Here is a video that the Billings Gazette compiled as we ran through town. Here is the accompanying article.

We had some nice running among the buttes and bluffs of Montana under a super intense sun today.

During our first miles we chanced upon a walker named Steve Brady from Lame Deer, MT. He is from the Northern Cheyenne tribe, the same tribe that stopped General Custer in his tracks.

Moments later another Native American also ran by named Gilbert LaForge, and then two more Native Americans in trucks stopped. It was very nice to meet you all.

Along the way Norman Turnbough from Broadus, MT stopped and inquired about our run. He was supportive and offered us a $5 donation. Thank you deeply.

This man approached us at the gas station this morning as we were filling up the RV. "I saw you guys running in Kentucky", he said. That was back in May and now in July, some 2,000 miles later, he just happened to stop in rural Montana to fill up at the pump right next to ours. What are the chances?! He didn't have the opportunity to hold the torch in Kentucky - something we soon put right in Montana.

Historic sites around the Battle of Little Bighorn.

After our running we headed to Miles City, MT to meet with kids in the "Rocks" program. Which stands for: Raising Our Community Kids Safely. The kids were cheering so enthusiastically as we ran in and were chanting "harmony."

We gave our introductions and then were pleasantly surprised by a very nice performance by the children. They sang music written by Mac Huff which was arranged as a medley of music from Walt Disney films and also choreographed. The first song was "Go the distance", so fitting for our theme. Also songs were sung from many different films including "Pocahontas" and "The Lion King." It was delightful to watch and performed with much energy and vivacity under the care of their great Coordinator/Teacher Mrs. Joyce Vera. Also in attendance was Ken Holmlund the President of the Rocks board of directors.

This group travels to many places during their summer program in addition to their own learning in the classroom. Some of their themes include music and choreography, health issues, dance, and foreign language (currently learning spanish).

During their summer program they go to banks, farms, ranches, elderly homes, hospitals and other places sharing the inspiration in their music. They also take healthy hikes, go swimming, fishing, and other activities. All in all it is a fantastic program and we were very happy to be a part of it.

Their motto is "Children are our future" and it's obvious that their programs aim to raise the awareness of the children and to keep them engaged in positive activities.

We commend Joyce Vera for her outstanding work in the community and encourage her to keep up the good work.

After the formal presentations we went outside to share in the inspiration of running with the torch. They had a beautiful lawn with nice trees here and there and it was raining cottonwood cotton everywhere. We formed a triangular route for the kids to run on with each other while passing the torch along as they went. It was fun for the kids.

As we were about to run off for the day, Christie, a nice young girl suggested that we repeat the World Harmony Run's motto, "harmony begins with me." It was very cute and the perfect closure to a wonderful meeting.

Thank you to all who made this such a special event.

Question of the day:

Q: How many gallons of water do you drink?

A: As a team perhaps 50-70 gallons per week.

Thank you so much to the Sundowner Inn for providing the team with excellent rooms. We really appreciate your generosity.

– Jagadhata

Distance: 88 miles

Team Members:
Atulya Berube (San Diego), Jagadhata Amrhien (Chicago), Drsalu Gruenstaeudel (Austria), Vladimir Salnacov (Moldova), Mark Collinson (England), Kokila Chamberlain (England), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Dima Grygorievski (Ukraine), Sukhada Korshunova (Russia), Michaela Pokorna (Czech Republic), Moni Neradilek (Seattle), Jwalanta Voelckner (Germany)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!