Sanders County participates in peace run

Sanders County was treated to visitors from around the country as well as internationally who formed a peace run. Teams ran down highway 200 as they passed the torch in a relay of leap frogging men and women's teams. The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run started in New York in April. The route turned south, north, then east to form a circle around the United States. The runners included Sanders County in their final west to east leg that will take them to Hot Springs and Kalispell before they head across the northwest through three provinces of Canada and then back to New York.

The annual run was started in 1987 and has covered over 160 nations throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, according to Prakara Harter from New York. "This year's journey will cover 10,000 miles," she said. It will be completed on August 17. The European run began in March and will end in October. Commendations have come from several world figures including Pope Francis who lit the torch in March in the Vatican, Harter reported.

Harita Davies from New Zealand is on one of the two women's teams. She is one of the few participants who has run the entire distance. "Some people only run for a specific distance and others join in along the way. We run relay style between six and ten miles at a time and 60 to 80 miles a day. Currently we have two women's and one men's team," she said. The teams include people from Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Poland and the United States.

Pransukh Marks is from North Carolina and joined the men's team from San Diego. "I have been enjoying this experience. We go to a lot of schools to do programs for the kids. Our presentations are intended to promote self-esteem and the oneness of humanity. Sometimes the halls are filled with children who are lined up and ready for us. Other times there might be only one or two to greet us. But we love seeing all the smiling faces with hope for the future," he said. Marks said their motto is "Peace begins with me." He explained that with the torch, one person inspires the next person as each person takes their first step.

Mayor Rusti Leivestad greeted the runners in Thompson Falls and Mayor Joel Banham visited with them at the Sanders County Fairgrounds when they arrived on Tuesday evening, before he sent them off by carrying the torch on Wednesday morning. "I have enjoyed having these people in Plains. They come spreading love and peace and a desire for goodness. They have pressed upon me the idea that people are the same everywhere, no matter where they are from." The teams began their next run by first singing a song of peace to the Mayor outside of the Plains City Hall.