The day began with a beautifully crisp, clear and fresh morning. Bundled up and prepared the runners made their way through urban Christchurch to the first school of the day - Burnside Primary.

This was a warm-hearted and welcoming school; wonderfully enthusiastic children who were more than happy to join in the actions and sound of the World Harmony Run song. The international team of runners were very grateful to take part in the Maori tradition of a powhiri welcome - where we were blessed for our journey ahead and offered safe travels. The kids performed for us a most refreshingly cheerful and energetic song, just the encouragement we needed to send us on our way.

We then made our way through a quiet residential area to the prestigious Selwyn House School. There we were greeted by an extremely sweet and well-mannered group of children from the junior school.

These children and even the teachers themselves really embraced the message of the Run and expressed their oneness with our ideals by singing for us; with most melodious voices and instrumental support they performed a most powerful arrangement of the World Harmony Run song. After viewing a DVD collection of highlights from the World Harmony Runs travels through other countries around the world we were moved to receive drawings, poetry, posters and artworks all expressing the children’s visions of global harmony and the oneness between people of all nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

We ventured through Christchurch’s streets carried on by a wave of support, honks and cheers from passing traffic and pedestrians; until we reached the famous landmark of Cathedral Square. Here a large crowd and an extremely enthusiastic group of school children greeted us. The square is a most idyllic setting with the monumental Cathedral in the background, various historic buildings and a vast expanse of open paved area. After the concert performance we spent time sharing the message of the World Harmony Run with the amazed onlookers. We were then joined in a most vibrant rendition of the theme song complete with actions. This was followed by a run around the square with a mass of highly energized children. They were all extremely eager to share in the message of World Harmony by carrying the torch, harmony run flags and offering their own wishes of goodwill, friendship, and oneness.

We then ventured on to another two Christchurch schools -

Riccarton and Avondale Primary. At both of these schools we were again privileged to see the ability the World Harmony Run has to inspire and uplift children throughout the world and its capacity to transcend global boundaries by connecting all those whose lives are touched by the event. Another amazing day, lots of running, superb weather, and the pleasure of viewing thousands of exuberant smiles; we eagerly await the rise of the morning sun for tomorrows new journey.