Running for Peace and Harmony since 1987

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mr. Atulya Lee Berube 888-882-4081

25 Years of Running for Peace and Harmony

The World Harmony Run will celebrate its 25th Anniversary in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza across from the United Nations at 1:00pm on Thursday, April 12th during a ceremony that unites people from over 70 nations. The U.S. portion of the Run will begin its 10,000 mile journey shortly thereafter when an international team of runners leaves New York City and heads towards New Jersey and beyond. United Nations diplomats, celebrities and community activists will attend to offer goodwill and support. Entertainment will be by local and international musicians.

Founded in 1987 as The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run by peace visionary Sri Chinmoy to promote international understanding, the event was later renamed World Harmony Run and is now the world's longest global relay. Teams of runners will cover more than 45,000 miles in over 100 countries throughout this year. Since its inception 25 years ago runners have logged enough miles to circle the earth more than thirteen times.

Over the coming months volunteers will devote time on the road as well as organize activities. The U.S. team will cover on average 100 miles a day, relay fashion, stopping in towns across the country before arriving back in NYC mid-August. In parallel, Runs will take place throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Along the route, thousands of children will participate when the Run visits their schools, day camps and athletic associations as they share their own hopes and dreams for a more harmonious world. The message that "Harmony begins with me'' has resonated with school children of all ages and added to curriculums promoting self-esteem and positive reinforcement.

Dr. Davidson Hepburn, President of the 35th General Conference of UNESCO has said: "The World Harmony Run provides a chance for all participants to expand their awareness and to gain practical experience of other cultures. It is also an excellent opportunity to develop an appreciation of diversity through art, culture and sports."

The World Harmony Run is a non-profit event organized entirely by volunteers which strives to encourage goodwill among peoples of all nations. To find out more about the World Harmony Run visit www.worldharmonyrun.org .

Contact: Prakhara Harter 404-275-1612 - Shatapatri Mahar 718-523-2600