The World Harmony Run made two stops in the region as it completes an epic journey from Brisbane around the nation.

Athletes from Australia, New Zealand and Iceland lit up the Gladstone sky as they brought the flaming torch into the township.

Student leaders from Gladstone Primary and St Joseph’s Parish School accompanied the runners down West Terrace to the school gates, with the rest of the children and staff forming a welcoming committee on either side of the road.

Students from both schools had the opportunity to take part in their own harmony run, accompanying the runners on a quick jog around the St Joseph’s schoolyard.

Students heard a presentation from the visiting athletes about harmony and peace, complementing their studies on values such as cooperation, tolerance, respect and friendship.

The group that visited Gladstone is part of a team of runners from 16 nations that will carry the torch over 15,000 kilometres across the continent.

This is the longest route in the run’s 21-year history, with the torch travelling to all corners of the globe.

One of the athletes said the run was a significant step for peace.

“If you can live in harmony on the run, the world can live in harmony,” he said.

Children had the opportunity to hold the torch and make their own wish for peace.

The event also visited the Quorn Races.

PHOTO:

HARMONY RUN…Krystal Foster, left, and Chloe Chapman, both of Gladstone Primary School, and Megan Casey and Jake Prior, both of St Joseph’s Parish School, carried a peace torch towards the schools as part of the International Harmony Run. Athlete Veeraja Uppal ran the final leg of the day’s journey with the students.