Early in the morning we started in Ostrava, where the mayor had kept the torch overnight in the city hall. We lit the torch officially and the mayor then took a few steps with the torch; TV crew were in attendance.

Ultra distance runners from a local sport club accompanied us out of Ostrava and we soon arrived in Rychvald for our second meeting of the day.

The mayor received us and offered highly welcomed refreshments, as the temperature started to climb and climb!

The last reception in the Czech Republic took place in Bohumin. Kids ran with us and the deputy mayor welcomed us in the city hall with more refreshments.

We were even invited to sign the city guest book!

Finally, we left for the border. All the kids joined us for our last kilometres in the Czech Republic, which was definitely a highlight of this year's European Run. So many things happened. Thanks for all the great organisation and enthusiasm!

At the border to Poland some new runners where waiting and our Czech runners said goodbye.

The barrier at the border went up, opening the way to the next country, number 34 in Europe this year!

Our first steps in Poland brought us somewhere in the countryside: Krostoszowice, a lovely small village which turned out to be the birthplace of our Polish coordinator.

Two kilometres ahead of the village, some kids welcomed us and carried the torch all the way! The local priest made a big effort to gather the people of the village and most of them came.

Bread and salt was offered in the traditional way.

Kids welcomed us with balloons; they lit torches from the flame of our torch and after we gave a short presentation, they invited us for a wonderful lunch!

After the food all of the people took a few steps for harmony, lead by the city representative. Everybody in the team was deeply moved by the Polish hospitality.

The next place we visited was Wodzislaw Slaski. We arrived at the stadium, where the deputy mayor and some locals awaited us. By this time the temperature had climbed up to 40 Celsius! After some refreshments we left by way of one lap on the stadium track. Despite the heat, the deputy mayor joined the full lap!

In Raciborz we met with the city sport representative.

In the middle of the forest, runners from Kuznia Raciborska awaited us and joined our runners for the final stretch for today.

They were quite fit and finally we reached the stadium, where the major welcomed us. A last presentation ended the long and hot, but also extremely nice day!

Distance: 95km

Team Members:
Dipavajan Renner and Martin Prettenhofer (Austria), Anita Borics (Hungary), Roger Rogge and Roberto Barth (Germany), Roos de Waart (Netherlands), Sandro Zincarini (Italy), Jadranka Grbic (Serbia) Vladimir Salnicov (Moldova), Jarek Werner (Poland)

Harmonemail:
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