Harmony runners scheduled to hit B.C. on Friday

Thursday, June 2, 2005 | 9:20 a.m.

An 11,000-mile relay run promoting international friendship will arrive Friday in Boulder City, its lone stop in Nevada on a swing of Western states.

The World Harmony Run, which was last held in 2001 when it stopped in Boulder City, started April 16 with a relay through New York City. Thirteen torch-carrying runners from countries across the world will run the relay Friday and are scheduled to arrive at 4:50 p.m. Friday at Hoover Dam.

A part of the group will arrive in Boulder City earlier Friday afternoon to talk with elementary school students and visit a youth center.

The World Harmony Run, which is sponsored by the international running organization Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, started in 1987 and was rekindled every other year. The group halted the run in 2003 following the political dynamics in the country after Sept. 11 and subsequent war in Iraq, said Lee Berube, the coordinator of the U.S. run.

"We are not about that (politics)," Berube said. "We are more about personal harmony and introspection. We are not trying to jump into those camps or protest the war."

The group, however, goes to schools and promotes peaceful conflict resolution self-esteem. Berube said harmony in the world begins with the individual, and the one thing people can change is themselves.

"We are hoping to inspire people to recognize that and bring forth harmony from each individual and then it spreads," Berube said. "I think it can happen. Why not. It is not going to sweep the world, but we are building friends and inspiring people."

Residents of communities where the torch passes are encouraged to participate in the run and are even allowed to carry the torch. Berube, who said he ran the relay from New York City to St. Louis, said runners are inspired by the people they meet along the way.

From Boulder City, the relay heads to Salt Lake City. It will finish Aug. 14 in New York City. There is also a continuous relay through 45 European countries that will conclude in September, and there are other events in Canada, Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia.

For more information about the updated schedule for Boulder City and to participate in the run, contact (888) 882-4081.

Berube said the group plans on holding the relay every year.