Our run began at 8:30 this morning, in the Main Square of Stefan Voda. From there, we ran about 45 km to the border, with 6 meetings along the way. We met many wonderful people and sweet children, and enjoyed many beautiful flowers; we did not want to leave these people and they did not want us to leave, so we got further and further behind schedule...

To add to our scheduling predicament, we managed to mislay our flags in a town before the border. The car we sent back to retrieve the missing flags then got a flat tire on the way, and so it was that we found ourselves at the border at 12:40, waiting for the car to come with our torch and the rescued flag.

Our thanks and our farewell to Moldova, we carry your loving hospitality in our hearts as we go.

Dobry Den Ukraine

We were joined here by a big group of Ukrainian runners and proceeded to the first school in Mayaki, where a large group of school children was waiting to greet us with their very enthusiastic headmistress. We listened to the national anthem and singing performances, and answered questions from the children before we had to say goodbye; the children wished us good weather and all the best.

Our next event was another important meeting, this time in Avangard. We met with Spreice Vasiliy Petrovich, Chairman of City Council, who supported the Ukrainian runners with a coach. The runners and the torch were blessed by an orthodox priest. Afterwards we enjoyed a program of singing and band music, including an instrumental performance of a military band.

From here we continued to the historic city of Odessa. We ran through the city, finishing at Duc Rishelie Monument. Duc Rishelie was the first mayor of Odessa. This is a very nice square, with an ocean-view.

City representatives were in attendance and the 'Sport for All' organisation presented us with a trophy. We were then treated to a gala program of dancing and singing. The event attracted many TV stations.

To the delight of the crowd, 'Bravo' factory offered free ice-cream for everybody at the end of the program! We thank them for their generosity.

We rest tonight in the gracious city of Odessa.

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Distance: 115km

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