Representatives from Australia, North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa carry the torches into the 70-nation World Harmony Run Global Launch in New York City.

More than 700 runners from around the world were on hand today to officially launch the World Harmony Run and celebrate the beginning of the 50-state 11,000 mile US relay which is now making its way into New Jersey and beyond.

The 11,000-mile U.S. run is part of a global World Harmony Run, which includes simultaneous events in nations throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

The U.S. portion of the Run was launched Saturday afternoon, April 16, when teams of runners converged in New York City from kick-off points in four of the city’s main boroughs.

Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Addiwittya Roberta Flack inspired the audience with a moving rendition of John Lennon's song "Imagine." She also graciously accompanied the choir in singing the World Harmony Run song at the opening ceremony which was attended by ambassadors to the United Nations, as well as New York City Councilman James Gennaro.

The Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations from Germany Dr. Wolfgang Trautwein noted that “to run in a spirit of harmony is really a form of true humane thinking therefore, I am so pleased that so many young people from so many different parts of this world have joined here today.”

During their four months on the road, the runners will stop off at local grade and high schools, working with school officials nationwide to share the ideals of world harmony in school curriculums. The Run will also meet community groups along the route to recognize their activities that promote goodwill at grassroots levels.

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