Run spreads message of world peace

SANDPOINT — A symbol of the human spirit blazed through Bonner County Thursday evening.

With torch in hand, members of the World Harmony Run entered Sandpoint to a warm welcome, food and drink after a long stretch of road. An organization dedicated to proving the possibility of world peace through physical endurance and a simple message, World Harmony Run participants clad in signature white T-shirts received entertainment, a good meal and a soft bed to refresh mind and body for the journey ahead.

“This is a beautiful place,” runner Tim Cranfield of New Zealand said. “We’ve met a lot of very nice people along the way.”

After crossing the Long Bridge, runners weaved their way through downtown Sandpoint and crossed over to City Beach, where they came to rest near the pavilion, where Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff and members of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force were there to greet them. So was the vocal quartet featured in “The Music Man,” a musical set for a debut performance at the Panida Theater tonight.

World Harmony Run participants took some time to meet residents enjoying the warm weather and lake before sitting down to hear some songs from “The Music Man” performers.

When the music was over, the feasting began. The welcoming party had the beach barbecue fired up, and runners were free to grab all the burgers, hot dogs and chips they could eat.

The visitors were thankful for the hospitality after their expedition. This year’s American World Harmony Run started in New York on April 12. From there, the runners hoofed their way down the Atlantic Seaboard, along the southern border veering north into the Midwest, back south into Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada, and up the West Coast through California, Oregon and Washington. Now that the team is in Idaho, the road will take them through the northern states and back to New York on Aug. 15. They will cross through all lower 48 states before all is said and done. Separate events in Alaska and Hawaii are planned for the future.

Runners carry a constantly lit torch with them throughout their adventures. The instrument serves as a potent representation of their message that harmony can be achieved between individuals regardless of social, economic, cultural and religious divisions.

“It’s a very simple message, and I think people respond very well to it,” Cranfield said.

Indeed, young people enjoying the lake took a break from the water to check out the torch, talk with the runners and pose for some photos.

“I especially enjoy the kids, because they seem to really know what we’re about,” runner Rupasi Young of Seattle said. “Everyone gets really excited.”

After spending the night in Sandpoint courtesy of the La Quinta Inn and Days Inn, the runners’ 10,000-mile cross-country trip continues today. However, it’s entirely possible that a few participants will be a little sad to leave Bonner County behind them.

“I love this place,” Young said. “It’s so beautiful here. I was here (on a Harmony Run) two years ago, and the reception is always so warm.”