World's largest peace relay visits Irish shores

(Updated 05/01/12) In March 2012, runners from the World Harmony Run - the world's largest peace relay event - will carry a flaming torch through Ireland as part of a 20,000km journey for 7 months through 40 European countries.

Since its founding by humanitarian Sri Chinmoy in 1987, the World Harmony Run has passed through over 120 countries. Every year, over one million people participate in the Run, passing along the torch from hand to hand and adding their hopes for a better world. The Run is a non-political, non-fundraising event that simply aims to demonstrate mankind's shared wish for harmony. 

 

The Run has visited Ireland many times over the last 20 years, always receiving a tremendous céad mile fáilte from the Irish public - receptions were held in Arás an Uachtarain for the runners by Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, and also by Ministers of Sport and Education and Mayors of various cities and towns. In 2009, the World Harmony Run ran around the entire coast of Ireland in a 2 week, 1500 km journey.

The last time the Run visited Ireland was in February 2010, when Dublin played host to the opening ceremony for the European leg of the World Harmony Run.  In conjunction with Dublin European Capital of Sport 2010 the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello launched the event in a gala ceremony in Dublin's City Hall. 

 

Endorsements have come from many world figures, including President Nelson Mandela, President Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa and Carl Lewis. Carl Lewis, spokesman for the Run, said, "By carrying the Torch, millions of citizens are taking a step for Harmony and bridging the cultural and social boundaries that separate nation from nation." 

Media contacts:

Nirbhasa Magee 086-0861874

ireland [ at ] worldharmonyrun [dot] org