With a long day on the road ahead of us, we decided to start the relay well before sun-up.

In the early morning darkness, only the glow of the torch lit the way.

The team gathers to muster our collective spirits and determination. Some are not yet with us, and will meet us along the way to bring new energy.

Gordon was well underway when the sun first said "Good morning." Gordon has offered the team his dedication and strong legs many times over the years. We are eternally grateful to him.

Time to hand it off. . .

. . . to Zerihun. Zerihun, originally from Ethiopia, has planted his seed deeply in the soil of his new home by nurturing bright futures in whatever small way he can.

His smile will do it all I believe.

Zerihun greets two young runners who made their parents stop the car so they could run with the torch. I like to imagine that's how it went anyway.

Little "Canada" wanted to reach the goal sooner than the soonest and took a head start.

Jalal was up next. He has not missed an opportunity to run in Austin in many years and is an invaluable member and leader of the team.

Always willing to gut it out. Five years in Texas now and Jalal is finally getting used to the heat. Isn't that right, Jalal?

Devendra, once an Austinite, now living in San Diego, loves returning to run in his old stomping ground. The Capital of Texas Highway around the west side of town is an inspiring stretch to run. This is where the torch got the most attention from passersby.

After several years, Devendra finally gets to run the 360 Bridge.

Along the way we were met by two sets of fresh legs. Barrett (right) has been with us for many relays and has even run with the World Harmony Torch in Kenya. He is such a natural people person and so eager to talk about the Run's goals that he has become our defacto spokesperson when we meet people along the route.

He brought with him William (below left), who heard about us on Austin's local running website.

William was a gem to have on board today. He put in almost ten miles and made great company. We love having locals hop in to offer themselves to the cause!

And so the fire spreads. This year, we were greeted by many people along the way who could not help but stop to be part of something unique.

At the heart of the World Harmony Run in Austin is Aklilu.

His global heart and dedication bring people together in many ways. Sharing a vision for a world of oneness through the World Harmony Run is just a part of it, but he loves the chance to huff and puff for the cause.

Through the selfless support of those who came out to run, the torch did complete its circle around our fair city. The community's response to the torch this year was several degrees warmer than in past years. We envision a swelling of enthusiasm for the World Harmony Run in Austin in the near future. 

Run happy, friends.

– Devendra

Distance: 54 miles

Team Members:
Aklilu Gebrewold (Ethiopia), Zerihun Ayele (Ethiopia), Gordon (USA), Barrett Sundberg (USA), Jalal Clemens (USA), Devendra Cheatham (USA)

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

Gallery: See more images!