Trans-Global Runners for Peace Arrive in Southland

An international relay team of runners who have circled the globe with a torch representing world peace and cooperation is making its way up the coast of Southern California today, with communities along the route planning ceremonies to celebrate the United Nations project.

The torch, being carried by eight runners in what is called the Earth Run, was ignited Sept. 16 at United Nations Plaza in New York by American Indians using flint. The torch, often accompanied by local runners, has been carried across five continents and 85 cities and has been cheered along the way by millions of spectators. The run will conclude Dec. 11 in New York where an eternal flame will be lighted to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The organization sponsored the $1-million project to promote nutrition and health care for the world’s children.

The torchbearers entered the United States from Mexico on Friday and were honored at ceremonies in San Diego. Today they are expected to make stops at Huntington Beach, Buena Park, Venice and Santa Monica, according to organizers. Local runners are encouraged to join in along the way.

The group will be escorted by Santa Claus and a “nine Porsche sleigh” to Santa Monica Place Mall for a celebration that will feature actor Michael Landon, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, entertainment by the International Children’s Choir and lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree by UNICEF Deputy Director Reinhard Y. Freiberg.

The torchbearers will continue up the coast to San Francisco and across the country to New York.

“It is heartening to see Californians continue this rich spirit of cooperation that has followed the torch throughout the world,” Freiberg said Friday in San Diego. “Earth Run has allowed millions to say that funds for defense could be better utilized for social services so children can live in dignity.”

In September, Earth Run made its way from New York to Ottawa, then flew to Europe and traveled through the Middle East into Africa and Asia. The eight runners split in China, with four going to Australia and the others traveling to South America.

Among the highlights were a blessing delivered by Pope John Paul II in Lyon, France; a peace rally in Leningrad, and a celebration in Shanghai attended by a million people, a UNICEF spokesman said. The runners are scheduled to be in the following communities at these approximate times: San Clemente, 6:30 a.m.

Dana Point, 7:15 a.m.

Laguna Beach, 8:15 a.m.

Newport Beach, 9:15 a.m.

Huntington Beach City Hall, 10:30 a.m.

39 Westminster Blvd., 11:10 a.m.

Stanton City Hall, 11:30 a.m.

39 Orange Ave. in Anaheim, 11:45 p.m.

Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, noon

La Palma, 12:25 p.m.

Artesia, 12:40 p.m.

Lakewood, 12:55 p.m.

Carson City Hall, 2 p.m.

Torrance Civic Center, 2:30 p.m.

Redondo Beach Civic Center, 2:45 p.m.

Hermosa Beach Pier Avenue, 3:05 p.m.

Manhattan Beach Civic Center, 3:15 p.m.

El Segundo, 3:30 p.m.

Playa del Rey, 3:45 p.m.

Marina del Rey, 4 p.m.

Venice, 4:30 p.m.

Santa Monica Pier, 4:30 p.m.