Reminiscent of an Olympic opening ceremony, a lone runner arrived in Clovis Monday afternoon carrying a lit torch. The runner, whose route carried her along Mabry Drive, was participating in the World Harmony Run. According to runner Kharasrota Grenier, the purpose of the relay event is to promote harmony and foster friendship and understanding between people. “We (Harmony participants) are not religious or political,” Grenier said. “The run is about tolerance.” Grenier said each step of the run is meant to create personal harmony within the participant. The passing of the lit torch to the next runner signifies the creation of new connections and friendships. The four-month event began in New York City on April 11. The runners will cover 11,000 miles across 50 states before ending back in New York on Aug. 20. Grenier said the runners are an international group with athletes hailing from Slovakia, Romania and Germany, as well as other countries. The World Harmony runners said they hope to inspire those they come in contact with to work hard for world harmony in their own communities. “This event is about meeting all kinds of people,” Grenier said. Reporter’s notebook was compiled by CNJ staff writer Tonya Garner. Suggested items may be mailed to managing editor Rick White at P.O. Box 1689, Clovis 88102. The e-mail address is: rick_white@link.freedom.com