"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Monday 21 February 2011

International Running Flag of Friendship

I have this little South African flag that I carried with me during the Odyssey Ultra at the beginning of January. You can see it has a few battle scars from that race.


I’ve been thinking about a big flag with small flags from various countries on it for some time now and decided I can just as well start it with this little flag. I then decided as this flag went through a race with me why not cover a big flag with small flags that were carried through races?

My idea is to create the International Running flag of Friendship. This would be a white flag covered with small flags that were carried in races by anyone that would like to get their name on the flag like this:


The idea is to create a flag that look something like the example below.


I will still work out all the details but basically I will send the flag on its way around the world from South Africa to runners who would like to carry their country, state or province flag in a race and then attach it to the big flag signing their name beneath it. You will then send it to the next running friend to do the same. When full, the flag will be returned to me (hopefully) :) and I will then carry the International Running Flag of Friendship in a race of my choice to honor our friendship.

At the moment this is still just an idea, but I have a few plans to for the project. I’m thinking about a blog of its own to keep track and upload photos of the flag on its journey, a Facebook page, EPA and maybe some other places to keep everyone up to date. I will think about and post the rules and details over the next few weeks. In the mean time, please give me your feedback and thoughts about the idea.


After reading the first few comments I just want to add this: See red text above...you will carry a small flag and attach that to the big flag. You will not carry the big flag. I will carry the big flag once it is full and returned to me.

A happy week of running to you all!

37 comments:

KovasP said...

Great idea Johann. I like the idea of the blog as journal of its journeys as well. I wonder if a vest/jacket/LS shirt might work better?

Teamarcia said...

I love this idea Johann. What a neat way to symbolize how we are all joined together on a common journey.

Jennifer said...

Great idea Johann. I would do it. I love how a flag looks when a runner(s) are flying through the finishers chute. Cheers!

Giorgio said...

Congrats for your great idea Johann! I'll follow the project!

Anne said...

What a great idea Johann! Keep us posted on the details! :)

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

I love this idea. I wish I were strong enough to carry a big flag like that during a race.

Christi said...

Great idea!

BabyWeightMyFatAss said...

How insanely cool! I love this idea!

Kate Geisen said...

Cool idea! Can't wait to see how the details work out.

Mike said...

Good Idea!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

Johann, I'm so glad you were able to check out my blog. I will be following yours! You have a stellar idea in the works--looking forward to its development.

Good luck in your race in 12 days!

Ewa said...

I totally love this. After all, aren't we all one?

Molly said...

I think that's a fabulous idea!

Andrew Opala said...

I like it ... I have your name on my first race shirt ... I like it!

Chris K said...

Awesome. Can I be honorary Canada? I love Canada.

Johann, make sure you check out my latest post. I have interviewed an Ultra Marathon Legend.

Raina said...

I would love to do this, but can I wear it pinned like a bib?

Char said...

Count me in once you're up and running with this.

Alyssa said...

This is such a beautiful idea! I would be honored to be a part of this.

Neil Zee said...

I'm in! I'll do two races for Canada. I'll put my name on one and Chris name on another.

Rad Runner said...

So awesome! I wanna play! :)

Jason said...

I love it and you can count me in. If you get enough or too many shall I say from the US maybe you can do a state flag instead of the Stars and Stripes.....thoughts?

Marlene said...

This is a wonderful idea!

ajh said...

I love this idea! I would be proud to be a part of it if that worked out.

HappyTrails said...

It can run in the mountains with us if it so desires :-)

Local Mind Media said...

Send that thing over. I'd be thrilled to be part of it. Maybe open it up to more localized flags, like states in the US?

Great idea.

Christina said...

That's an awesome idea. I'm in.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I love this idea

Emz said...

AMAZING idea.

I
freaking
love
this.

Lindsay said...

I would love to represent South Carolina, USA! What a great idea :)

Karen said...

Brilliant idea Johann. Good luck with it. I would carry a flag like that with pride. Not much happening here Down Under. Long, hot Summer so only shorter and gentle runs happening.

Andrew Opala said...

On a totally different question Johann. Do you ever run any races internationally? Which race have you heard about that you'd like to participate in, or that you like in general?

Amy said...

Wow! That is such a cool idea! Count me in!

Jill said...

Fabulous idea, Johann! I'll be glad to carry it in Colorado for you...unless you come out and do the Leadville 100 one day yourself (I will NOT run that, but I can pace you :)), or Pikes Peak, which I may do with ya! :)

A Prelude To... said...

What an awesome idea! I love it!

racing dawn said...

Yes, yes, yes!!! Such an amazing idea - great! Count me in - I'd love to do it! :)

Black Knight said...

I am in! Great idea.

Bethany + Ryan said...

OMG I LOVE this idea!!!! This is so sweet that I almost got teary eyed! Pretty please count me in!!!!! :-)