The marathon. To many runners, this 42.2 km distance is the ultimate challenge, the greatest test of their endurance. Over the past three weeks, a few of the World Harmony Runners have taken up this challenge, running marathons as part of the worldwide relay. Today, Nigel became the latest runner to contribute a marathon to the team cause.

Nigel had been planning his marathon for a few days, but was not expecting a further obstacle. Namely, a large blister that appeared on his foot while he was running to Canberra on the weekend.

But whether it was the inspiration of the World Harmony Run, or the beauty of Lake George, the pain vanished completely during his marathon. Nigel completed his marathon, heading towards the historic town of Goulburn, New South Wales.

Goulburn is of course the home of the "Big Merino." Nigel had run the entire 42.2 km marathon distance whilst holding the flaming World Harmony Torch - though he would suggest that, rather than weighing him down, it simply gave him added inspiration.

In a way, it lightened his load enormously!

The team was thrilled to meet the students of South Goulburn Primary School for many reasons - not least the fact that their bright blue-and-gold uniforms looked very similar to our own blue-and-gold tracksuits. The tracksuit colours were chosen as a light, happy, but dynamic combination. Obviously, the authorities in Goulburn had the same idea when the school colours were chosen back in 1880. We found we had other things in common with the school: as they recited the school prayer, and sang the school song (to the tune of Beethoven’s "Ode to Joy" ), it was clear that the school shared the ideals of world harmony and oneness.

Along with an enthusiastic group of children, the team was greeted at the school by Paul Stephenson, Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council. While Nigel was signing autographs for impressed children - who were truly amazed that he had run an entire marathon in one day - others were just as excited by a visit from the Mayor.

Currently, one of the major issues facing Goulburn is the drought. It is one of the worst affected towns in NSW, and its people have been facing hardship every day. Mayor Stephenson has been working closely with citizens to alleviate this ongoing challenge.

Meanwhile, Team B had started out at dawn from Goulburn along the Hume Highway. It was a typical frosty Southern Highlands morning, which soon turned into a clear and beautiful sun-filled day - perfect running weather!

We arrived at Marulan Primary School at 10:00 am and were greeted by a very enthusiastic headmaster and a group of delightful and eager children. After reflecting on the notion of Harmony, we took the children out to the oval to participate in a relay run, demonstrating how they could harmoniously work together by carefully passing the torch to one another while running.

The Principal was very proud of her school (and we could see why). She was grateful that we chose to visit, as were we for the opportunity.

Kate had barely run a few metres out from the school when she was called over by a group of excited teenage girls who were dying to know what was going on. They were totally inspired by the torch and wanted to know every detail about the run. They had come on a field trip from their school in Sydney, and they told us our meeting had been the highlight of their trip. They all jumped at the chance of having their photo taken with the torch.

We then headed towards Moss Vale. This was quite a long stretch of running, and most enjoyable. The constant support from the passing traffic was a real inspiration. Not to mention the herd of enthusiastic cows which decided to run alongside us for some time.

When we entered Moss Vale we were expecting to be welcomed by the children of Moss Vale Primary School as we ran past on our way to the council office. The timing must have been wrong for there were no children awaiting us, however after waiting for a moment we noticed a class of children playing games on the oval. We approached the teacher to see if she knew anything about the event. She had no idea but was keen to hear about it, so we told the children a little about ourselves. We were in a little bit of a hurry to go and meet the mayor yet we could not escape the longing in the eyes of these children as they admired the torch. So we ended up letting them all hold the torch and make their wish for world harmony.

We made it just on time to meet the Mayor, Gordon Lewis, and his associates. We were touched by their warm and hospitable greetings. They were sincerely interested in the run and very supportive of our expedition. We were offered a generous supply of PowerAde, some sensational sweets and a beautiful pen each! The mayor even came outside to wave us goodbye and send us on our way.

We continued running until dusk and were blessed with a glorious and dazzling red sunset to end our journey. We then made our way back to Goulburn to retire at the Governor's Hill Carapark . After meeting the owners and giving them an opportunity to hold the torch we were given a most joyful tour of the park, showing us their delightful creations - a group of giant singing ants and a miniature garden railway track. We were most grateful for their kind hearts and generous hospitality.

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