Actor running for a better world
MULTIPLE world record holder and Tamil Canadian actor and producer Suresh Joachim Arulanantham – who is running for world peace – included South Africa on his whirlwind marathon trip.
Arulanantham is the founder of the World Peace Marathon, which aims to secure “a better, healthier world” for future generations.
The marathon began in Bethlehem, Israel, on December 25 last year and will finish in Toronto, Canada, on September 22. It will span 72 countries, 173 cities and thousands of kilometres.
Along the way, he will be greeted and joined by heads of state, other dignitaries and celebrities.
On Monday, he ran 21.8km in Cape Town and left for Perth, Australia, for the next leg of the run.
He told Independent Media that his aim was to raise more than $20 million for charities – including World Vision – through his websites.
“Organising something like this around the world is difficult, but it’s worth it. We are fighting for a world with no poverty, no disease, and no war. We want a peaceful life for people everywhere, no matter where they come from.”
He said he took on the marathon to bring peace and build relationships with people, communities and nations. Over the past two decades, the actor has, according to his website, broken more than 60 Guinness World Records, most of them endurance-based.
Mayor of Toronto John Tory shared his best wishes for Arulanantham via his Twitter account.
“The World Peace Marathon is a nine-month, aroundthe-world marathon being run by (Greater Toronto Area) GTA resident Suresh Joachim to raise funds (for charity).
“Good luck, Suresh, we’ll be waiting for you at the finish line!”