The World Harmony Run began in Brisbane on Sunday and will cover more than 15,000km before it returns to the Queensland capital for a final ceremony on August 15.

Four runners, carrying a blazing torch of peace, were welcomed by Coffs Harbour Deputy Mayor, Rod McKelvey, when they arrived in City Square.

Angela Muhs, of Germany, then handed over the flame to Cr McKelvey, with another runner Anubha Baird, of Australia, explaining the meaning behind the torch.

She then invited Cr McKelvey to make a wish. “I’ll be very happy if that comes true,” Cr McKelvey said after making his wish.

Anubha explained the history of the run to the councillor, and said “it was an ultimate way to see the country and to meet new people”.

Up to 18 runners representing 14 nations will experience the heights of Mount Kosciusko, the flatness of the Nullarbor, the sparseness of the Great Sandy Desert and the green beauty of Kakadu during the three-month trek.

During their journey runners will stop at schools, work with school officials nationwide to share ideals of world harmony.

The run will also partner with community groups along the route, working on innovative and dynamic programs to promote harmony and goodwill at all levels of society.

The World Harmony Run includes events in 100 nations. It will cover about 70,000km, with about 250,000 runners taking part.

The event, formerly known as the Peace Run, has been held since 1987, but this is the first time it has run a continuous route around Australia.

This year’s event is a tribute to Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007), founder of the World Harmony Run.

Sri Chinmoy was an athlete, philosopher and humanitarian who saw sport as a powerful instrument for promoting global harmony.