ones who will carry that message forward into the future.”

The Peace Run was founded by Sri Chimmoy and now takes place in more than 150 countries.

Amalend said the runners do not seek to raise money or promote any agendas, they simply aim to create goodwill.

“The communities that we have passed through have been very supportive, we get waves, hoots and people spontaneously stopping and wanting to have a chat,” he said.

“It is wonderful that so many people get on board when they see something good.”

The team enjoyed a night of relaxation at the Lady Jane Motor Inn, before continuing onto Newcastle the following day.

The run will finish in Adelaide on 4 July.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN