AMERICUS — Despite the overcast skies and threat of rain, runners from World Harmony Run arrived at 1 p.m. Monday at Sarah Cobb School.

Lead vehicles announced the close proximity of the runners as they approached the school campus waving flags from throughout the world and a brightly burning torch.

The group started from New York City on April 10. The team is usually composed of eight to 10 members. Together, they run over 100 miles each day.

Sarah Cobb students were ready to receive the world-class runners and guests. As the team turned onto the campus, they were met with students waving their own flags from several different countries. Most had American flags.

As the team passed, student runners followed. To be best prepared for the day, Sarah Cobb students studied many different countries and recognized the runners’ flags, as they approached the school gymnasium. Americus and Sarah Cobb were selected by a state representative, due to the notable work at Habitat for Humanity and high recommendations for a visit to Sarah Cobb Elementary School.

The runners were escorted into the gymnasium of Sarah Cobb and delivered their song of friendship, peace and harmony to the students.

“As we visit different schools, we can readily evaluate our reception with the eagerness and respect for visitors to different campuses. You have been wonderful and share your pride in your community and your school. I commend you,” said a team spokesman.

The torch was then passed to all students seated on the gym floor.

“This torch has been held by some of the most powerful politicians and individuals of our lifetime. Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Mohammed Ali, Carl Lewis, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and others have held this same torch that you will pass. I trust that you will feel a genuine love of people, a breath of beginning concern for others and real harmony in your soul,” continued another spokesman for the group.

The runners and flame have visited 100 countries on six continents and traveled over 35,000 miles. Founded over three decades ago, by the late Sri Chinmoy, the World Harmony Run began a spirit of love, peace and oneness. This spirit permeates the run and couches the hearts of all those who participate.

For one brief time, students at Sarah Cobb Elementary stepped forth in history and heard first-hand challenges from this team of young people who believed in their mission of world harmony. They had taken one year away from their regular jobs to witness around the world. Students at Sarah Cobb Elementary shared the harmony.

Learn more about World Harmony Run, at www.worldharmonyrun.org.