We started our adventure in Lima one week ago. Our goal was a lofty one - to use two 50-kilometer runs in the principle cities of Lima and Arequipa to draw attention to the great economic, social, and physical divides that exist between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' in Peru.
The run courses were challenging physically and emotionally draining. Our run in Lima started in one of the poorest areas in all of Latin America. We circuitously worked our way through some of the wealthiest neighborhoods and finished on the steps of the Municipal building in the historic District of Rimac.
Throughout the run we drew attention from on-lookers, support from the various Districts, and collaboration from our many partner organizations. On multiple occasions we were presented with a different commemorative t-shirt to mark our entry into a new part of the city. It was a festive experience that really help to draw together the various communities we traversed.
In Arequipa our course was almost overwhelming. We started our run in the area where our long term partner Father Alex Busuttil and the Missionary Society of St. Paul run a model community program. Standing in the dirt of this extremely impoverished community, we received a send-off blessing from Father Alex before plunging almost 2,000 feet to the bustling market center of the city.
At the Mercado Avelino Caceres we stopped to meet with the
street children who are a part of the
Educadores de Calle program. The 20+ kids were all crammed into a little second floor room playing board games and bingo. They were so happy to see us. Happy because our arrival meant they were the recipients of cookies and candy.
After a brief visit with the children and a couple of photos, we were back on our feet and running through the heavy Saturday traffic of the market. From there, we snaked our way up to the most challenging portion of our run course - an almost 1,700 foot climb to the top of the impoverished District of Mariano Melgar.
From the summit of our climb we could see the entire city of Arequipa. Our vantage point allowed us to fully appreciate the enormity of the area and the vast differences that exist between the 'rich' districts and neighborhoods and the impoverished communities.
Dropping down from our perch overlooking the massive city, we ran over lesser climbs for another 20-kilometers through the Districts of Miraflores and Selva Alegre before ending our run in the city center at the
Plaza de Armas and the
Bascilica of Arequipa. On the steps of the Cathedral we were greeted by a small group of supporters and provided cold water and a series of friendly handshakes. 100-kilometers run over 4-days - we did it!
The runs were, however, secondary to our goal of drawing more attention to the needs of the poor and the opportunities that we all have to "build bridges" to help close the gap that exists between the 'haves' and 'have nots' of the world.
We know that the
Bridging the Divide event is only the beginning. The real challenge will be to take the interest and enthusiasm generated from the runs and turn it into actions. Over the coming weeks we will be working with our partners in Peru to build effective programs and projects that allow more Peruvians to volunteer their time, energies and talents.
The
donations received from this event will help these efforts. Please support us and "
Be the Bridge" for change. Thank you!
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