The Sri Chinmoy-Oneness-Home Peace run met up with The Hope Standard as they arrived at the Rec Centre, early Tuesday morning, and were greeted by staff, dignitaries, and supporters.
It's known as the longest and largest relay race in the world.
Carrying the torch of peace to over 140 countries across Europe, Asia, South America, North America and Africa.
The event, which was organized by volunteers, is a grassroots opportunity for individuals and communities to unite and “share their hopes and dreams for a peaceful, brotherly and sisterly world family.”
Runners consisted of all types of global participants. Members were from Canada, Iran, France, New Zealand, Hungary and the United States. “It's been an amazing journey, and it's really about the people you meet along the way. It is so beautiful here in the Fraser Valley — we are just in awe of this area,” said relay runner, Hanta Davies from New Zealand.
People of all ages and walks of life are invited to participate. Past runners have included prime ministers, presidents, popes, olympians and peace lovers.
Children are particularly welcome to carry the torch, a tradition, that has existed for over 30 years.
“There's a lot of focus on the negative and the controversies in the media,” said Mayor Wilfried Vicktor. “It's good to promote something that is positive, we need more of that in the world.”
The Peace Run was originally founded in 1987 by visionary Sri Chinmoy, who was a renowned philosopher, musician artist and athlete. He devoted his life passionately to peace. His vision was for the Peace Run to create a chance for the dynamic expression of the universal longing for world harmony.
“The Peace Run is our way of saying that world peace must begin within the heart of each of us and that only by transcending the barriers that divide us from our better selves as well as from others, will our world be a true Oneness-Home.”
It also has a touching theme song that has been performed in many countries and languages. The song expresses a harmonious nod to the collective dream of world peace.
“Peace is important — I have children that I will leave behind, and that's something I want to leave with them — even if you don't have children, you can leave your love behind and that grows,” said supporter and well-wisher Heaven.