The first Waldorf Marathon for parents and children took place at the end of October in Xi’an, a city of 10 million people in central China. Parents from three Waldorf schools organized this event together. It was a collaboration unlike any that had ever been seen before.
After 50 days of continuous rain, the skies finally cleared on October 26—the very day our Waldorf Community Happy Run took place. No one could have expected the sun to rise so high and shine so brightly on that particular day. The event was initiated by three organizers from two Waldorf schools and supported by a committee of 16 parents from three Waldorf schools. Together, they recruited 50 volunteer parents and ten volunteer children and spent a whole month preparing for this event. It was also the first time that parents from several schools had worked together to organize such an activity. A total of 110 families from various Waldorf schools took part in this run. There were three running routes for three age groups: 3.5 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 8.5 kilometers. The youngest participant was six years old, the oldest 15.
Milestones
The route was finalized after several field visits and discussions by the committee. The starting point was set at the entrance of an ancient temple at the foot of Mount Zhongnan, where a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree stands. From there, participants ran through several villages, past a small waterfall, and over undulating mountain paths before reaching a new village, where they made the return. Twenty points with route markers and volunteers were arranged along the route.
Every child who completed the race received a supply pack containing a banana, chocolate, a drink, a handmade bookmark, and a “Perseverance Award” certificate. The top ten runners in each distance category received medals and gifts. All medals and gifts were handmade by parents and children over a two-week period: tie-dyed indigo bookmarks, art pieces created from river stones with foreign coins, and medals crafted with moss, crystals, and felt. The 35 directional markers along the route were painted by Grade 3 students from one of the schools. Adults and children found great joy in co-creating the event.
Precarious Situation
Waldorf schools in China are surviving in a delicate and precarious situation. There is little close connection or communication among the schools, and each one carefully preserves what it can still maintain. Larger schools are often subject to official monitoring that may even affect teaching, while smaller schools tend to stay tucked away, avoiding unnecessary trouble. When we mentioned the names of the three Waldorf schools in the event’s recruitment announcement, one of the schools strongly objected to having its name included. As a result, the announcement was taken down and rewritten. In recent years, a certain sensitivity has had to be developed when using the term “Waldorf” in China. It seems to represent a new force that might break through old mindsets—something not yet fully accepted by the mainstream. When we chose the name “Waldorf Community Happy Run”, we wondered whether such a name might lead to pressure for alteration or cancellation. Fortunately, this healthy and joyful event was able to take place smoothly.
After the event, the committee gathered feedback from participants in order to make improvements and prepare for the next year. The late autumn air was a bit chilly, and some children drank a large amount of cold water after running, which caused stomach discomfort. Next year, warm herbal teas will be offered as an alternative, and the sweet chocolate in the supply packs may be replaced with more wholesome choices. The route may also be adjusted to include new sections and extend the overall distance. A series of parent-child activities will also be prepared earlier, including the design and making of badges, trophies, and gifts. After covering the costs of supplies and essential materials, funded by registration fees and donations, there was a small surplus that will be allocated to next year’s budget.
“The healing social life is found when, in the mirror or each human soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the community, the virtue of each one is living.” (Rudolf Steiner) We are grateful for everyone’s contribution—and, more importantly, for the opportunity given to all to be able to contribute. Through the work, our hearts are growing warm, through the run, a gentle sun is rising within our community.
Image Marathon in Xi’An
