Why I Love the Peter De Mott Peace Trot

by Sarah Simpkins

SeoJoo, in the photo on the left, is a visiting scholar from Korea. I was the only person she knew at the Peace Trot. She is not a runner, but she is a great walker and trotter. She came because I had told her what a wonderful community event it is, one that celebrates an extraordinary person, Peter De Mott, and promotes peace through community and action in many ways. It brings together wonderful people, including runners, walkers, volunteers, organizers, and supporters of all ages.

Marianne, on the right, has been part of the Ithaca community for many years and has a special connection to the Peace Trot because Peter De Mott was her brother-in-law. She has been deeply involved in the peace movement for as long as I have known her. I introduced the two of them, and before long I took this picture.

This is what I love most about the Peter De Mott Peace Trot - the people who show up! Also, if you are hoping for a personal best in the 1 mile event or the 5K, this is a great race for it because the course is completely flat.