With the enthusiastic help from the management and staff of the Pangkor Island Beach Resort we ran 17 km around the beautiful Island of Pangkor, Malaysia. (l to r Max, Ermanno, Selva, Segar and Azman)

Our 17km journey began at Pangkor Island Beach Resort where our visiting team of runners from 20 countries joined with General Manager Ermanno Vivarelli and staff, many of whom accompanied us on the entire route.

After about 3km we were presented with some extremely steep hill running – but fortunately we were still relatively fresh.

The weather was humid but still somewhat cool and the jungle foliage on either side of the road was inspirational.

Malaysia is a diverse country with many different races and religions living together in harmony – so after running through more than 100 countries this year we felt Malaysia to be a perfect country in which to stage our last run of the year.

The UN and UNESCO declared International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, as the banner in many pictures shows, is supported by the World Harmony Run. The theme of cultural diversity and exchanges between cultures fits very well with the ongoing multi-year efforts of the Harmony Run..

Our fleet of three support vehicles provide a welcome respite for the hills and the heat.

Our women's contingent made sure we kept a good pace.

We had many impromptu meetings with local citizens and holiday makers from all corners of the globe.

One of our team members from San Francisco, Pujari, made four banners which were place at strategic meeting points around the 17 km loop of the island.

As usual, smiles abounded as everyone had a chance to hold the torch.

Cosmic Gods adorned the top of a hindu temple we passed by.

The following day we came back for beautiful torch passing event here.

A group came out to cheer us on.

A Swedish family waiting for a taxi unexpectedly got it on the World Harmony Run action.

Mother and daughter out for a ride.

We had so many countries running today. Here's an example just in this photo left to right. USA, Czech Republic, Ukraine, New Zealand, Latvia, Austria, USA, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Russia and Mongolia.

This gentleman met us at one of the check points and the proceeded to run about 1 mile at a pretty good pace in his formal shoes.

University students visiting Pangkor conducted an impromptu interview with Salil.

As we ran through the various villages many people reached out to hold the torch.

This youth group was eager to learn the World Harmnoy Run song.

Special mention must go to Selva, Rooms Manager, at the Pangkor Island Beach Resort, who ran and walked almost the entire distance of our 17km route.

Back at the Pangkor Island Beach Resort we were very grateful to the police for all their support in escorting us the entire route.

Yegan Raj of Malaysia ran with us entire way. Well done.

Dhanu Alaimo of New York.

Abarita Danzer of Zurich.

Interfaith Harmony with the Run Torch - Temple and Mosque

A final event for 2010 was held with the Harmony Torch the following day (31 Dec) at a beautiful Hindu Temple on  Pangkor Island, Malaysia that had been on the Island run route. Pictures to be added soon. 

In the spirit of interfaith Harmony the first event of 2011 was held at Mosque in Singapore.  See Pictures and details at: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/singapore/news/2011/2011 

Contiue to follow in 2011  another action packed year of World Harmony events.

– Salil Wilson

Distance: 17 km

Gallery: See more images!