In the morning, we welcomed new staff members at Odawara station and ran with them towards Fujisawa. The new runners were Mrs. Yamada, Mrs. Narita and Asami from Kamakura. The fresh lady’s team ran the first 12 km.

Runners proceeding smilingly towards the goal

In the second half of the run we often used a bicycle to accompany the runners. This was a new element that everybody enjoyed, especially Jyotirmala looked delighted by the ride.

Jyotirmala the bicycle rider

At noon we visited Seien Children’s Home, a Christian institution where school children from age 6 up to high-school students live together. First we did our programme inside a gym for them and then moved to the ground to run with the torch. Here everybody opened, even the children who were a bit shy in the gym. We left the Home after doing the usual high-five.

Kids from Seien Children's Home listening to our presentation

Then we moved to the ground to hold the torch

Although it was Saturday there were more children eager to come and see us. In front of Kamakura City Hall first and second grade children from a local pre-school were waiting for the arrival of the runners. They were really joyful and liked our programme very much. Two officials from the Department for culture promotion of Kamakura City Hall were watching the dynamic programme, too, and they told us later that they really enjoyed it.

Programme for children in front of Kamakura city hall

Children following eagerly Hayato with the torch

Then we continued with a serious ceremony attended by the two officials and Mrs. Yoshiko Tanaka, the director of Association for promotion of women marathon and one of those who made the realization of Tokyo Women Marathon possible in its beginnings. All of them kindly came just because of us, although it was a holiday. The representative of Kamakura City Hall read out a message from Kamakura Mayor and told us to keep smiling even when we are tired after the long journey! They added that this year was the 50th anniversary of Kamakura’s declaration as a Peace City and that there must be some connection as we visited them in this auspicious year. Mrs. Tanaka also gave an inspiring talk.

Mrs. Tanaka and the representatives of Kamakura city

Mrs. Tanaka giving an inspiring speech

The last item for this day was our visit to the Kamakura Children’s Home near the City Hall. The children in two rows welcomed us by applause in front of their house. They eagerly answered our quiz questions and gave us a lot of happiness. We had to sing an encore after performing the World Harmony Run Song!

Our third presentation today was very lively

Making a wish for a better world

As usually, we went out to run with the torch and let the children hold it and make a wish for harmony. We felt really soothed and energized after each meeting with children.

Good bye, Kamakura!

Distance: 45 km

Team Members:
Asami, Bistarini, Erik (Slovakia), Gunarashi, Harashita, Hayato, Jarmila (Czech), Jyotirmala, Karel (Czech), Kasturika, Krutananda, Narita, Ombo (Mongolia), Pramiti, Sudasa, Yamada

Gallery: See more images!