Starting our run in Tennessee this morning, we crossed over into Kentucky for a short while and then ran into Illinois to finish the day. We covered three states in one day on foot, albeit small but scenic portions of each of these central states.

We left the city behind us and make our way through the much less populated countryside. The vastness of this great land embraces us with a deep and tangible peace as we run alone along the deserted highways to the rhythmic sounds of our footsteps, the wide open blue sky and endless pastures of corn, soy and wheat dotted with occasional farm houses.

These moments surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature offers us an opportunity to reflect on the simple message and purpose of our pilgrimage to the heart of America - that peace and harmony begin in the heart of each one of us and that there is far more that unites as one human family than divides us.

Our journey was punctuated by a visit to Carlisle Elementary school where we were enthusiastically received by many young members of the school who eagerly shared with us their inspirations and goals for a more peaceful harmonious world.

There were so many excited children that we had to use a megaphone to share with them our exciting message and skits.

We are always grateful to the teachers and administrators who arrange for us to come and encourage the children to share the important messages and hopes for a more peaceful and harmonious world which they will inherit.

Their smiling faces and peaceful hearts make all of our efforts worthwhile as the children reflect the qualities needed for a more harmonious world.

Nourished by the beauty of nature and the encouragement of the people that we meet along the way we are able to run at the fastest speed towards our goal of peace and harmony for all.

Today's intensely beautiful running into the depths of Illinois finished in the isolated Grand Tower area. Thanks the kindness of Devils Backbone Camping Ground we pitched our tents and enjoyed dinner together as the sun cast it's last rays over the mighty Mississippi River.

Video Message from Dr. Davidson Hepburn, President (2009 - 2011) of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for 25th Anniversary of the World Harmony Run and a vision for the decade: "Toward a Oneness-World".

Full Text of the 25th annversary message and link to 25 language informal Translations: http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/25

• Youtube video on African experience which illustrates IYY slogan "Our Year Our Voice" International Year of Youth - Zambia World Harmony. They surprisingly mention Presidents and UN Secretary-General in a unique way!

• Listen to the World-Harmony-Run song: 2 min version // 6 min

See start of the International 25th Anniversary Celebration across from the United Nations at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York.

On 27th April 2012. in many cities around the world, special events marked the WHR 25th Anniversary

– Priyala/Arpan

Distance: 75 miles

Team Members:
Arpan DeAngelo (New York), Shobhavati Davies (New Zealand), Jana Duskova (Czech Republic), Tom McGuire (New Zealand), Katya Percheklii (Ukraine), Larissa Zub (Belarus), Matthias Eckerle (Germany), Priyala Carvalho (New Zealand), Salil Wilson (Australia), Vajra Henderson (USA), Dzmitry Kuzmich (Belarus)

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

Gallery: See more images!