The weather forecast was for a hot day and it certainly wasn’t wrong.

The women’s team decided to get their miles done early while the men’s team prepared lunch, caught up with the internet reports, fixed one of the vehicles, did the shopping and swung on a rope into the nearby Yellowstone River. Well you need some down time, ha, ha!!

We are nearly leaving Montana and we are overwhelmed by how friendly the people are here – tourists and locals alike.

While the men’s team was getting ready to leave the hotel we met Victoria and Scott and their daughters, Natalie (aged 4 ½) and Stephanie 3 from Portland, Oregon. They had seen our RV in the hotel parking lot and were intrigued about the run.

The men’s team had to run most of their miles today on a dirt road, as there was no alternative in avoiding the Freeway. The route was fairly remote and passed through farmland and cattle ranches.

However, within 5 minutes of Mark running down the remote track he met a woman, Dace Webber, (originally from New York and now residing in Miles City) running in the opposite direction.

She met up with the rest of the guys in the support vehicle further down the road and had an opportunity to hold the torch.

We had no ceremonies today but we continued to meet people along the road. Even the animals are so friendly here. Two placid dogs that were fascinated with Mark when he finished his run briefly joined us.

Later on we met a local cowboy who simply drove up alongside Mark and said nothing but just stared at him with his steely blue eyes. Once Mark explained why he was running by the ranch and then handed him the torch he soon cracked a broad smile, shook his hand firmly and wished him a safe journey.

The dirt road was dusty and dry but the surrounding scenery was serene and a light breeze cooled us down.

As we entered Miles City the air got drier as we climbed away from the river and our running got slower as the heat was beginning to take its toll on a few of us by the end of the day.

We spent a wonderful night at the Miles City KOA. They so graciously hosted us once again. "The last time you stayed here was 2005, I believe", said the owner Kevin. It is nice to be remembered.

When we finished our running we looked back to see storm clouds gathering and rain falling in Miles City. The scattered thunderstorms gratefully cooled us down and another day on the World Harmony Run came to a close.

– Mark

Distance: 94 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!